The Soft Edge by Rich Karlgaard

With a forward by Tom Peters (author of “In Search of Excellence”) and an afterword by Clayton Christensen (“The Innovator’s Dilemma”), Rich Karlgaard writes a book that rivals these authors in depth of perception as relates to determining factors for success in the enterprise. He does so by adding, and artfully arguing for a third leg in the business stool of success – company values (strategy and execution being the first two). This he calls the “soft edge” of company performance.

Company values, in Karlgaard’s definition, consist of the staple attributes of trust and teamwork, but he adds a few others which uniquely define his characterization. These include Taste (a sensibility in how products and solutions are designed and the emotional reaction they evoke) as well as a Story, which Karlgaard relates to how compelling, enduring and appealing is a company’s narrative about itself.

“The Soft Edge” will likely surprise you in how easily Karlgaard is able to convey rich, thought-provoking insights in language that is direct and easily digested. An excellent book to add to your nightstand reading library.