Skip navigation
When Goliaths Clash
Book

When Goliaths Clash

Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization

AMACOM, 2003 more...


Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

This book is built on the premise that a lot of companies have, metaphorically speaking, the head of a dead elephant sitting in their boardrooms. The dead elephant’s head represents conflict, disagreement and rivalry between the executives themselves. No one wants to talk about the dead elephant’s head, because no one wants to admit that it’s there. Unfortunately, it’s a big, ugly reality that must be addressed sooner or later, and everyone knows it. Author and consultant Howard M. Guttman maps out a process companies can use to deal more openly and honestly with internal conflicts. He begins with the premise that conflict isn’t inherently bad and can even serve a productive purpose, if it’s properly managed and conducted according to the rules. getAbstract.com strongly recommends this book to corporate executives - and to the worker bees who have to duck when those Goliaths in the corner offices start slinging rocks.

Take-Aways

  • The biggest misconception people have about conflict is that it is inherently bad. Properly managed conflict can help your organization become more effective.
  • Conflict is necessary, but it can destroy an organization if it is improperly managed.
  • Some estimate that managers spend 20% of their time resolving conflicts.

About the Author

As the principal of New Jersey-based Guttman Development Strategies, Inc., Howard M. Guttman has worked since 1989 to help international clients build effective teams, master conflict management, and align strategy with operations. Guttman’s experience includes executive positions at Automatic Data Processing (ADP) and Johnson & Johnson. Guttman has served as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Management at Rutgers University, as well as the Graduate School of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University.


More on this topic

By the same author

Learners who read this summary also read

Related Channels