The Future
of Success

by Robert B. Reich

A = Must Read

B = Put it on Your List

C = Underwhelming

D = Not Even Summer Reading

F = I'm Sorry I Read it

Although the title is overly ambitious, The Future of Success is an interesting commentary on our changing workplace. The author, Robert Reich, a Brandeis University professor, was the Secretary of Labor during President Clinton's first term. Consumed by work and neglecting his family, Reich decided that the toll was too great and left his cabinet position to return to academia and write this book.

Reich's work is important because he explains the drivers of our new economy with its great consumer deals, endless work weeks and vanishing job security. In this new world, rewards are given for results, not seniority within a company. We can conclude therefore, that since teams are typically formed to achieve specific results, they will continue to be an important organizational structure in the new economy.

Increased competition is driving most businesses to focus on results. This philosophy favors a results-based organization structure in which teams are the basic building block.

Although the reader expects Reich to end his book with stunning insight on balancing the vast benefits of the new economy with its requirement of personal sacrifice, the author provides no specific recommendations. Instead, the disappointing last chapter provides some vague recommendations for increased dialogue and improved public policy. Nevertheless, the book's compelling content makes up for its tepid epilogue.

Reich's background gives him unique qualifications to describe the driving forces behind our new workplace. I recommend that you put this on your list.

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