The Innovation Paradox: The Success of Failure, the Failure of Success

Richard Farson and Ralph Keyes are unique thinkers whose refreshing insights and reflections on how we live our lives - what we bring to our workplaces and relationships -are paradoxically simple and complex. On page 129 they caution about "learning how not to be shattered by the humiliation of failure or unnerved by the stress of success," a running theme. They see the two, failure and success, as two sides of the same coin. The primary focus of The Innovation Paradox is on business but the lessons transcend management and leadership in the workplace. For example, you will be fascinated to read on page 45 that "it's unlikely our friendship will survive a friend's triumph." This slim 129 page book is one that you will dog ear and come back to time and again. You will find yourself alternately scratching your head (huh?), nodding in knowing agreement (aha!), and getting angry (agghh); and having a lot of fun along the way. I highly recommend this book that delivers uncomfortable truths, knowing wisdom and uncommon common sense.

I was first drawn to this book when I was writing a college research paper on the topic of "Success". This book is extremely intersting in that it documents exellent, real-world examples of how failure leads to success (as well as the paradox, how too much success can/will lead to failure). I found this book to be a quick and easy read that caused me to question our societal norms and values in the subjects of success and failure. On another note, I think that this book can be particularly useful to people who are perfectionists or who are stressed out about their need to succeed in whatever they are doing. This book helps to demonstrate that succeeding in everything is not always the route to being "successful" in the long run, and that playing it safe can end up costing you later on. Thus, if you have any interest in the subjects of success/failure, economics, business, psycology or really any other topic...I would recommend this book. Definately glad I read it. Helped me to "succeed" in my paper about success.

Where was this book when I started my career. Ralph Keyes & Richard Farson have created a path that needs to be followed. I remember begging for forgiveness on a regular basis waiting for the hatchet to fall. The insight and clairity of this book is inspiring. If you find yourself standing on the "razors edge" and you need that little push, pick up this book and devour it. You will ask yourself why you didn't jump years ago. A true "must read" for all managers and executives who want to survive in todays economy. You are your own worst enemy if you walk the path that is worn thin, find the alternative paths that makes you heart pound with energy and you will find excitement and true fulfillment. Ralph and Richard have given us that push.

Success and failure are two sides of the same coin. That for me sums up the essence of this book. Failing is succeeding and suceeding leads to failure. Farson articulates the essential paradox of success and its elusive quality explaining why it so often escapes us when we grab for it. Farson also provides an excellent treatment of risk and fear which go hand and with success and failure. In short, he makes the case for being fully engaged in the moment with less attachment to outcome. No formulas or how-to lists here; it's a philisophical treatise and one of the most stimulating and best written business books I have read in a long time.

This is a great book and a quick read. Be ready to do some deep thinking though. This book will make you consider the metal modals that you use to measure success and failure. In the light of the dot com meltdown this book seems very timely. Companies with no operating history or sustainable operating model were called success and become the companies to emulate. Most of the dot coms are gone now and WorldCom and Enron are known to be what they are it seems very timely to look at success and failure.Reading this book also makes you look at your life in a different way when reviewing past events. As you review your personal history you may find that what you thought to be a big failure was in fact the thing that led to recent success. One of the key take a ways of this book for me was that was those I consider successful often view not trying as the opposite of success rather then failure. For these folks the failures are the mile markers on the way to success.This is a great book because it makes you look hard at success and failure and consider what they mean in you life. Highly recommended.