Treat People Right!: How Organizations and Individuals Can Propel Each Other into a Virtuous Spiral of Success

by Edward E. Lawler III

One of the nation's leading management experts shows what it really takes to make a great organization-put people first
How do organizations move beyond merely acknowledging that "human capital" is their greatest asset, and actually implement practices that create true benefits for both employees and the organizations? In this book, Edward Lawler shows how companies can "treat people right" by doing more than simply ensuring good working conditions and good pay. He shows how to build a special relationship between individuals and the organizations they work for-a relationship in which good performance at all levels of the organization pays off for both the company and the individual. The author details specific practices designed to keep employees satisfied but still motivated to continue improving their performance. These techniques include: developing a "brand" as an employer that attracts high achievers, selecting and developing the high achievers, crafting a leadership style that integrates and promotes these actions, and more. Lawler draws on examples from a wide range of companies such as Microsoft, Motorola, IBM, Ford, and others to show how these practices are already at work and successful in some of the world's most enduring organizations. Full of examples and a voice of true conviction, Treat People Right! is a must-have resource for anyone concerned about building and sustaining competitive advantage for the long term.
Edward E. Lawler (Beverly Hills, CA) was named one of the country's leading management experts by BusinessWeek magazine. He is the author of over thirty books, and his articles have appeared in Fortune, the Harvard Business Review, and other national publications. He is Director of the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California (USC) and Professor of Management and Organization in the USC Marshall School of Business.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Management

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2003

Reviews

[Gamingtildawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for leaders or executives in companies that want to create a good environment for associates to prosper and drive the company to its goals. The book goes through 7 principles for treating people right and they are straightforward. The author defines the role of the organization vs the employee. There are good relatable examples. This is a must read for managers trying to put a team together to succeed at a project or to assist with change management.

[Seth Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good leadership book that established a lot of different points from the perspective of an employee, mid-level manager, and senior-level manager. The book is very easy to read and understand for anyone that is currently in a leadership role. I would say this book is essential to read for all levels of managers.

[Javad]

Hi
i am javad
i want to read this book for my master thesis but because of some problems i cant pay for that.
if you can please send the pdf type of this book to my email address.
javadaghazadeh73@yahoo.com

best regards

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lawler presented good discussion points at times, but some of the material was pretty basic / obvious. The book was probably too long for the content presented. I am not sure if I like how the book was organized either — I don’t think it made sense, thematically.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book read for class. This one started out wonderfully but, for me, fell off in the end. Especially in the epilogue, Lawler rails against researchers and authors that create "catch-phrases" and one-step how-to guides. I'm sure he realizes this, but his whole discussion of treating people right and the "virtuous spiral" is just another catch-phrase.

In general, Lawler's premise is a worthy one. Everyone, but especially those of us that are leaders, should make it a practice to treat people right - with respect and dignity. Lawler is quick to point out that leaders should take the appropriate steps to enrich their employees' jobs, empower them, and motivate them (in positive ways, of course). This is good advice.

As the book went on, it just lost its connection with me. I would recommend it...just with the caution that it is not the "one with the answer".