Book of the Month – August 2023

In Practically Radical, William C. Taylor, the New York Times bestselling co-author of Mavericks at Work offers a refreshing, rigorous new look at pragmatic ways to shake things up and make positive change in difficult times.
Exploring how twenty-five for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations—including IBM, Zappos, Swatch, the Girl Scouts, and Interpol—made remarkable strides in tough circumstances, Practically Radical raises (and answers) the make-or-break questions facing today’s leaders in every field:

• Do you see opportunities the competition doesn’t see? The most successful organizations embrace one-of-a-kind ideas in a world filled with “me-too” thinking.
• Do you have new ideas about where to look for new ideas? Routine practices in one field can be revolutionary when they migrate to another.
• Are you the most of anything? In business today, the middle of the road is the road to ruin.
• Are you getting the best contributions from the most people? Change is not a game best played by loners.

“Practically Radical: Not-So-Crazy Ways to Transform Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry, and Challenge Yourself” is a book written by William C. Taylor, published in 2011. It explores the concept of innovation and provides practical advice for individuals and companies looking to bring about meaningful change in their organizations and industries.

The book argues that in today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. It encourages readers to adopt a mindset of radical thinking and offers insights into how to challenge conventional wisdom and break through the barriers that hold organizations back.

William Taylor draws on real-world examples of successful companies and leaders who have embraced unconventional strategies to achieve remarkable results. Through these case studies, he identifies common patterns and principles that can be applied to any organization, regardless of its size or industry.

The book emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of innovation and empowering employees at all levels to contribute their ideas and perspectives. It explores various aspects of transformation, including strategic vision, customer focus, talent management, and operational excellence.

“Practically Radical” provides a roadmap for readers to navigate the complex process of change, offering practical tools, frameworks, and actionable insights. It encourages risks and to think differently, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo in order to drive growth and success in today’s dynamic business environment.

“Practically Radical: Not-So-Crazy Ways to Transform Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry, and Challenge Yourself” by William C. Taylor is a thought-provoking book that provides practical advice for individuals and organizations seeking to drive innovation and meaningful change. Through engaging storytelling and real-world examples, Taylor challenges conventional approaches and encourages readers to adopt a radical mindset. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of innovation, empowering employees, and challenging the status quo.

Taylor’s use of diverse case studies adds depth to the book, showcasing successful companies and leaders who have embraced unconventional strategies. This provides inspiration and valuable insights into the mindset and actions required to drive innovation. The book’s accessible writing style and logical progression of ideas make complex concepts easy to understand and apply.

“Practically Radical” is a valuable resource for business professionals and leaders across industries and organizations of all sizes. It offers practical strategies, actionable insights, and a roadmap for transformation. If you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, and real-world examples of successful change, this book is an engaging and worthwhile read.

William C. Taylor is a cofounder of Fast Company and coauthor (with Polly LaBarre) of Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win. A graduate of Princeton University and the MIT Sloan School of Management, he hosts a blog on being “Practically Radical” on Harvard Business Online. He lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with his wife and two daughters.