The Arc of Ambition

The Arc of Ambition is aimed at all those who dream of achieving greatness in any field. It is a handbook of lessons derived from the lives of great achievers past and present. The principles of this book come not from conventional psychology (clinical or theoretical) but from life experiences. They are derived from the authors long observation of ambitious people, both past and present in all walks of life.
The Arc of Ambition takes us on a journey through the creative process that transforms dreams into reality. Showcasing the life-changing experiences of dozens of contemporary and historical figures from the worlds of business, politics, science and the arts, The Arc of Ambition is an inspirational and practical guide to harnessing your ambition in order to live up to your highest potential and leave a legacy of accomplishment.Zwei Spitzenautoren liefern hier eine innovative und inspirierende Analyse der prägenden Momente und Wendepunkte im Leben von Führungskräften. Dabei stützten sie sich auf Originalinterviews mit Personen aus der Geschäftswelt, Politik, Wissenschaft und den Schönen Künsten: von Keats bis Gates, von Michael Dell bis Thomas Jefferson, von Henry Ford bis Napoleon. "The Arc of Ambition" ist eine Entdeckungsreise zu den 14 'Moments of Truth', den Augenblicken der Wahrheit, mit denen jede Führungskraft im Laufe ihrer Karriere konfrontiert wird. Darüber hinaus werden auch einige grundlegende Weisheiten über die Kunst des Führens enthüllt, wie z.B. die Fähigkeit, an einem Traum festzuhalten und ihn Realität werden zu lassen, zu wissen, wann es Zeit ist für Veränderungen, oder wann es an der Zeit ist, das Kommando abzugeben.
Dieses Buch soll eine neue Generation von Führungskräften inspirieren, die sich den Widersprüchen und dem Konkurrenzdruck stellen, die die komplexe Beziehung zwischen dem Einzelnen und dem Unternehmen mit sich bringt. Eine unverzichtbare Lektüre für jede aufstrebende Führungskraft. Without ambition, no conquests are made, no lands discovered, no businesses created.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.

It takes a strong character and a lot of willpower to hold onto a dream under adverse circumstances.

Opportunity knocks with all the temerity of a brown trout hiding in an overfished stream.

History is a long list of warnings about the folly of overreaching.

Greatness must be driven by a purpose beyond money.

Compromise is bad for ambition.

Power comes from other people.

Reinvention is the key to longevity.

The dead can't lead the living. "Champy takes us on a marvellous wander through history and contemporary life...This is fascinating stuff. This is entertainment that different people will take different lessons from." (Computing, 23rd February 2001)

"A practical study of achievement." (People Management, March 2001)

"I can recommend The Arc of Ambition..... There is something for everything in the work and this helps to make the book a highly entertaining read." (Pipeline, May 2001)

"Few will fail to find something of value in this very readable book." (Supply Management, 10th May 2001)

"In a market saturated with leadership books Mr Champy and Mr Nohria have taken a new tack, choosing to examine the motivation of people who have a desire to lead. Mr Champy says the arc is an ideal model because it recognises that careers will peak at some point, then fall back." (Financial Times, 13th June 2001) JAMES CHAMPY is chairman of Cambridge-based Perot Systems Consulting Practice, and a pioneer of the reengineering movement. Co-author of the bestselling Reengineering the Corporation and author of Reengineering Management, he lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
NITIN NOHRIA is Richard P. Chapman professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. The author of over seventy-five articles and several books, including the award-winning The Differentiated Network, he lives in Lexington, Massachusetts. "I love this book for at least two big reasons. First, it is original, the first graphic definition of the role of ambition, not only for leadership but for success in life. The second, and related, genius of this book is the range of leaders and high flyers the authors discuss, from Michael Dell to Thomas Jefferson, from Henry Ford to Napoleon. Essential reading for aspiring leaders, from senior executives to undergraduates." Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business, University of Southern California, and co-author of Organizing Genius and Co-Leaders.
What drives some individuals to accomplish spectacular achievements, to fulfill aspirations beyond anyone's wildest expectations and make a lasting impression upon the people and institutions around them? For internationally renowned management experts, Jim Champy and Nitin Nohria, the key ingredient is ambition. Everyone has a dream, but very few have the courage and persistence to fulfill it. The Arc of Ambition takes us on a journey through the creative process that tranforms dreams into reality. Showcasing the life-changing experiences of dozens of contemporary and historical figures from the worlds of business, politics, science, and the arts, The Arc of Ambition is an inspirational and practical guide to harnessing your ambition in order to live up to your highest potential and leave a legacy of accomplishment.