Rating: 
Summary: Are You Up to It?
Review: From my perspective, the spirit of this book is even more important than any of the specific recommendations which Hamel offers. He is among the most insightful analysts of the contemporary business world. If you and/or your organization need to be energized (or re-energized), this book is "must reading" ASAP. But a word of caution: The cohesive and comprehensive program Hamel presents is NOT for the faint of heart nor for dimwits. Moreover, it must be modified to accommodate the specific needs and objectives of the given organization. The "spirit" to which I referred earlier is absolutely essential. It should combine Schumpeter's passion about "creative destruction" with your own determination to help your organization achieve "greatness" (see Collins' Good to Great) by producing superior results over an extended period of time (see Bossidy and Charan's Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done). Without that spirit, the statis quo is certain to prevail. In his Preface, Hamel tells us "This is a book about innovation -- not in the usual sense of new products and new technologies, but in the sense of radical new business models. It begins by laying out the revolutionary imperative: we've reached the end of incrementalism, and only those companies that are capable of creating industry revolutions will prosper in the new economy. It then provides a detailed blueprint of what you [italics] can do to get the revolution started in your own company. Finally, it describes in detail an agenda for making innovation as ubiquitous a capability as quality or customer service. Indeed, my central argument is that radical innovation is the [italics] competitive advantage for the new millennium." The material is carefully organized as follows: Part I Facing Up to the Revolution; Part II Finding the Revolution; Part III Igniting the Revolution; and Part IV Sustaining the Revolution. Obviously, the nature and extent of a revolution within any organization involves tremendous risk, requires substantial sacrifice, proceeds with no guarantee of success, and will probably conclude with several unexpected results, both good and bad. It is inevitably a messy, perilous process.
Hamel concludes with these remarks: "I began this book with a simple observation -- that for the first time in history, our heritage is no longer our destiny. Our dreams are no longer fantasies but possibilities. There isn't a human being who has ever lived who wouln't want to be alive right now, at this moment so pregnant with promise. Among all your forebears, among the countless generations who had no hope of progress, among all those whose spirits were betrayed by progress, you are the one who now stands on the threshold of -- the age of revolution. You are blessed beyond belief. Don't falter. Don't hesitate. You were given the opportunity for a reason. Find it. Lead the revolution." As suggested earlier, if you and/or your organization are in the doldrums, this is "must reading." Keep in mind, however, that it will also be read by many of those with whom you now compete: People with courage and principle who are prudent but passionate risk-takers, determined to achieve greatness, people who understand the challenges which the future offers, and will do everything humanly possible to take full advantage of them. Ultimately, the value of Hamel's new book will not be measured by what he specifically recommends; rather, by the results of revolutions which he challenges his readers to initiate and then lead.
Rating: 
Summary: Opportunistic blahblah in Oprah Winfrey style
Review: This book from the so called 'mangement guru' Hamel lost all its standing when the Enron debacle emerged. mr Hamel has used Enron as worldclass example and innovative company. What a nonsense. Second, you need to know that this writer was in the Chairman advisory board of Enron.
Where is your credibility as management expert with making such enormous mistakes ?!
On top of that Hamel is trying to hide his past with Enron. The quoted flaptext of the book on his website does not mention Enron anymore. But, he forgot that it ist still in the flaptext in the printed book.
Do not spend money on a would-be-guru who thought he was right and now is trying to hide his past after finding out he was dead wrong.
Rating: 
Summary: a remnant of the bubble
Review: This book offers some good advice, and some good one-liners such as: "Passion is no substitute for a coherent point of view." The only problem is that the book is based on a model of business that ultimately failed. Reading it now is a bit like reading one of the many books published during the 80's on Japanese management. And, finally, it's hard to take seriously a book that uses Enron as one of its model business innovators.
Rating:
Summary: Business concept innovation at the cutting edge
Review: This book is constantly questioning your business model and strategy by challenging the base assumptions on which they have been built. Are they current with the realities of the market or have your customers and markets changed? They most probably have and Hamel challenges us with rethinking those assumptions and how we can better serve those customers to create real value and ensure our success in doing so. The revolution that Hamel speaks of needs to occur at not only a grass roots level but also at the highest levels in the organization, where much of the power rests. The amount and quality of ideas at the lower levels in the organization would probably surprise all of us and Hamel basically challenges us that these ideas must be heard and acted upon. Then and only then can business concept innovation begine to happen and changes can begin to happen that changes the fortunes for companies from the also ran to the ones that make a difference. The game has changed in the past few years with an accelerating rate of change happening. This does result in new opportunities and real dangers for companies that think they can weather the change until things return to "normal". The skills Hamel talks of are not easy ones to master. In fact it may require skill the power holders do not have because the path that led them to the position they are now in may be very different skills than the ones Hamel is proposing: risk taking versus risk avoidance. This book is excellent and is very appropriate for comapnies navagating a turbulent economy and for the future one needs to create. Contact me at .......
Rating: 
Summary: 100,000 feet
Review: Hamel's ideas are neat, but when reading this keep in mind that his ideas may work for an IBM or Ford. However, in the smaller firm, they'll be met with laughter. I almost believe that what you read here is Hamel's own promotional material for his consulting services. Still, there's a lot of good ideas to keep in a business leaders head - just be careful about taking everything he says as the word of God.
Rating:
Summary: Can you say Bull (...)?
Review: One of the worst books on the subject on Strategy, from a person who has been declared one the most influencial people in the business world. Hamel has never been innovative as one might have thought. His book, Competing for the Future, discusses "Foresight", but neglects to even mention the Internet. Some Foresight. There's nothing in this book you have not read elsewhere. My compliments on the design, which is outstanding. However, if you are looking for an innovative book, don't waste your money. Another attemt (probably successful, due to his brand name...) to boost up his consulting revenues. Leading the Revolution? try telling the truth. you have no idea where things, going, Gary, no clue. Michael
Rating:
Summary: Yeahhh ! But ehm... what to do ?
Review: Would you know of people that don't dream of leading a revolution ? You probably don't. Smart marketeer as Hamel is, he knows that. I have to admit it's a motivational book. Easy to read and full with interesting examples. However, when I had finished the book and pitched it to others I couldn't answer the question 'If you've read this book and get in the office the next day what will you do different ?' To be honest; in real life there's only a very small number of people that could lead a revolution. Maybe better, because it might be a big mess in the world. That's where Hamel's book lacks real world value. Other books like Clayton Christensen's Innovators Dilemma suggest that as the majority of people don't want to (and shouldn't !) lead the revolution it's better to separate those from the ones that want to lead the revolution; the entrepreneurs. A more realistic view. Christensen also has the same shortcoming though as Hamel; he goes into the struggle of established companies and innovation but doesn't go into a solution. Other books like Webs of Innovation by Alexander Loudon do so. Summarizing; an amusing book but not interesting if you're looking for a tool to stimulate/ manage innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rating: 
Summary: Helps you look at your business in a new light
Review: Gary Hamel's book cuts straight to the core of dynamic business improvement. Through aggressive language and graphics, he shakes the reader out of his comfort zone and forces him to reconsider business as we know it. Clearly Hamel is doing his best to recast the modern business enterprise in his image (and sell some consulting work on the side). His core premise is that we are ending an age of progress and entering an age of revolution, where change is discontinuous and non-linear. And thus his thesis: "In a nonlinear world, only nonlinear ideas will create new wealth." It is not until the reader finishes the book and thinks about it for a while that one realizes the book is entirely about process, not content or context. Hamel's doesn't really care what you do, as long as you do something to reconsider the tried and true orthodoxy of your current company and/or life. In all, it is an entertaining read, presenting an extreme view of the role of innovation in today's business.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for managers
Review: Hamel surprised me again with a very different way to approach the strategy concept. As a manager and academic, the book offers me (and every reader!) a new perspective in business concept innovation. The author offers a complete model for developing an entrepreneur organization, focusing on new businesses development. But not only the contents of the book are worth it, the way it is written offers the reader fun and creates a non-stop journey through the book. You must read it.
Rating:
Summary: To search for strategy ....checkout the mirror
Review: The topic of strategy has evolved over the years and true to the need of the 80s, strategy was mostly about implementing Porters five forces model thoroughly. The book makes an argument that today, benefits from such activities are short-lived since technologies help companies catch up fast. The only sustainable way to growth is innovation-which comes from individuals within the company. The focus of the book is on "you as an employee" and your value system and attitude to innovation. The book is about surmounting the mountain of resistance one might face if one tries to innovate. To conclude, the point the book is making is that startegy resides in innovation and innovation resides in individuals. The book is highly inspiring and if one gets past the extreme stands that Hamel takes to laboriouly prove his point, one will find it very motivating.
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