Working the Shadow Side

"Gerry Egan's focus on the shadow side of any organization--theinformal, implicit beliefs and practices that really distinguishone organization from anotheris a valuable insight for anyone whois serious about fundamental change." --Liam Strong, CEO, Sears,PLC "This comprehensive work puts in perspective the tremAndouseconomic benefit that managers can add to their organizations bynot only recognizing the effect of the shadow side, but managing itwell. Egan addresses these subjects in a clear, comprehensive, andcommon-sense manner." --William D. Ford, president, Amoco OilCompany

GERARD EGAN is professor of organization studies and psychology at Loyola University of Chicago. He consults to a variety of organizations worldwide including The World Bank, British Airways, and Amoco Corporation and is the author of numerous books, including the best-selling The Skilled Helper (4th edition, 1990).

Preface xi The Author xv What Goes on in the Shadows 1 What is the Shadow Side? The Covert, Undiscussed, and Undiscussable Things That Drive Your Organization 3 2 Getting Attuned to the Shadows 17 Mining Value from the Shadow Side 3 Uncovering the Economics of the Shadow side 43 4 Becoming an Effective Behind-the-Scenes Manager 55 Revealing Your Organization's Hidden Culture 5 "The Way We Do Things Here": A Primer of Beliefs, Values, and Norms 75 6 Making the Culture Serve Your Business 96 Managing the Shadow Side of People 7 Personal Styles: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Ambiguous 127 8 working with Personal Styles and Promoting Productive Relationships 138 9 In-Groups, Out-Groups, Cliques, and Clubs: Finding Value in Your Organization's Social Realities 164 Positive Political Skills at Work 10 Turf, Power, Agendas, and Resources: The Anatomy of Organizational Politics 195 11 How to Practice Positive Politics 212 Bringing It all Together 12 Making the Hidden Organization Serve the Business 233 13 Epilogue: Making Chaos Your Friend 256 References 267 Index 271