Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times

RIDING THE TIGER

Authors: Priscilla Nelson and Ed Cohen
Publisher: ASTD Press

Riding the Tiger

Riding the Tiger

Newman Communications is working with Nelson Cohen Global Consulting to share how a leading through learning approach can help bring organizations through tough times, whether a financial scandal, natural disaster, or more.

Newman Communications is working on a full book publicity campaign, focusing on radio publicity, print publicity, and online publicity.

About the Book

Today’s corporate leaders are living under a microscope. Never before has there been more scrutiny – by media, employees, shareholders, and everyday observers – than in today’s tempestuous environment. Toyota, BP, and Goldman Sachs – once trusted and respected brands – have become pariahs. While the short-term may seem bleak for these companies in turmoil, just maybe, with the appropriate focus and priorities, they will not only survive, but potentially thrive again.

But why do 87 percent of businesses fail to recover from such devastation? In most cases, these organizations have not correctly aligned their priorities for recovery, and more importantly, re-growth. Too often the immediate focus is put on salvaging customer relationships and brand identity. The relationship with employees does not receive the same priority. Leaders do not communicate as much as needed leaving them wondering what the future holds for them and their colleagues. This dichotomy results in major turnover, far more than companies in crisis can withstand, and ultimately contributes to their failure.

RIDING THE TIGER: Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times (ASTD Press, July 2010, $27.95) shares a hands-on, step-by-step approach to leading organizations out of crisis. The book tells the true story of how one company, Satyam Computer Services, rebounded from disaster and how people reacted, responded, and courageously led in the most extreme conditions imaginable.

Written by Priscilla Nelson and Ed Cohen, former Global Director of People Leadership and former Chief Learning Officer for Satyam respectively, RIDING THE TIGER provides practical, valuable lessons and expert advice as told through the case study of Satyam’s multi-billion dollar financial scandal and subsequent successful turnaround.

The Satyam story is one that had worldwide implications and, for India, was a national disgrace. RIDING THE TIGER details what happened after the company’s chairman confessed to his role on the widening gap between the real and artificial numbers in Satyam’s books and how, unlike Enron and others, a “leading through learning” strategy calmed the chaos and helped the company recover and rebuild. The book illustrates the collective efforts of leaders and employees’ to continue essential initiatives during the crisis, playing a key role in resolving issues and putting the organization back on track.

Today, known as Mahindra Satyam, after being purchased by Mahindra and Mahindra, the company is well on its path to rebuilding. They have already called back several thousand employees, stabilized across the markets (NYSE: SAY), and embarked on the arduous journey to rebuild trust.

With RIDING THE TIGER, Nelson and Cohen have written an emotionally compelling leadership book that provides specific strategies for organizational renewal.

About the Authors

Priscilla Nelson was global director of people leadership and Ed Cohen was chief learning officer for Satyam Computer Services from 2005-2009. They are both long-tenured learning leaders (just prior, Priscilla was an executive coach and consultant and Ed led learning and development for Booz Allen Hamilton) who took the bold move to relocate their family to India without ever having stepped foot on the subcontinent. During their tenure, Satyam received international accolades and was recognized as being the best in the world for learning and leadership development.

For more information, please visit: http://ridingthetiger.com

Filed under: Business

One Response to “Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times”

  1. Jim Fisicella Says:

    Satyam is a super company and its employees are some of the best in the outsourcing world .The accounting practices were quite a surprise though their business was very robust .
    I am sure with good accounting practices they will come back with flying colours .

    -Jim (Ex-Satyamite)

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