Out of the shadows

Art Kleiner's book, Who Really Matters: The Core Group Theory of Power, Privilege, and Success would not normally be on my reading list, as it appears at face value to be something vaguely to do with management theory. The book provides a perspective on the shadow group who somehow exert influence over an organisation's personality; they form the "Core Group" and it is their needs that the organisation really serves.

So who constitutes this select band? Throughout the book we will all recognise examples of our work colleagues from the apparently all-powerful personal assistant to the person who keeps saying they really value a new initiative but does nothing to support it. These people influence how the organisation operates and can prove more influential to initiating change than a room full of powerless directors.

One of my favourite chapters, "Doggie Treats", is particularly relevant to many in the construction industry. It illustrates that volume (eg how much money you are billing or how much a project appears to be worth) is not necessarily a sign of a business's good health or good attitude. Kleiner demonstrates that while the company might publicly say one thing (for example advocate collaborative working); the core group might actually have a very different agenda. And he shows that it is this agenda that will ultimately dictate the personality of the organisation.

Kleiner also skilfully draws the reader into examining how they actually fit within core group theory, and where their own personality might place them. In the chapter "Welchism" (a nod to Jack Welch, 1980s CEO of General Electric who tore the firm's tried-and-tested management systems to shreds), Kleiner illustrates that the "cost in use" of applying radical, innovative techniques can be huge - and in the long term actually damage, not protect, the company's well-being. Kleiner supplies telling examples of the needs of the core group supplanting the needs of the firm.

You should certainly take a look at this book, and, if possible, drop a copy on the desk of that manager who blathers on about the 'team', but who is really just taking care of their bonus. Or why not strive to become a member of the core group yourself and start the revolution from within?