The Randori Principles

Out of the chaos of business change, mergers, acquisitions, and upheavals, leaders continually seek practical new ways of thinking about-and doing-business. Many will identify with this description: "Suddenly you are attacked from multiple directions at once, seemingly with no pattern or reason. Unrelenting, simultaneous, and armed, the attacks keep coming.

The solution draws from ancient Aikido principles. It is called Randori. In the above attack, consider: "Instead of panicking or flailing, you respond effortlessly and impeccably. Each movement, each technique you bring forward perfectly parries every force you encounter. You flow with the attacks, almost without thought, and in doing so rise brilliantly above the flurry of opposition." THAT is Randori.

Applying The Randori Principles to business is a perfect match, for Aikido is about mastering the chaos of multiple attacks, the scenario facing companies daily. Leaders will learn to: *Apply the right action, right timing, and right use of power. *Bring focus to leadership. *Master Irimi-the use of the single sword strike. *Turn resistance into collaboration. *Know when to disengage.

Coauthors Baum and Hassinger identify essential techniques and encourage heightened awareness in 60 time-tested management lessons. Their fast-paced and refreshingly brief scenarios are rich with action ideas to try.