How it works?
A consultant gets an insight. The entire world’s problems “or at least those of an attractive market segment, multinationals, frustrated executives, and ambitious middle managers- can be solved through a simple set of rules. The eight step process for organizational change, the 7 habits, the 7 S, Six Sigma etc.. or anoverarching concept Execution, Leadership, Vision and Mission statements, Strategy.
Because at the heart there is usually a real gem of value Michael Porter’s five forces strategy model, (http://www.amazon.com/Competitive-Advantage-Creating-Sustaining-Performance/dp/0684841460/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220973334&sr=8-11) for example, the book gets snapped up and spends some time on the New York Times Bestseller list. The author can now charge $50,000 USD for a key note speech at a management retreat.
The company set up under the aegis of a bestseller will franchise the methodology and see how many would be consultants it can turn into a sales force for the product.
¿Y Lawrence Uren Associates ©?
(Como diría un ex presidente zorrino de México.)
What Happens?
The original idea really is a valuable new insight which can help understand better how to face the business or organizational environment.
Peter Drucker produced insight after insight beginning with the concept of the knowledge worker, the concept of management as the process whereby the results for which one is responsible are obtained through the efforts of others, executive effectiveness
I always tell participants in my workshops and consulting clients that if you do not read anyone else read Drucker.
Without Drucker we have no Learning Organizations (http://www.amazon.com/Fifth-Discipline-Practice-Learning-Organization/dp/0385517254/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220892693&sr=1-1) no Intellectual Capital, very little in the way of understanding entrepreneurship and innovation. (http://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Entrepreneurship-Peter-F-Drucker/dp/0060851139/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220892739&sr=1-2)
I always tell participants in my workshops and consulting clients that if you do not read anyone else read Drucker.
Caveat Emptor
Ideas, like food, if not chewed well and digested are not incorporated by the organism and can cause severe discomfort.
The business world, especially the world of large corporations has been bombarded over the last few decades by witch doctor consultants selling the latest BIG IDEA.
Management by Objectives (MBO)
Total Quality Movement (TQM)
Customer Relationship management (CRM)
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Change Management
The Balanced Score Card
Etc
Etc
Etc……
In México they made their appearance after a certain time lag which has been getting shorter and shorter over the years, in one or more of the following manners:
The Guru, witch doctor himself would be appearing on Billboards announcing his appearance at some five star hotel with maybe videoconferencing for other locations.
For all those that scoff at gurus, there does remain a question. Why are they so successful? I believe that the best of them provide a valuable new insight which helps to clarify real problems people face in their organizations, businesses and personal lives. Of course once you have become a real live celebrity management guru, a host of minnows swim in and out between your teeth trying to snatch some of the morsels that are too small for your attention. Some of these purchase a franchise to represent your concept and use your training materials.