If a new senior manager wanted a recommendation for a single book on how to become a superb leader I would unhesitatingly point her or him to this remarkable title.

Semler took over the family business in Brazil. This engineering company was as low on trust as an organization could be. The management protected itself by searching workers as they left to make sure they weren't stealing. The workers protected themselves by being rigidly unionized. In a high inflation economy something had to give. Chances are it should have been the company. Instead Semler brought in a remarkable transformation. It took time and it took pain, but after it, the company was something completely different.

By basing a new culture around trust and information, Semler made the company work as an organic unit. Trust become so strong that many individuals set their own salary - but the corresponding level of information meant that everyone knew what everyone else was paid. Overrate yourself at your peril. Similarly the old policies and procedures manual was thrown out in favour of a few cartoons.

Most people's reaction is 'there are some great ideas but of course it wouldn't work in __' (insert the name of your organization. Forget it. It can work. And the benefits would be phenomenal. Read this book - but be aware you'll never look at your existing organization the same again.

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