Archive for May, 2011

At PAI we strive to always be learning. And with a mission of continual growth, we are constantly looking for new opportunities to glean insight and wisdom. Below are a selection of the titles which have influenced our culture. They are filled with invigorating concepts which have informed our vision and mission.

Tribal Leadership

People gravitate towards particular groups, forming “tribes.” The authors of Tribal Leadership delineate the types of tribes, their traits, and how an organization can leverage these natural groups to maximize growth and teamwork. Tribal Leadership describes the five levels of team development, and then offers a blueprint for how to move tribes from average to outstanding performers.

Delivering Happiness

Inspired by Tribal Leadership, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, shares his business lessons-learned in Delivering Happiness. Hsieh is known for creating an outstanding corporate culture, which is largely responsible for his company’s success. In Delivering Happiness, this proven leader teaches us how focusing on the personalities within an organization can translate into financial profit.

The Great Game of Business

The Great Game of Business remains a powerful guide to creating a profitable company even twenty-years after its initial publication. In it, Jack Stack touts open-book management. He illustrates that sharing with employees the big picture empowers them to take greater responsibility for their roles within an organization, and to creatively contribute to the company’s vision. When the financials of an organization are revealed to employees, they gain a greater understanding of the causes and effects of their everyday actions. At that point, an employee is transformed into a team member, and the company becomes stronger.

At PAI, our open-book pricing philosophy takes heavily from this partnership-building concept.

Good To Great

Why is it that a poorly performing company is more likely to become great than a company which is doing “ok?” That is the question, Jim Collins asked. His extensive research, which provided the interesting answer, is found in Good To Great. Many times “good” is the enemy of “great” because it creates complacency. Very rarely does a company transition from good to great. In this best-seller, which has broad application for individuals and companies alike, Collins defines the factors that influence companies that have successfully reached the level of great.

Our goal at PAI, is to never accept “good,” but rather to strive for “great,” offering our partners valuable solutions, and delivering beyond expectations.

Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow

In his book, Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow, Chip Conley explores psychologist Abraham Maslow’s pyramid based theory of the hierarchy of human needs. There are applications for Maslow’s principles for everyone from employees to customers. By understanding the hierarchy of human needs, a company can achieve greater growth, and create a positive atmosphere. At its core, Peak is about bringing out the best in employees and customers.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives

Humans perennially quest to determine the meaning of life. In Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman challenges the reader to find that meaning moment by moment. By living in the “present,” a person can be purposeful about each activity in which they engage. Millman explains how living this way leads to a greater happiness and fulfillment.