The Power of We: Succeeding Through Partnerships

This is a book that addresses the vital function of "Being a good neighbor is good business"

Hotelier Jonathan Tisch has little but contempt for the slash-and-burn business leaders of the '90s. Now-disgraced CEOs such as Sunbeam's Al Dunlap, Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski and Enron's Jeff Skilling embraced a new form of libertarianism, running their companies to enrich themselves. Tisch, head of the Loews Hotels chain, touts a different kind of capitalism, in which companies embrace the idea of cooperation and partnership instead of a strategy of winning at all costs. Tisch offers a compelling argument that this kinder and gentler approach is more profitable in the long run. He includes plenty of very interesting examples of partnership at his own company, although these tales can seem a bit self-serving. We recommend this intriguing title to managers who are interested in profits, but not profits at any cost.

Much like the hotels he operates, Mr. Tisch's book does not disappoint. He was very generous with sharing information and offering an "insider's" perspective on a variety of businesses, situations, as well as his illustrious family. I was truly surprised that a "business" book could be so engaging, personal and unintimidating...and I got a lot out of it. It is clear that Mr. Tisch is the real deal and that he not only embraces the power of partnerships...he embodies it.

The 21st Century will be the age of alliances as few organizations( or countries for that matter) will have the resouces to reach their goals by themselves. Jonathan Tisch's, "The Power of We," is quite timely as it helps the reader with both minset and practical tips on partnerships. From his belief that, deep down most people are idealistic, to the positive dynamic tension in the relationship between the Loews Hotels Home Office staff and the General Managers who have substantial authority and responsibility (noting also that the hotel president spends a substantial amount of time monitoring this structure) Jonathan Tisch offers practical and philosophical advise that I have found relevent in the not-for- profit world. Mr Tisch covers both the short term expedient partnerships such as changing their dinning room into a cabaret and the long term partnership issues where he notes the critical importance of aligning the plans and actions of managers with the objectives of ownership without unnecessarily stifling the manager's individual creativity ( the identical statement can be made in the not- for- profit world, just substitute the Board of Directors for the Owners). I have enjoyed this book and would reccomend it to those of us in the not-for-profit world as well.

i live on martha's vineyard. an island comprised of six small towns. perhaps, because we are an Island...or just perhaps, people are just a touch more kinder here, all Vineyarders know the Power of We. In 1998, when a long time Island family lost one of their sons in a car accident, the Island virtually stopped for a week. The ranks swelled around our friends to protect, comfort, nuture and support them. Meals showed up on their doorstep nightly. Donations were made to build a new hockey rink in honor of their son. Examples like this abound here. Whether it's coming together in a time of tragedy or to build affordable homes for local residents...we live the Power of WE. Mr. Tisch's book hit home. I feel it would be a better world if everyone could take away the positivity and constructive nature of Mr. Tisch's words. I especially liked Tisch's Tips. The Power of We should be the instruction manual for moving forward in this confused, often scary world.