Wave Rider: Leadership for High Performance in a Self-Organizing World

Owen originally pioneered the concept of Open Space Technology (OST) as a method for conducting meetings through "chaos, order and the creative process," and his new volume applies OST to day-to-day management and leadership within an organization. Using the analogy of a wave rider or surfer as a distinct model of efficiency, the author explains how managers can be productive, establish critical community bonds and create passion for a singular cause that invites others to participate. While the essence of "wave riding" is knowing that a plan is a map and not the actual territory, these leadership concepts also stress planning, hard work and logic as well. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Wave Rider is about leveraging the power of self-organization for high performance in all sizes and types of organizations. Harrison Owen the originator of the internationally popular Open Space Technology organizational change method, shows that self-organization is the most powerful force in organizations but a force that is often muffled by well meaning yet constricting management and leadership practices. Using his unique and interesting folksy writing style he reveals that self-organization is the magic behind the immense success of Open Space Technology, and he applies the principles of Open Space Technology to day-to-day management and leadership (not just to meetings and change programs, which is where open space technology has previously been most used).