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Breaking Bad Habits

Defy Industry Norms and Reinvigorate Your Business

Freek Vermeulen author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Harvard Business Review Press

Published:14th Nov '17

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Breaking Bad Habits cover

In Breaking Bad Habits, Freek Vermeulen challenges the notion of best practices, urging organizations to question outdated methods for innovation and growth.

Have you ever questioned the size of newspapers or the necessity of check-in desks at hotels? In Breaking Bad Habits, Freek Vermeulen explores the reasons behind these enduring practices, often met with the same response: That's the way we've always done it. This mindset can stifle innovation and lead to outdated methods being accepted as standard, even when they may not be effective.

The book delves into the concept of best practices, highlighting that just because something is widely adopted does not mean it is beneficial. Many organizations cling to these practices without scrutinizing their relevance, allowing them to persist despite their potential drawbacks. As a result, these bad practices can hinder progress and creativity within companies, blinding managers to their negative impacts.

In Breaking Bad Habits, Vermeulen provides practical tools for identifying and eliminating these detrimental norms. He presents a compelling argument for the importance of questioning established ideas, processes, and strategies, illustrating how doing so can unlock fresh opportunities for innovation and growth. Through a variety of case studies from industries such as IVF clinics, hotels, and theaters, the book encourages readers to reassess their assumptions and embrace change to revitalize their organizations.

"Founders, executives, and managers alike would all benefit to take a deep dive into this book." -- The Huffington Post

Advance Praise for Breaking Bad Habits:

Morten Hansen, professor, University of California, Berkeley; author, Great by Choice and Collaboration--
"In this expertly researched and engaging book, Freek Vermeulen uncovers one of the greatest sins of managers: best practices. Vermeulen offers an antidote to outmoded practices and the tools to replace them with more innovative alternatives. An important book for any manager seeking to do better."

Ranjay Gulati, Jaime and Josefina Chua Tiampo Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School--
"With fascinating stories grounded in captivating research, Freek Vermeulen makes a powerful case about how important it is to break away from old habits if you want to open new avenues of growth and innovation."

Dame Mary Marsh, Chair, Board of Trustees, Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, London--
"Breaking Bad Habits is full of sharp examples and insights that challenge our common beliefs. It is a wake-up call for all of us to adopt change as a key capability, test our limits, and break boundaries."

Frank van Oers, Managing Partner, Vorwerk & Co. KG; Chairman, Supervisory Board, Wessanen NV--
"A must-read for leaders, especially the ones who are successful and do not yet see the urgency for change."

Laurence Capron, Professor of Strategy and the Paul Desmarais Chaired Professor of Partnership and Active Ownership, INSEAD; coauthor, Build, Borrow, or Buy--
"In Breaking Bad Habits, Freek Vermeulen shows how best practices can eventually harm our industries and our societies while also offering a witty perspective on how to move beyond them. This book is especially helpful for leaders who are striving to innovate while trying to overcome organizational inertia."

ISBN: 9781633693821

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown