The Arc of Ambition Defining the Leadership Journey

by Champy, James; Nohria, Nitin

• ISBN13: 9780471530206
• ISBN10: 0471530204
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-08-30
• Publisher: WILEY

Summary

The Arc of Ambition is aimed at all those who dream of achieving greatness in any field. It is a handbook of lessons derived from the lives of great achievers past and present. The principles of this book come not from conventional psychology (clinical or theoretical) but from life experiences. They are derived from the authors long observation of ambitious people, both past and present in all walks of life. The Arc of Ambition takes us on a journey through the creative process that transforms dreams into reality. Showcasing the life-changing experiences of dozens of contemporary and historical figures from the worlds of business, politics, science and the arts, The Arc of Ambition is an inspirational and practical guide to harnessing your ambition in order to live up to your highest potential and leave a legacy of accomplishment.

Author Biography

<B>JAMES CHAMPY</B> is chairman of Cambridge-based Perot Systems Consulting Practice, and a pioneer of the reengineering movement. Co-author of the bestselling <I>Reengineering the Corporation</I> and author of <I>Reengineering Management</I>, he lives in Boston, Massachusetts. <BR> <B>NITIN NOHRIA</B> is Richard P. Chapman professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. The author of over seventy-five articles and several books, including the award-winning <I>The Differentiated Network</I>, he lives in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Without ambition, no conquest are made, no lands discovered, no businesses created.
Ambition is the root of all achievement.	1	(22)
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.
See what others dont't.	23	(28)
It takes a strong character and a lot of willpower to hold onto a dream under adverse circumstances.
Follow a steadfast path.	51	(20)
Opportunity knocks with all the termerity of a brown trout hiding in an overfished stream.
Seize the moment.	71	(26)
History is a long list of warnings about the folly of overreaching.
Temper ambition.	97	(18)
Greatness must be driven by a purpose beyond money.
Inspire with a greater purpose.	115	(26)
Compromise is bad for ambition.
Never violate values.	141	(22)
Power comes from other people.
Keep control by giving it up.	163	(20)
Reinvention is the key to longevity.
Change or die.	183	(24)
The dead can't lead the living.
Leave gracefully.	207	(28)
Epilogue	235	(6)
Sources and Recommended Reading	241	(16)
Index	257