Unleashing Innovation: How Whirlpool Transformed an Industry

by Deborah L. Duarte, Nancy Tennant Snyder, Deborah Duarte

Book Overview

In publications such as BusinessWeek and Fast Company , the media have celebrated Whirlpool's transformation into a leading-edge innovator and Nancy Tennant Snyder's role as chief innovation officer. Ten years after this remarkable transformation, Unleashing Innovation tells the inside story of one of the most successful innovation turnarounds in American history. Nancy Tennant Snyder and coauthor Deborah L. Duarte reveal how Whirlpool undertook one...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470192402
• ISBN13: 9780470192405
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The Bible on Innovation

Though a voracious reader, I must confess that this is the first time I have reviewed a book; however, this book had such an impact on me I felt compelled to do so! I have been active in the innovation space for almost two decades now and have never before come across such a thoughtful and practical book. Unleashing Innovation is one of those rare business books that live up to what the title promises. With the same profound insight, simplicity, and uncommon sense that propelled the authors' earlier book -- Strategic Innovation -- to worldwide acclaim, this paradigm-changing book details a seven-step approach that blends strategic, organizational, and emotional elements into a holistic and seamless process. Unleashing Innovation shows readers how to embed innovation into an organization, thereby making it the responsibility of every employee in the company. More specifically, it explains: how to get the 'embedment' process started; how to give it purpose and direction (i.e., how to build a strategic architecture); how to align management systems to ensure they compliment and support the embedment initiative; how to gain and sustain momentum once the embedment process has taken root; how to use creativity and innovation to enrich the lives of all involved. If ever there was a time when creativity and innovation was necessary for the survival and growth of any organization, it is now. This landmark book, more than any other I know, arms you with the tools to embed innovation into the DNA of your organization, and in so doing, ensure its long-term survival. Read and enjoy!

A how to guide for innovation

Dr Snyder and Duarte have written a fascinating "how-to guide" on developing and nurturing innovation. Most importantly the book highlights tips and techniques that can be applied to all companies not just high flying Internet firms (like Google) that are often too hard to replicate in other organizations. I particularly like the chapter on Management Systems - the "invisible scaffolding that surrounds the innovation initiative". It provoked me to think more holistically about the levers available in my company and not just focus on the usual suspects. I also found that it was not just a tale of success but tried to be realistic about failures and lessons learned as well. Overall, a great quick read for those in the innovation field and who live outside of Silicon Valley.

People Support What They Help Create

No 'rocket science' here...Just plain old common sense applied to one of the country's iconic brands by the insider, Snyder (incidentally, one of the top innovation authorities on the planet) and an external advisor. Not management fiction, but an inthralling story from someone who was as the 'tip of the spear' writing about something real that actually happened. Results can be seen by anyone, anywhere Whirlpool is sold! Solid, practical step-by-step information about how a sleepy brand was awakened by its people once they were asked to participate by an enlightened Chairman & CEO with the assistance of his 'Chief Organization Development Officer', Dr. Snyder. Bravo, Whirlpool!

Making the impossible look easy

This is the amazing story of how a "rust belt" manufacturer decides to stop creating commodities and tap the talents of its employees to become a new kind of company. The innovation this book describes is so unique because it doesnt' come from the top down--Whirlpool turned to its employees for new ideas, and some of its most successful products came from the shop floor. Personally, I think the message of this book has the potential to help restore American manufacturing to the dominant role it once had, and I hope more people step up and take notice of this success story. Read it!