The Innovation Paradox: The Success of Failure, the Failure of Success

The book's message is simple and direct: failure is not only an option, it is a part of life. It's how we learn, a tool for making ourselves better at what we do. The book itself spares us the typical executive what-made-me-a-success chest thumping and exhortations to "think outside the box" (which is rarely outside the box anyhow). Instead, it sticks to common sense, and is brief enough to be read in one or two sittings.

Sewell, NJ

I enjoyed this book. As a long term survivor of the innovation minefield of the corporate world, I found it right on the mark. The author's gift is illustration...It's chuck full of anecdotes that brilliantly illustrate each premise, very much like the stories my retired-executive MBA professors told in order to teach management principles. I found it affirming and entertaining.

Troy, OH

What I most like about this book was its simple message and the way they showed how many places it applies in your daily life. It provided a good way to look at your past in a more neutral way. Instead of looking at things as bad when you fail or good when you succeed, it provided an alternative to learn from both your success and your failure. It has had a calming affect on me when things happen to me. The book has lead to a more reflective view of the world (what is there to learn) rather than reacting to the success or failure by being emotionally attached to what had just occurred. Sometimes looking at the most basic of ideas in a new and obvious way is most enlightening.

That’s why I bought eight copies to give our company’s directors.

San Francisco

I have given a copy to each of my partners and am sending one to each of my nephews who are in college. Innovation is the buzz word in our office and has been for about two years. There is great concern regarding our overly rigid management systems, and the loss of inventiveness. I think your book addresses these issues very clearly.

Chicago, IL

One of the five best books I’ve ever read.

Marin County, CA

[This] book changed the way I think about progress … parts of I read out loud to [my wife].

Boulder, CO

What an amazing jewel and gift. While reading it, I felt like the words were right at the tip of my own tongue. It has all of my feelings bottled into a perfect sized read.

Montreal, Canada

Thank you for writing The Innovation Paradox as I read it with much pleasure and it inspired me in many ways. It also inspired me to take more risks.

Amsterdam, Holland

As someone who is at midlife and evaluating what the second half of his life should look like, I found tremendous inspiration in the lessons of "Mistakes."

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