In Search of Excellence

What happens to gazelles? The importance of dynamic management strategy

“…A second group interested in gazelles are management consultants. Since gazelles frequently become a 'brand', about which awareness is high, there is a value for management consultants in being able to distill lessons, or 'best practices', for others from observing the performance of gazelles (Peters and Waterman 1982). The third group interested in gazelles are public policy-makers responsible for economic and, in particular, employment policy.…”

Robust strategies: lessons from GKN 1759–2013

“…144 In terms of scope, GKN could never have survived the nineteenth century shift to steel had it naively 'stuck to its [iron] knitting'. 145 In the nineteenth, twentieth and even twentyfirst centuries, GKN has so far only survived through astute management of typically at least three or four key 'legs' at any point in time. Collins and Porras's equivocal dictum 'Preserve the Core/Stimulate Progress' resonates, but Stadler's more explicit endorsement for diversification is more apposite.…”

Working with a secondary school to improve social relationships, pupil behaviour, motivation and learning

“…One key principal was taken from the world of business, especially Tom Peters' work 'The Pursuit of Excellence' (Peters & Waterman, 2004). Peters makes the point that any successful organisation needs to engage with all those in the organisation to be 'partners in change'.…”

“…They were conscience of their contribution to the eventual policy. This was in essence a consultation with the 'customer', finding out what they wanted (Peters & Waterman, 2004). The teachers were also consulted at all stages of the development, formulation and implementation of the new system.…”