The Milkshake Moment: Overcoming Stupid Systems, Pointless Policies and Muddled Management to Realize Real Growth

Steven S. Little

Wiley,  April 2008

Growth. It's the central focus of every organization, the underlying goal of virtually every business project, product launch, non-profit initiative, or community campaign. To grow, an organization must encourage creativity, flexibility, and the overall capacity for individuals to recognize and respond to opportunity at every level. So why, then, do so many organizations, both big and small, continually find ways to shoot themselves in the foot?

In The Milkshake Moment, growth guru Steven S. Little shows you how to identify and overcome the stifling behaviors built into your organization and lead the way toward substantive change and real growth.

Building on the frustrating true story of his inability to order a simple milkshake, Little explains how well-intended systems meant to increase satisfaction can often produce the opposite effect for both customers and employees. The "Milkshake Moment" is that precise instant in which an organization's individuals realize that they are allowed to do the right thing to serve the interests of others in order to grow the organization instead of following arcane internal procedures that actually hinder growth. Little clearly demonstrates that only when we remove our own self-imposed barriers can we begin to seize growth opportunities in any organizational setting.

The Milkshake Moment helps you develop both the actions and the attributes of a true growth leader as you learn how to:

  • Foster "grow" versus the status quo
  • Understand the difference between "the managed" and "the led"
  • Break the cycles of conformity
  • "Develop" policies that promote growth
  • Hone your judgment
  • Uncover the BIG secret to service
  • Resolve the "people problem" problem
  • See your future opportunities more clearly

Packed with fascinating examples of behaviors that drive an organization's growth and those that throw it into reverse, The Milkshake Moment mixes up a refreshing blend of engaging reading and actionable advice on how you can help your organization reach another level.

hardcover | ISBN: 9780470257463 | Publication Date: April 2008

Reviews:
"Little gives leaders a crucial reminder not to be their own worst enemies in their quest for growth. You'll never forget the hilarious milkshake story that gives the book its name. This book will help your organization get out if its own way."
--Dan Heath, coauthor of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

"Little's milkshake story is straightforward, compelling, and irresistible. It teaches leaders a hundred vital lessons on growth. Sip it slowly and enjoy."
--Rod Beckstrom, coauthor of The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of  Leaderless Organizations

"Little is a gifted storyteller, and his stories always lead to practical ways for organizations to reach another level. The Milkshake Moment is not only a great read, it is truly a call-to-arms for all of us looking for growth in the twenty-first century. Read is today so you can mix it up tomorrow."
--Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus: Ten Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy and The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work