I have mixed reactions to What Matters Now: How to Win in a World of Relentless Change, Ferocious Competition, and Unstoppable Innovation by Gary Hamel. On the one hand, the book lays out some issues that are going to impact business and non-profit management for the foreseeable future, but that are not effectively addressed in those same organizations. But on the other hand, the issues are well known and often discussed. I agree with Hamel’s perspective that organizations need to be doing more; I disagree that organizations are unaware of the issues. So as I said, I have mixed reactions.

The great thing about Hamel books is that they are entertaining to read. He’s clever, smart, witty, and has an ease of writing that doesn’t feel like some old dusty textbook. I learn something each time I pick up one of his books.

The weakness in his books is that they are often preaching from the same script. Apple is phenomenal. Google is brilliant. Gore-Tex is radical. And so forth. These are all well known management models that, frankly, I’m getting bored with.

The other weakness — and this is more of a personal situation issue for me — is that his books have little to offer a small business. By “small” I do not mean under 1000 employees. Or even under 100 employees. I mean the businesses and non-profit groups that have 1-10 people. It’s not so much that Hamel’s ideas are unhelpful, it’s that they aren’t addressed to this group. He talks in terms of strategy workshops and HR departments and rooms filled with cubicles. Maybe that’s where most folks work (though I doubt it) but in my world there are mom-pop businesses and small non-profit startups that need a lot of help. Hamel’s book often miss that mark.

But on balance, this is a fun and interesting read. I like his style and his approach to solving problems. He’s willing to learn from others (a rarity among some consultant types) and he’s quick to spot a trend. I’m not a huge fan, but I do feel that reading a Hamel book every now and then is a good way to stay in touch with those trends.

So if you haven’t read a management book in some time, pick it up and give it a try. I think you’ll enjoy it.