Superclass – The global power elite and the world they are making, David Rothkopf

Here is the reality: the combined net worth of the world’s richest 1000 or so people is almost twice that of the poorest 2.5 billion!! Read that again… You can only imagine what disproportionate influence they have in shaping the global agenda. Add to that the reality that most of these people are only 2 degrees of separation from each other and other power brokers. Small world – especially at the top.

Time to Think, Nancy Kline

Once a year I like to review an inspirational book, something that will make us better people to be with, better colleagues to work with, and our companies better places to work in. And, yes, more profitable.

Johannesburg Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton Square, WEDNESDAY 3rd September 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Table Bay Hotel V+A Waterfront, THURSDAY 4th of September 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton Square, WEDNESDAY 3rd September 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Table Bay Hotel V+A Waterfront, THURSDAY 4th of September 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Superclass – The global power elite and the world they are making, David Rothkopf

Here is the reality: the combined net worth of the world’s richest 1000 or so people is almost twice that of the poorest 2.5 billion!! Read that again… You can only imagine what disproportionate influence they have in shaping the global agenda. Add to that the reality that most of these people are only 2 degrees of separation from each other and other power brokers. Small world – especially at the top.

The defining, distinguishing feature of these individuals is power, power that on an ongoing basis touches millions or billions of people, not just in one nation, but across borders. Take all entities with sales or GDP in excess of $50 billion – the group would comprise 166 units and you probably have the most powerful economic units in the world. Of the 166, only 60 are countries.

But the book is not simply about the really rich, but rather about those with international influence, many of whom have unfathomable wealth.

Who are these people? What do they really control? What is their agenda? How does it affect you and your company? (A hint: It really does in important ways…)

Join me at breakfast and find out.

Time to Think, Nancy Kline

Once a year I like to review an inspirational book, something that will make us better people to be with, better colleagues to work with, and our companies better places to work in. And, yes, more profitable.

The author found that IQ, background, age, gender, even experience had surprisingly little to do with the quality of thinking, which explains why groups of smart people make such dumb decisions. The most important factor in quality thinking is how the thinkers are being treated by the people with them! The quality of a person’s attention determines the quality of other people’s thinking. This book is about high-calibre listening and incisive questioning that will have people solve problems they thought were hopeless.

Here is the fact we try and hide from ourselves: Everything we do depends for its quality on the thinking we do first.

Perhaps the most important thing we can do with our life and our leadership, is to listen to people so expertly, to give them attention so respectfully, that they are able to think clearly and afresh. In a thinking environment no human mind is wasted, and no human heart is trampled.

The book is not only inspirational, it is practical. There is a 10 point program for ensuring your meetings are a “Thinking Environment,” and the participants are “Thinking Partners.” Follow the author’s prescription and we will not only improve things for ourselves and our companies, but we may also create a legacy we would be proud to leave.