The Milkshake Moment, Steven S. Little, John Wiley, S$32.95 w/o GST

Expanding on the author’s frustrating personal anecdote on ordering a simple milkshake through room service, the book sheds light on how well-intended systems meant to amplify satisfaction can backfire and create the opposite effect for employees and consumers.

The coined term, “The Milkshake Moment” is explained by Little as the critical point in time when a brave individual action, big or small, goes beyond status quo and furthers the cause of growth in an organisation.

With organisation growth as its main theme, Little provides a humourous, yet informative take on how managers can identify and overcome stuffy behaviours and arcane rules built into the organisation and propel it towards substantive change and growth.

An easy read injected with snazzy insights and packed with “Mix It Up!” application nuggets every other chapter, Little proves that gearing up for growth does not need to be a stifling and rigid affair. – Chrystal Chua

Bookmark this!

Growth is not an easy journey, and the way a leader deals with difficult choices and his reaction to adversity can either create opportunities or sink the company. On making wise decisions, Little suggests to “hone your judgment skills through experience to enhance your wisdom and thereby grow your organisation”.

Think again – ‘Innovate’ your processes and harvest untouched wealth, Roger La Salle, Rudders RLS, S$15.90 incl GST

Because publicly-listed companies are looking at a life expectancy of 55 years, a business must constantly reinvent itself to stay relevant. Think again says the fear of competition is the driving force behind innovation. To prove this theory right, the book has compiled several case studies of corporate giants such as Nokia, General Electric and IBM, that successfully “disrupt themselves and radically change for the better”.

Think again also defines “innovation” as a call to action, making changes to what exists – whether it is a product, process or service. Learn how to find a better way of doing things, and reinvent the process of accomplishing it. The book uses La Salle Process Innovation Matrix to illustrate on how to achieve innovation alongside costs and efficiency.

The book also touches on obtaining “buy-in” and commitment from staff at all levels to play their part in improving what they do in the company. This is definitely a good read for senior management who are tasked to lead the push for innovation and employee engagement. - Lee Xieli

Bookmark this!

One way to kick-start the innovation process is to examine aspects of the work process which causes frustration. Needs are not being met when people curse at things which frustrate them, so keeping a lookout for employee fustration can be one of the most valuable sources of innovation opportunities.