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Summary: A Way of Being
Review: "A Way of Being"Identity is Destiny transcends business. It is a treatise on potentiality. The thesis - that corporate entities manifest similar humanistic, value creating characteristics as those of individuals - is wholly unique and is hammered home in each of the lucid case histories presented . In so doing, Ackerman breathes fresh air into what traditionally has been perceived by stakeholders as a "lifeless" arena. Ackerman's prose is personal and engaging. The author's incisive mind cuts to the heart of what makes organizations tick. His approach to unearthing "the golden nugget" is not only original, but also highly relevant. This reviewer has even been able to put into practice a few of the laws offered up! Above all, the book is personally enriching. Identity is Destiny amounts to one of those rare business reads that empowers the reader to reflect on his larger self and place in the world.
Rating:
Summary: A Way of Being
Review: "A Way of Being" Identity is Destiny transcends business. It is a treatise on potentiality. The thesis - that corporate entities manifest similar humanistic, value creating characteristics as those of individuals - is wholly unique and is hammered home in each of the lucid case histories presented . In so doing, Ackerman breathes fresh air into what traditionally has been perceived by stakeholders as a "lifeless" arena. Ackerman's prose is personal and engaging. The author's incisive mind cuts to the heart of what makes organizations tick. His approach to unearthing "the golden nugget" is not only original, but also highly relevant. This reviewer has even been able to put into practice a few of the laws offered up! Above all, the book is personally enriching. Identity is Destiny amounts to one of those rare business reads that empowers the reader to reflect on his larger self and place in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking
Review: "Identity is Destiny" has been exceptionally useful for me in formulating elements of our organization's strategic planning initiative. One of our worries is that half of organizations never implement their strategies. Reading the "Laws of Identity" helped me realize how important it is for strategic themes to be consistent with the identity of the organization. This awarenesss has triggered some vital and thought-provoking conversations about what characteristics constitute our identity. This book easily stands out from the crowd in terms of utility and insight.
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Summary: This is value creation for life.
Review: "Identity Is Destiny" simultaneously provokes the simplicity and complexity of leadership thought driving behavior. Having the current privilege of working with Larry, I am witness to his beliefs in action -- his preaching is his practice, and learnings from his book are proving themselves. Thoughtful and hopeful, I would recommend this book to all leaders, real and imagined.
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Summary: Destined to Become a Classic
Review: A seminal work, this is a curiously dual book, in that it addresses the nature of human and corporate identity. Ackerman's understanding that organizations are alive has led him to ask the next question - what are the implications of being alive? His answer is that the rules of identity that apply to humans would also apply to organizations. Ackerman's great discovery is that he has been able to articulate the rules of identity, which have the same kind of resonance as the ten commandments. The implications of the rules are wonderful and powerful. Paraphrasing here - I am unique - what is good for someone else may not be good for me (as a corporation or individual.) (And) I need to be comprehended for who I am - that is the only possible path to authenticity. This, then, is a guidebook to achieving the highest level of authenticity for oneself and for one's organization, and flourishing.
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Summary: Identity Is the Root of Business Strategy
Review: As a desinger, I've always searched for the essence of my client's being. How they speak about themselves, what their mission is and how that vision should drive the image, logo, identity program that I help them to create. Ackerman's awareness of the essence of this process, and in fact the depth to which it is important, for each of us, as well as each organization has never been delineated in such an articulate way. Brilliant, and personal. Worth reading and rereading.
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Summary: A Good Read!
Review: Business consultant and writer Laurence D. Ackerman has written a deeply felt and poetically-crafted book that explores eight universal laws relating to identity and leadership. He uses examples from his personal life as well as from his many interactions with business clients to illustrate each of the laws of identity. These laws reflect the values and understandings that govern the productivity and personality of organizations. We [...] recommend this book to anyone interested in leadership philosophy or personal growth.
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Summary: Me, Myself, and Identity
Review: Guess what? The soulless corporation is no more. Like the bride of Frankenstein, every organization is alive - alive! - exhibiting what Laurence Ackerman calls "distinct physical, cognitive, and emotional characteristics." And where those characteristics converge, there one finds identity, "the `soft rock' that is the center of all things human." The company is, therefore it is. Existential angst aside, readers may be perplexed to learn that "companies are the nearly perfect organizational extrapolation of the human being." But that's exactly what Ackerman proposes in _Identity Is Destiny_. Indeed, the author argues that every organization has an identity, a uniqueness, a need for recognition, all the defining qualities of humanity. Identity furthermore has its own laws, not unlike laws of Euclid, or Pythagoras, or Murphy. Leaders who recognize and build upon their organization's identity create success; those who don't doom the company to failure. To assert that identity is important is one thing; it's quite another to claim that destiny fundamentally determines organizational destiny. Unfortunately Ackerman, having turned identity-based brand management into a career, has developed an evangelical fixation on identity. Like an evangelist, he writes in a personal, even confessional style. Like an evangelist, he believes in Laws and Truths and Credos. And like an evangelist, he tends toward extravagant claims, such as: * "Identity transcends everything." * "The net result of ignoring identity was a depressed stock price." * "Identity is the source - the only conceivable source - of sustainable competitive advantage." For some readers these will be startling insights, the product of decades the author has spent leading organizations on voyages of self-discovery. Some too may find inspiration or entertainment in tales of senior teams listening to Ackerman's presentations and breaking into spontaneous applause. But for others the book will be tautologically grandiose, self-referentially futile. Like the shallow end of a black-painted swimming pool, _Identity Is Destiny_ is less deep than it appears. Be careful when diving in.
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Summary: Identity is a powerful tool!
Review: I recently finished Laurence Ackerman's book, Identity is Destiny. It is, in my view, a must-read for anyone starting a company or trying to grow an established company. The concept of identity provides a foundation from which all, and I mean all, efforts spring forth. It impacts every level of organizational functioning. Mr. Ackerman clearly articulates its value and illustrates his ideas with examples from his own consulting experience. The book also stimulates thought about the application of identity to the development of an individual and a professional in any field who wants to make an impact and become successful. As a consulting psychologist, I have already used identity in my work with individual executives and with several start-ups. The concept of identity provides business people with substance on which to build their companies. This is a book that connects with the reader at a personal level and is also rich with practical information that can be used to guide change in people and organizations.
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Summary: Not Just Another Business Book
Review: Identity is Destiny is surprising in several ways. The depth of its business content becomes quickly apparent, challenging the reader's thinking beyond common theories about the importance of identity for organizations. Real-life examples of the Laws of Identity are included with every chapter. The book then touches the reader individually in a surprising and wonderfully unexpected way, creating a connection with the author that feels quite personal--you feel you know Mr. Ackerman in a way not normally associated with such a work. Finally, you get swept-up in the pure prose of the work and realize that Mr. Ackerman's talents do not stop at mastery of business identity but extend to excellent and enjoyable writing as well. An important book for all these reasons, and just plan good to read.
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