Quick and Nimble: Lessons from Leading CEOs on How to Create a Culture of Innovation

New York Times columnist Bryant (The Corner Office) interviewed more than 200 CEOs and other executives between March 2009 and May 2013 to answer this question: “How can a company foster a quick and nimble culture—with the enviable qualities of many start-ups—even as it grows?” Leaders such as the editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, the CEO of JetBlue, chef Mario Batali, and the CEO of FourSquare provide thoughts on leadership, management, and innovation. Bryant has mined the interviews, hoping to provide practical tips to help companies move more like tech firms than like stodgy blue-chip companies. He breaks down the important elements of a successful corporate culture, and then describes the leadership strategies to build on it. Much of his focus is on culture, and the importance of building and retaining great teams; he then lets the interviewees speak to topics such as goals and strategies, values, constant learning, and most importantly, having fun. Though the big names lend the book a certain flair, there’s not much new or inspiring content here; the book does better when describing more whimsical lessons—one manager’s “user manual of me” or another’s “lightbulb or a gun” dichotomy. Unfortunately, the same information can be found elsewhere. (Jan.)