Why read Orbiting the Giant Hairball?

Book cover of Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace

Book description

Creativity is crucial to business success. But too often, even the most innovative organization quickly becomes a "giant hairball"--a tangled, impenetrable mass of rules, traditions, and systems, all based on what worked in the past--that exercises an inexorable pull into mediocrity. Gordon McKenzie worked at Hallmark Cards for thirty years,…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Orbiting the Giant Hairball as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Anne Jacoby

Author

A refreshingly unconventional business book read, Orbiting the Giant Hairball reveals Gordon MacKenzie’s long-tenured career at Hallmark and distills his reflections on what it means to be a creative human in a traditional corporate environment.

Illustrated with playful art throughout, this book invites deeper meditation on how our creative spirit shows up in our work—and life. For the non-linear thinkers among us, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable escape.

From Anne's list on organizational culture to spark creativity and connection.

Chris Shipley

Author

Over the years, I have given this book to countless people who are trying to navigate the tangled challenges that large organizations tend to be.

The former chief creative at Hallmark Cards, Gordon MacKenzie unraveled organizational complexities with humor and style. Often twisting corporate policies to achieve his creative and managerial objectives, he proved that you can be a rule follower (and bender) and still achieve great things.

Orbiting the Giant Hairball (MacKinzie’s description of corporate bureaucracy) is a quick, delightful read that will inspire you to discover your own creative leadership style.

From Chris' list on giving first-time managers the confidence to lead.