Consultant authors release new management books: 'Provoke' and 'Amplifiers'

Deloitte principals Steve Goldbach and Geoff Tuff have released their second management book – “Provoke: How Leaders Shape the Future by Overcoming Fatal Human Flaws” – while Clarkston Consulting CEO Tom Finegan has released his book “Amplifiers: How Great Leaders Magnify the Power of Teams.”

Goldbach, CSO of Deloitte, and Tuff, a senior leader in Deloitte’s innovation practice, focused their book on overcoming decision paralysis and “wait and see” attitudes in management. The authors believe the best leaders don’t “respond” to trends or wait for the future to arrive – they provoke it.

“’Provoke’ shows leaders how they must be purposeful in shaping the future—intentionally engaging with emerging trends not only to benefit their own organization, but also to make the world a better place,” said Thasunda Duckett, president and CEO, TIAA.

The book starts by outlining ten “fatal” human flaws that prevent managers from taking action and then provides strategies to mitigate behavioral instincts for the status quo. The book then delivers the five “principles of provocation” and highlights numerous case studies of organizations that have successfully provoked action, including Warby Parker and Shake Shack.

“Provoke” also gives profiles of inspirational provocateur executives, including Deborah Bial, founder and president of the Posse Foundation and Ryan Gavel, visionary and champion of the Atlanta Beltline.

Finegan’s book – “Amplify” – delves into the idea of Amplifier individuals who play a crucial role in driving change in organizations.

“Amplifiers aren't titled executives, they are those key individuals that are able to execute the vision of the business with a unique blend of true leadership and strong followership. In this balance, Amplifiers are able to not only grow their own careers, they're able to truly magnify the impact that their teams, peers, mentors, and leaders have on the business," said Finegan, who co-founded Clarkston Consulting in 1991.

Finegan provides a how-to guide on identifying Amplifiers in a business; creating a talent function that attracts and develops Amplifiers; activating Amplifiers to drive sustainable change; and recognizing detractors in an organization and setting them on the path to Amplification.

“This book won't be the typical business book collecting dust on your shelf. ‘Amplifiers’ will inspire readers in all stages of their career to find the boldness to lead and the courage to follow," said Tom Pike, former CEO of Quintiles.

Both books were published by Wiley on September 15.