Review
'In this groundbreaking book, David Greatbatch and Timothy Clark extend our understanding of the management guru phenomenon by focusing on the live oratory and presentations of the most accomplished speakers. Visual communication technology has enhanced rather than reduced the importance of the live presentation, and the authors demonstrate how skilled guru speakers use language to enthuse their audiences; build their personal reputations; attract and sustain a mass following; and enhance their star status.' - Andrzej Huczynski, Senior Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour, University of Glasgow
'If you ever ask yourself why management gurus have such a strong impact on managers and the public with so little content, here is a book which provides a convincing answer.' - Alfred Kieser, Professor of Organizational Behavior, Mannheim University
'This excellent book offers a fascinating analysis of 'management speak' and a deft deconstruction of the tricks of the trade. Management gurus will never be quite the same again.' - John Heritage, University of California, Los Angeles
Product Description
Management gurus continue to exert tremendous influence over management thinking and strategy, not only through their published works, but more significantly via the international management lecture circuit. Research suggests that public performances are critical to their popularity and success, and that the "best" gurus are all highly skilled in persuasive communication techniques.
This book examines techniques, both verbal and non-verbal, used by gurus to communicate their messages and identifies several additional techniques which enhance the gurus' reputations as highly effective orators. It focuses on video recordings of public lectures given by Tom Peters, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Kenneth Blanchard, Daniel Goleman, Gary Hamil, Charles Handy and Peter Senge who are all renowned for their public performances and the impact they have had on organizational life.
Challenging and original, this text provides a unique insight into the management guru industry and the persuasive skills of some its leading proponents.
