Review
Despite using the word "mojo" in the subtitle and citing inspiration he received from 1960s counterculture icon Timothy Leary, this guide to better management isn't for hippies. Yes, Conley started the California boutique hotel chain Joie de Vivre Hospitality with the Phoenix Hotel, once a haven for faded rock stars. And yes, he quotes liberally from "rebel" CEOs who surf. But Conley's book is packed with thoughtful, instructional stories and advice for entrepreneurs as well as Fortune 500 managers, gleaned from his own experience as well as other business books. At the center of this confessional how-to is psychologist Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a pyramid that ranks human needs from base to self-actualizing. Used as the basis for employee, customer and stakeholder satisfaction, Conley contends, it can transform a business and its people. Though Stephen Covey and Peter Drucker have looked to Maslow before, Conley describes how using the pyramid saved his company from bankruptcy when the dot-com bubble burst. Conley is most successful when he expresses his ideas in numbered lists rather than the wordy passages that slow down the beginning. On the whole, though, his advice is inspiring and accessible. (Sept.) (Publishers Weekly, July 23, 2007)
Review
"Chip Conley gives a brilliant analysis of the absolute necessity of Maslow's hierarchical paradigm in unleashing the talent and commitment of customers, employees, owners—in fact, stakeholders. Great resource material for leaders, trainers, educators, even parents. Chip practices in his hotels what he teaches—most successfully!"
—Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness"Chip Conley presents a creative and thought-provoking new approach to running a business. He brilliantly applies Abraham Maslow's theories to management and provides insightful prescriptions that will help you gain peak performance in your company. Conley's depth and candor make this book a must-read for everyone who wants to improve their organization."
—Bill George, former CEO, Medtronic and author, Authentic Leadership and True North
"One of the best business books I've read. A unique combination of organized intelligence and creative insight. I guarantee it!"
—George Zimmer, CEO and chairman, Men's Wearhouse, Inc.
"Strategy? Got one. Tactics? Check. But there's one more key element without which you won't get anywhere: Motivation. Peak will show you how to create motivated employees, customers, and investors, and tells the story of how one spectacular entrepreneur does it by treating people right—and how they return the favor."
—Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief, Wired magazine and author, The Long Tail
"Chip Conley's book is a perfect combination: part personal story, part business theory, and part how-to instruction. Peak combines head, heart, and soul for today's aspiring business leader. Don't just read this book—do it!"
—Alan M. Webber, former editorial director, Harvard Business Review and co-founding editor, Fast Company
From the Inside Flap
"Peak will help you create peak experiences with those you work with, so that these flourishing relationships will help you sustain peak performance."
—Chip ConleyAfter a long climb to the pinnacle of the hospitality industry, Chip Conley—CEO and founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality—was rocked to his foundation by a dramatic economic downturn. His company was suddenly undercapitalized and overexposed in the post-dot.com, post-9/11 economy. This desperate situation made Conley reaffirm his belief in psychologist Abraham Maslow's iconic concept of the Hierarchy of Needs and rely on Maslow's theory of human motivation to help his business flourish once more.
In Peak, Conley explores how Joie de Vivre —the second largest boutique hotelier in the world—overcame the storm that hit the travel industry by applying translations of Maslow's ideas to his company's winning business practices. Part memoir, part theory, and always practical, accessible, and engaging, Peak offers a behind-the-scenes look at Joie de Vivre's remarkable transformation. By creating loyalty with employees, customers, and investors, Conley was able to turn his company around and experience sustained success.
Throughout the book, Chip Conley provides real-world examples from other companies including Google, Whole Foods Market, Harley-Davidson, and Southwest Airlines, and shows how anyone can bring similar changes to their own work and personal lives. Peak reveals the miracle of human potential and shows what can happen when employees live up to their full potential, customers are completely transformed by the experience they receive, and investors are fulfilled by leveraging the potential of their capital.
Whether you are a start-up entrepreneur or in management at a Fortune 500 company, the principles outlined in Peak will help you maximize your own potential and the potential of those around you.
From the Back Cover
Transform Your Business to Become a Peak Performer"Chip Conley gives a brilliant analysis of the absolute necessity of Maslow's hierarchical paradigm in unleashing the talent and commitment of customers, employees, owners—in fact, stakeholders. Great resource material for leaders, trainers, educators, even parents. Chip practices in his hotels what he teaches—most successfully!"
—Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
"Chip Conley presents a creative and thought-provoking new approach to running a business. He brilliantly applies Abraham Maslow's theories to management and provides insightful prescriptions that will help you gain peak performance in your company. Conley's depth and candor make this book a must-read for everyone who wants to improve their organization."
—Bill George, former CEO, Medtronic and author, Authentic Leadership and True North
"One of the best business books I've read. A unique combination of organized intelligence and creative insight. I guarantee it!"
—George Zimmer, CEO and chairman, Men's Wearhouse, Inc.
"Strategy? Got one. Tactics? Check. But there's one more key element without which you won't get anywhere: Motivation. Peak will show you how to create motivated employees, customers, and investors, and tells the story of how one spectacular entrepreneur does it by treating people right—and how they return the favor."
—Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief, Wired magazine and author, The Long Tail
"Chip Conley's book is a perfect combination: part personal story, part business theory, and part how-to instruction. Peak combines head, heart, and soul for today's aspiring business leader. Don't just read this book—do it!"
—Alan M. Webber, former editorial director, Harvard Business Review and co-founding editor, Fast Company
About the Author
Chip Conley is the founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, California's largest boutique hotel company, consisting of over 40 award-winning hotels, restaurants, and spas. He is the author of The Rebel Rules and Marketing That Matters. Contact him at www.chipconley.com and www.peak-book.com.
