Quinn - The positive organization : breaking free from conventional cultures, constraints, and beliefs

More Praise for The Positive Organization

Few argue with being positive, but fewer can turn aspirations for being positive into specific organizational actions. Quinn is an exquisite observer and advisor on organizations. This book specifies actions that leaders can take to create abundant or positive organizations. The ideas make sense, the tools are informative, and the examples are clear. This book lays the foundation for redefining organizations.

Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and Partner, The RBL Group

A profound book offering wise lessons for igniting deep positive change in your organization. Sound too good to be true? Actually, I think it may be an understatement. The Positive Organization can help you discover the vision and practices needed for creating cultures of possibility where people exceed expectations and flourish in their work.

Charles C. Manz, coauthor of Share, Dont Take the Lead and Self-Leadership

Bob Quinn addresses the practical realities of building a positive enterprise and the positive culture necessary to sustain it.

Bill Robertson, Chairman, Weston Solutions, Inc.

Ten years ago I read Building the Bridge as You Walk on It by Robert Quinn. It changed my career. As I read his new book, I realize it is having the same kind of impact but at an organizational level. I have already started applying the ideas to my company, and the results have been powerful. If you want elegant, easy to access, and deeply engaging, start reading now.

Nick Craig, President, Authentic Leadership Institute, and coauthor of Finding Your True North

Another insightful, poignant, and practical guide by change master Robert Quinn, The Positive Organization is the ultimate users manual for leaders who want to create positively deviant organizations. It will work for people who want to change any organization, from a multinational company to neighborhood association.

Jim Mallozzi, Chairman and CEO, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services (Retired)

People are drawn to the positive. When we are engaged and creative, we are living for a greater purpose. But because we biologically defend ourselves above all else, the default in organizational life is being defensive and then infecting everyone around us with negativity. Quinn unveils the positive organization without being gushy or Pollyanna. He provides hope for the entangled, a spotlight to guide the lost, and reassurance for those on the journey.

Richard Boyatzis, Distinguished University Professor, Departments of Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Organizational Behavior, Case Western Reserve University, and coauthor of Primal Leadership

Another masterpiece from Robert Quinn! I have worked with organizations on creating more positive organizations, and while everybody endorses the concept, people typically find it challenging to make it practically sustainable. Bobs new book provides valuable new examples that illustrate how to do this and tools to achieve success.

Anjan Thakor, John E. Simon Professor of Finance, Director of WFA Center for Finance and Accounting Research, and Director of Doctoral Programs, Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis

This is a wonderfully persuasive, tactile immersion in positive organizations that demystifies them and makes them more attainable while magnifying the readers desire to get on with that attainment. This is Bob at his best! And it is positive organizing in its best rendering.

Karl E. Weick, Rensis Likert Distinguished University Professor of Organizational Behavior and Psychology, Emeritus, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

Bob Quinn identifies the critical path to invigorate the human spirit at work. His daring description of being fully engaged and continually renewed charts a course on how to invite people to the new possibilities of authentic conversations that ignite positive cultures.

Jim Haudan, author of The Art of Engagement

Who doesnt want to be part of an organization where people flourish, are unified with clear purpose, and exceed expectations? Robert Quinns newest work offers clear pathways for leaders to authentically engage others, consider new possibilities, and think beyond problem solving. Building and understanding positive organizations helps create places where others want to contribute, results are celebrated, and people prosper. This book matters.

Jim Mahoney, Executive Director, Battelle for Kids

THE POSITIVE ORGANIZATION

OTHER BOOKS BY ROBERT QUINN

Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within

Change the World: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Extraordinary Results

Lift: Becoming a Positive Force in Any Situation

The Best Teacher in You: How to Accelerate Learning and Change Lives

BREAKING FREE FROM CONVENTIONAL CULTURES, CONSTRAINTS, AND BELIEFS

Robert E. Quinn

Best-Selling Author of Deep Change

Includes the Positive Organization Generator of 100 unconventional practices from real organizations

The Positive Organization

Copyright 2015 by Robert E. Quinn

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First Edition

Hardcover print edition ISBN 978-1-62656-562-3

PDF e-book ISBN 978-1-62656-563-0

IDPF e-book ISBN 978-1-62656-564-7

2015-1

Cover/Jacket Designer: Crowfoot Design

Interior Illustration: George Whipple

I am indebted to a woman who breaks

convention while living with discipline.

I am grateful to have her as my loving