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It seems that it is not only how we define success but also how we define bastard. Is someone a bastard for being tough, shrewd and demanding? Is someone a bastard because they may have had to make sacrifices or changes for a strategic greater good? Or are they only a bastard because those sacrifices or changes effected you or someone close to you? I agree that bastard-ish behaviors are in the feelings of the beholder, what one considers bad behavior another does not. It seems it should not be a question of 'nice' vs. 'bastard' when there are so many shades in between the two. |
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Kirstin Morris |
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24/11/2008 |
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Adrian, Your thought, like many things in our society today is very polarized. Extremes viewed as the norm. You might want to review the book, "Good to Great"; or look at leaders such as
Truitt Cathy of Chick-fil-A, Roger Staubach of the Staubach Company or Max Dupree of Herman Miller ("Leadership is an Art") to name a few. |
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Steven Board |
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21/11/2008 |
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I strongly disagree with the premise that one has to be a bastard to be successful. I've held top executive positions and never had to behave badly. Was I tough? Absolutely. Was I demanding! Most assuredly. Did I get results? Yes, but I did so through respect, not fear. I've worked for a few "bastards" and I can guarantee they could have been more successful (by getting the best out of people) had they realized that as the old saying goes "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Successul people inspire others to achieve. They motivate others to excel. They arouse loyalty. And they do it all without fear, behaving badly or distastefully. In essence, they are nice, not bastards. Have bastards been successful? Yes, if one only measures success by monetary gain. However, success has a much broader definition in my dictionary. I hope we inspire people to become greater leaders, not greater bastards - Lord knows there are too few of the former and too many of the latter. |
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Karen Hosey |
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24/11/2008 |
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Hi If everyone tries to practice bastardness then life will become miserable. However, it is quite an observation that the tips mentioned work, because the other party is not behaving with you like a bastard. If there is equal bastardness in both the parties then what will happen? |
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Mohammad Usama |
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05/12/2008 |
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Good subject! Let’s stir the pot a little…. People can be very successful, using reason, ability and professionalism. What do anyone do that don't have the ability or the skill, or the lust, and still want to win? They use force, and they win anyway! This is quite successful, and seen everywhere.... All is good and well, as long as it looks good, right? Today the general market place are often considered as, and explained as a game, using game theory math to explain it. Looking back in industry history, one can find an interesting paradox in thinking about the aspect of what make any “professional” successful. In the days of “craftsmen”, any success was coming from superior ABILITY in whatever craft one was trying to master. Anyone that got wealthy due to “gambling” was looked down upon, because the success was coming from game play, and not from honest ability. looking at today’s professionals, two kind of extreme ends of human driving forces. I call them: “By Ability” and “By Force” types. Well If one have the standpoint of looking at the market place as a game, there is no room for any version of what can be called “nice” if you want to win. (Although it's good to be perceived as nice) You use force to win, because otherwise you lose. On the other hand, If looking at the marketplace from the standpoint of win-win by ability of delivering superior value to lower cost, there are more alternatives. If one can justify a superior scenario by reason, there is no need for being unfair or “being a bastard” to get the point through. If one offer a product with more value for a lower cost, one can be quite successful in earning more money by many people wanting to buy the product or service. Manager that’s able to lead by example and inspire employees to WANT to perform their very best for the love of it, this team will always outperform any organization the use force and fear is used to “motivate” employees to perform. The real solid industry leaders don't compete with their competitors, they compete with themselves as leaders and with the state of the art. Being "bastards" would be to go against their own very purpose. If too many “gamblers” are “winning” without delivering value, they may clean out the “casino” (the marketplace) the result is an economic crisis. :o) |
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Tommy Fristedt |
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24/11/2008 |
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Very strange line of thought, not the best way to get results from people. |
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Nicholas |
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30/11/2008 |
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All self help business books are about being nice and how to improve your efficiency and effectiveness and generally blabber on for far too long. The reality of success in business is that you need to be a bastard - how many nice billionaires do you know of? Exactly. This is the first book I have read that tells the truth about business - its well written and funny - You will probably recognise your boss! The best book about how to really get ahead in business and a good entertaining read. |
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Paul Gander |
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14/01/2008 |
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Extremely amusing, cleverly observed, convincing... |
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Esin Sever |
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13/11/2008 |
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This is an interesting topic of conversation! With respect, the definition of 'successful bastard' hinges on an understanding of the word 'success'. To many, success equals financial success, hence Dyson can make a business decision to move manufacturing to Asia, save a fortune, and pay himself a huge bonus equals success. And I guess in one way it is. But I cannot see the 600 people that helped him to get the brand to where it is today, which he then casts aside in the name of expediency actually having warm feelings for him or the brand. I just don't see success as having to walk roughshod over people to get there. I guess Branson is another 'success', and I may be wrong, but I get the impression he genuinely cares for his staff and his brand. In the long term, I think his success will last longer than Dyson's, because he isn't going to attract the negative reputation that Dyson is building. I may not be banking £17m at the expense of others, so no, I'm not a successful bastard! It just depends what you mean by successful. I'm sure you're not a bastard either, even if you are successful. So then, it is possible be 'successful' without being a 'bastard' to achieve it! Thanks for a challenging concept - I hope the book causes people to think! |
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Alan Bright |
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21/11/2008 |
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Hit the nail right on the head!!! Had me laughing at the bluntness, but I've applied it to my life's circumstances and it does work, very impressed.. |
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Rebecca Donaie |
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14/01/2008 |
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