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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful message, 11 Oct 2002
By A Customer
'Unshrink' contains a powerful message, the relevance of which goes far beyond the world of business. Drawing on examples from film, literature and history as well as the world of business, sport and politics this book challenges our assumptions about 'the way things are'. It invites us to question our perception of our abilities and ourselves and offers ways we might re-connect with our true potential - in other words, discover 'what we may be'.Illustrating how we become 'shrunk' in the first place 'Unshrink' uncovers the way in which our lives and our selves can become limited. The authors hold up to scrutiny the myths and the assumptions that underpin them which shape our daily lives. In so doing they challenge the structures and the authority by which we live and work. 'Unshrink' offers a new way forward in the form of 'principles' based on mutual respect, co-operation and trust - principles that foster self-esteem and increase our 'passion' as well as 'profitability'. They challenge the 'dog eat dog' world of business and offer a framework within which we can live and succeed. They turn conventional hierarchies (so often built into organisations) on their head and in doing so prioritise trust and self-expression over control, interdepencence over independence, community over the individual, openness over concealment and people rather than resources. McKeown & Whiteley illustrate the power of language, drawing our attention to the way it can be used to mystify, mislead or conceal. 'Unshrink' demonstrates the power of jargon-free communication. In clear, understandable language, with touches of humour and analogies drawn from business and everyday life, the authors speak directly to the reader communicating radical ideas in a lively and yet down to earth way. The implications of 'Unshrink' go further than the workplace, management, touching all aspects of daily life. To 'unshrink' we need the space in which to grow - by exposing the shrinking myths for what they are it begins to create just such a space - and surely this can only be good for business!
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