Change Manual: Organizing Genius

Change Agent

David Berdish leads organizational-learning efforts at Visteon Automotive Systems, Ford Motor Co.'s parts-manufacturing firm.

Change Manual

"Organizing Genius," by Warren Bennis and Patricia Ward Biederman (Perseus Books, 1997).

Change Lesson

The toughest part of his job, says Berdish, isn't dealing with complex production systems; it's harnessing the talents of a diverse group of people. His bible for getting people to collaborate effectively is "Organizing Genius." By taking a close-up look at the inner workings of several "great groups" -- such as the team at Lockheed Martin Corp. that designed the first U.S. jet fighter -- the authors explore the process that enables teams of talented people to accomplish much more than talented people working alone. The book is topped off with 15 action-oriented lessons for leading a change effort. "'Organizing Genius' proves that an organization isn't only an entity of economics, strategy, and technology," says Berdish. "It's also a community of people."

Coordinates: $13. "Organizing Genius: The Secrets of Creative Collaboration," Perseus Books, www.aw.com/gb

Sidebar: Born to Change

When David Berdish looks for inspiration to lead change at Ford Motor Co., he checks in with "the Boss." An avid Bruce Springsteen fan -- he's seen 38 Springsteen shows since 1975 -- Berdish says the front man for the E Street Band is a great role model for change agents who are working in the trenches. Here are the three vital lessons that Berdish draws from the Boss's music.

Play to individuals, not to the crowd.

"Springsteen performs in huge arenas, but his music is so personal that you walk away feeling as if he were singing only to you. That's how I want people to feel when they leave my workshops. I try to remember that people respond to stories that affect them personally."

Frontline people matter.

"I try to take the respect that Springsteen has for working people and apply it to my job."

Change agents live in the Badlands.

"The song 'Badlands' shows how you can get bogged down in life -- and how hope can transcend despair. Change projects can feel like the Badlands sometimes. Just listening to that song reminds people that the bad will pass in time, and good things will come."