"Chip Conley gives a brilliant analysis of the absolute necessity of Maslow's hierarchical paradigm in unleashing the talent and commitment of customers, employees, owners—in fact, stakeholders. Great resource material for leaders, trainers, educators, even parents. Chip practices in his hotels what he teaches—most successfully!"

—Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleand The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

"Chip Conley presents a creative and thought-provoking new approach to running a business. He brilliantly applies Abraham Maslow's theories to management and provides insightful prescriptions that will help you gain peak performance in your company. Conley's depth and candor make this book a must-read for everyone who wants to improve their organization."

—Bill George, former CEO, Medtronic and author, Authentic Leadershipand True North

"One of the best business books I've read. A unique combination of organized intelligence and creative insight. I guarantee it!"

—George Zimmer, CEO and chairman, Men's Wearhouse, Inc.

"Strategy? Got one. Tactics? Check. But there's one more key element without which you won't get anywhere: Motivation. Peak will show you how to create motivated employees, customers, and investors, and tells the story of how one spectacular entrepreneur does it by treating people right—and how they return the favor."

—Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief, Wiredmagazine and author, The Long Tail

"Chip Conley's book is a perfect combination: part personal story, part business theory, and part how-to instruction. Peak combines head, heart, and soul for today's aspiring business leader. Don't just read this book—do it!"

—Alan M. Webber, former editorial director, Harvard Business Reviewand co-founding editor, Fast Company

Part memoir, part theory, and part application, the book tells of Joie de Vivre's remarkable transformation while providing real world examples from other companies and showing how readers can bring about similar changes in their work and personal lives. Conley explains how to understand the motivations of employees, customers, bosses, and investors, and use that understanding to foster better relationships and build an enduring and profitable corporate culture.

—Chip Conley

After a long climb to the pinnacle of the hospitality industry, Chip Conley—CEO and founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality—was rocked to his foundation by a dramatic economic downturn. His company was suddenly undercapitalized and overexposed in the post-dot.com, post-9/11 economy. This desperate situation made Conley reaffirm his belief in psychologist Abraham Maslow's iconic concept of the Hierarchy of Needs and rely on Maslow's theory of human motivation to help his business flourish once more.

In Peak, Conley explores how Joie de Vivre —the second largest boutique hotelier in the world—overcame the storm that hit the travel industry by applying translations of Maslow's ideas to his company's winning business practices. Part memoir, part theory, and always practical, accessible, and engaging, Peak offers a behind-the-scenes look at Joie de Vivre's remarkable transformation. By creating loyalty with employees, customers, and investors, Conley was able to turn his company around and experience sustained success.

Throughout the book, Chip Conley provides real-world examples from other companies including Google, Whole Foods Market, Harley-Davidson, and Southwest Airlines, and shows how anyone can bring similar changes to their own work and personal lives. Peakreveals the miracle of human potential and shows what can happen when employees live up to their full potential, customers are completely transformed by the experience they receive, and investors are fulfilled by leveraging the potential of their capital.

Whether you are a start-up entrepreneur or in management at a Fortune 500 company, the principles outlined in Peakwill help you maximize your own potential and the potential of those around you.

PART ONE: MASLOW AND ME.

1: Toward a Psychology of Business.

2: Karmic Capitalism.

3: The Relationship Truths.

PART TWO: RELATION SHIP TRUTH 1 : THE EMPLOYEE PYRAMID.

4: Creating Base Motivation.

5: Creating Loyalty.

6: Creating Inspiration.

PART THREE: RELATIONSHIP TRUTH 2 : THE CUSTOMER PYRAMID.

7: Creating Satisfaction.

8: Creating Commitment.

9: Creating Evangelists.

PART FOUR: RELATIONSHIP TRUTH 3 : THE INVESTOR PYRAMID.

10: Creating Trust.

11: Creating Confidence.

12: Creating Pride of Ownership.

PART FIVE: PUTTING THE TRUTHS INTO ACTION.

13: The Heart of the Matter.

14: Creating a Self-Actualized Life.

References.

Acknowledgments.

The Author.

Index.