Acknowledgments

We would like to say a special thanks to the following individuals:

Steven Piersanti, president of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, for his excellent editorial advice, for urging us to write this second edition, and for creating an organization that exemplifies what our book teaches; Jeevan Sivasubramaniam, Kristen Frantz, Maria Jesus Aguilo, Michael Crowley, and all the rest of the folks at Berrett-Koehler for their enthusiastic support.

Martha Lawrence for her outstanding efforts and talent in assisting with the editing, proofing, and rewrites of multiple drafts. It has been a delight working with her.

Rose Mihaly, Don Carew, Wendy Christiansen, Chris Brunone, Gail Katz, Louise Klaber, Donna Mellen, Joan Stoner, Michele Kostin, and Judd Hoekstra, who read various manuscripts, for their detailed and very helpful comments and suggestions.

The many writers and pioneers in the field of management who have significantly influenced our thinking about the concepts in the book, especially Drea Zigarmi for his help in identifying the three elements of a compelling vision; Peter Senge, Charles Kiefer, and Peter Stroh for describing visionary organizations and the concept of structural integrity; Warren Bennis, Marshall Sashkin, Barry Posner, and James Kouzes for their studies of characteristics of visionary leaders; Robert “Jake” Jacobs, Don Carew, and Fay Kandarian for their work and commitment to collaborative processes; Robert Fritz for his thorough explanation of creative tension; and Mary Parker Follett for her contribution to the “law of the situation.”

Finally, to those who allowed us to help in your journey, we thank you and extend our admiration. You have had the courage and the tenacity to make your vision a reality. Specifically, we would like to recognize Nancy Maher, executive vice president of TJX Europe; the late Jim Lorence, president of several divisions of The Stanley Works; and Elizabeth Loughran, former CEO of the Center for Human Development—courageous leaders we had the honor to work closely with over a significant period of time. We watched them go the distance, and by working with them, we learned a great deal about vision in action.