cover image Global Tilt: Mastering the Inevitable Shift of Economic Power

Global Tilt: Mastering the Inevitable Shift of Economic Power

Ram Charan. Crown Business, $28 (336p) ISBN 978-0-307-88912-6

Charan (Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done) delivers an informative primer on the consequences of the global economic center's swing from North to South and patiently describes what companies need to do to be successful in this new paradigm. He succinctly outlines the changing landscape as businesses, wealth, and jobs move to developing international strongholds like India, China, and Brazil, from waning powers in Europe, Japan, and the US. Charan's lessons are simple and straightforward: "Only bold and ambitious thinkers will [prosper]," and he includes examples of why it's necessary for business leaders to unlearn outdated lessons, focus "from the outside in", and establish a "future back" perspective. Additionally, he recommends questions for businesses to consider as they plan their future strategies and provides a few case studies of pioneering companies who are doing things right. With all the old lessons thrown out the window, some new and strange business partnerships are sure to emerge, and Charan highlights a couple of those, too. This is necessary reading for anyone charged with strategic planning or investing in emerging markets; for the rest of us, it's fascinating information to absorb and a window onto our economic future. (Feb.)