Preface

When I first undertook an international book project involving eminent thinkers around the globe, the first person I called was Richard (Dick) Beckhard, whom I had never met in person. Our meeting on the phone never ended; he challenged my thoughts, inspired me during the project, and supported me continuously. After two years, when the manuscript for Management 21C was finally finished, Dick was the first person who reviewed it, and wrote me in a hand-written note: “The book has the fascination of a good novel—plus exposure to the ideas of many of our best futurists. I recommend it to organization leaders, consultants, and academics working on this critical issue for all of us.” Dick was so happy about the book that we decided to meet for the first time in New York in January 2000. In December 1999 I returned home from a 40-day book tour in Europe and Asia, and a card was waiting for me that left me speechless for a few minutes. Alas, I would never have the chance to meet my friend and mentor Dick Beckhard. On that night, while reading many of Dick's books randomly, many thoughts emerged: How can I pay tribute to Dick? Where have Dick's works had the major impact? People or organizations? Will people search the organization or will the organization search the people? All these scattered thoughts inspired the birth of Organization 21C.

The book you are reading is a gift of collective great minds around the world. This is a true global venture. Australia to America, France to The Netherlands, Britain to Switzerland—from three continents, the very best contemporary organizational behavior thinkers have decorated every page of this book. Organization 21C brings together visions for the 21st-century organization in one concise book, allowing the reader to understand the changes going on now and what to expect in the future.

In Organization 21C, you can read any chapter at any moment, rather than reading cover to cover. With a vivid description of the emerging global rise, cultures, and people, Organization 21C will intrigue, provoke, encourage, and above all, change everyone who reads it. In its introductory chapter you will discover the future of organization and its winning strategy by leveraging talent.

In the first part, read and discover global, world-class, and situational leadership. Part 2, “21C Processes,” introduces X-engineering, the power of hierarchy, total rewards management, and shareholder value. This part ends with the rebirth of Organizational Development. Part 3 takes the reader a tour of the boardroom, power and influence, framing, and emotional intelligence, and ends with tips on how to manage the human animal in organizations. In the final part, the sustainability of organizations, organizational culture, and leading organizational change inspire the reader to rethink the 21C organization and also prepares the reader for the future by building organizational fitness.

Organization 21C is for those who inspire others, are peoplistic rather than individualistic, celebrate diversity, constantly search for the dream, and want to reshape the globe of tomorrow. Organization 21C was created to help other people, and it also creates a helping attitude among people.

I am extremely proud to announce that every penny of the author's royalties will be donated worldwide in the memory of our friend and mentor Dick Beckhard. Our mission will be successful if you will join us in fulfilling the dream of enhancing Dick's works around the globe.

—Subir Chowdhury
Novi, Michigan
Christmas 2001
email: [email protected]