Issue 59, Summer 2010

In this issue
Cover story
- Integrating formal metrics and informal communication can lead to new levels of performance.
CEO Succession 2000-2009: A Decade of Convergence and Compression
The role of the chief executive is evolving. CEOs from around the world discuss the game-changing practices that lead to success.Herman Miller’s Design for Growth
The office-furniture design leader is betting on innovation as it continues to push the envelope of management practice.Why We Hate the Oil Companies
As Shell’s then top U.S. executive traveled the country, he discovered how corporate leaders create their own reputation for arrogance — and lose their chance to deliver the right message.Preparing for a Demographic Dividend
At the World Economic Forum’s fall meeting in New Delhi, five experts discussed the challenges and opportunities India faces as its population becomes increasingly youthful.
Comment
The Third Billion
As growing numbers of women enter the economic mainstream, they will have a profound effect on global business.Surviving State Capitalism
Political risk expert Ian Bremmer argues that the prevailing Western corporate model faces stiff competition from government-controlled economies.It Makes Sense to Adjust
Business transformation is now a continuous process that most companies haven’t mastered. Here’s a formula for managing ongoing change.The Promise of the Cloud Workplace
Freelancers are turning to “co-working” environments for better workplace interaction. Companies could use them to boost productivity.The Importance of Frugal Engineering
Providing new goods and services to “bottom of the pyramid” customers requires a radical rethinking of product development.Cleaning the Crystal Ball
How intelligent forecasting can lead to better decision making.Measures of Leadership
To develop new executive talent in the Middle East, regional leaders are examining the roots of their own success.
Conversation
The Thought Leader Interview: Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries
INSEAD’s expert on leadership development clarifies how self-awareness can break the destructive pattern of corporate narcissism.Seeing Your Company as a System
Much-needed guidance on making companies more employee-centered, adaptive, and capable.Quants Invade Wall Street
A review of The Quants, by Scott Patterson.Deal-making Booms and Busts
A review of Gods at War, by Steven M. Davidoff.Media Moguls Get Taken to Task
A review of The Curse of the Mogul, by Jonathan A. Knee, Bruce C. Greenwald, and Ava Seave.The Two Faces of Power
Powerful people often hold others to high standards, but break the rules themselves.Managing Criticism
Strategies for effectively responding to negative evaluations by influential outsiders.Broader Reach, More Innovation
Executives can promote innovative thinking in their managers by holding them accountable for more than what they directly control.Does Location Really Matter?
For innovation-based companies, being located in an industry cluster has long been thought to enhance long-term financial prospects. This research suggests otherwise.Follow the Money
Understanding how money makes its way from institutional investors to venture capitalists to entrepreneurs.Three Degrees of Influence
Keith Ferrazzi introduces a passage on the influential power of smaller social networks.