Stakeholders are the people in your business with competing agendas and conflicting expectations, and mature leaders make it all work.
Stakeholders are the people in your business with competing agendas and conflicting expectations, and mature leaders make it all work.
Leadership, Management science, Motivational
People in business' eco-system are more in number and diverse in perspective, discussed in business school or written about than often understood. It is foolhardy to believe that a senior leader can ignore or work around these people, who possess power and influence over the business and the enterprise. It is up to supervisors, managers, executives, and independent directors to set priorities and make value-based decisions that constructively benefit all stakeholder groups invested in their business.
When asked about their experiences 'on the people side of business,' most businesspersons respond from their experiences with the human resources department. In contrast, this book advances the idea of 'people in business' as more than simply a focus on employees. Leaders with a holistic view realize the existence of eight major stakeholder groups, diverse in makeup and ready to advocate for their own interests. While its story is, at first, quite intimidating, laying out the competing agendas of stakeholders and the potential chaos that might ensue, this book will not leave the reader hanging - it serves up new and proprietary principles (never published before) that equip business leaders to survive and thrive.
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Stakeholders Foreword By Dr. Marshall Goldsmith In a world where business success is often measured by profit margins and shareholder returns, Mark Englizian's Stakeholders provides a refreshing and necessary shift in perspective. The essence of this book is simple yet profound: people are not just assets to be managed, but the very lifeblood of any organization. Englizian draws from his vast experience to highlight the importance of understanding and valuing every individual within the business ecosystem, from front-line workers, to executives, and beyond. His insights are a call to action for leaders to rethink how they engage with and invest in their people. Englizian's deep dive into the dynamics of business relationships is both enlightening and practical. He explores the often-overlooked complexities of human interactions within a corporate setting, shedding light on how these relationships can make or break a company. By emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and mutual benefit, Englizian challenges us to move beyond the traditional, transactional approach to business. Instead, he advocates for a more holistic view that recognizes the diverse contributions of all stakeholders. The strength of Stakeholders lies in its ability to translate theory into actionable strategies. Englizian provides readers with a clear framework for making decisions that are not only ethically sound but also strategically advantageous. His approach is grounded in real-world examples and backed by solid research, making it a practical guide for leaders at all levels. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, this book offers valuable lessons on how to create a more inclusive and effective organization. What sets this book apart is Englizian's candid and personal storytelling. He shares his own experiences and observations, giving readers a glimpse into his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. This personal touch not only makes the content more relatable, but also underscores the authenticity of his message. Englizian's passion for people and his commitment to fostering positive change in the business world shine through on every page. Englizian has crafted a compelling manifesto for a more humane and sustainable approach to business. This book is a testament to the power of putting people first and a guide for anyone who wants to build a thriving, resilient organization. As you read through these pages, I hope you are inspired to rethink your own approach to leadership and to embrace the transformative potential of truly valuing your stakeholders. ~ Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author
"Stakeholders" is a fascinating book with a refreshing and challenging perspective on the importance of the people who make businesses a success (or failure). Using an in-depth and compelling case study, a variety of business examples and Mark's personal stories, this book draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. Regardless of which stakeholder group you're in (or thinking about), the concepts Mark presents will challenge your assumptions, your beliefs and, hopefully, your behaviors as you relate and connect with others. I found "Stakeholders" to be un-put-down-able! ~ Linda Miller, Master Certified Coach
I love the total stakeholder management focus of Englizian's book. It takes the long-standing mantra/promise of ‘stakeholder capitalism’ and gives concrete examples of what it looks like, and why it matters to the enterprise and its broader ecosystem. I also appreciate the simplicity of the secret sauce. This approach to macro-level systems thinking and eco-system well-being is often blocked by short-term pressures (notably quarterly financial guidance and related financial incentives) and lack of long-term vision for how the enterprise must evolve to continue to prosper. ~ Kevin Martin, Business Research Executive
This book will help you understand and effectively harness your stakeholder ecosystem. Mark Englizian's career spans over three decades of HR executive roles at exemplary companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Walgreens. That's impressive, but even more impressive is his ability to distill those experiences into a unique, coherent, understandable and actionable framework, with the stakeholder ecosystem at its core. ~ Dr. John Boudreau, Professor Emeritus, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California
Many understand the importance of people in making a business successful, but few see the entire ecosystem and the various intersections in its totality. Englizian does a marvelous job of helping the reader think like the most successful entrepreneurs and business executives by providing insight into business operations and financials, along with leveraging the people that make up the critical audiences a business relies on. While many CEOs espouse that people are their most important asset, this book goes well beyond employees in showcasing how true that statement really is. ~ Kevin Oakes, CEO and Entrepreneur
"Stakeholders" calls the reader to think deeply about a diverse and broader array of people with a vested interest in a business, not just shareholders. In Mark’s love of metaphors, he astutely takes the reader through a case study learning which illustrates successes and challenges with well-known companies. It’s a powerful way to breathe life into his salient leadership points, while allowing you to challenge your own thinking. He thoughtfully examines his own career journey and his growth in valuing diverse stakeholders and the importance of mature leadership. ~ Val Rupp, Technology Leader
This book is enjoyable and thought-provoking, with real-life examples that are both captivating and helpful. Englizian has a knack for story-telling, which is refreshing in this literary genre. The section on leadership really resonated with me and I agree that maturity is a more helpful construct than EQ. ~ Stephen Lindemann, Consultant, Executive Coach
“Stakeholders” fills a critical gap in the business literature, clearly articulating the conflicts and common interests of competing groups in the business eco-system. Englizian perfectly makes the case for why many of the CEOs I advise feel lonely and pressured, as different groups vie for resources. Thankfully, Englizian also lays out concrete methods for executives to navigate stakeholder interests with integrity and help their organizations thrive. ~ Steve Welch, Board Advisor and CEO Coach
I was very impressed with the “thinking,” “writing skills,” and “story telling.” Mark Englizian does a masterful job of articulating the two most important aspects of all stakeholders… they intersect directly or indirectly, and they all coexist in an ecosystem. He does this through story and example of how the best do it. Most importantly, Mark leaves us with the secret sauce (the what) to ensure we can help our organizations improve within the context of a leadership ethos (the how of mature leadership). ~ Dr. Mark Blankenship, Former Chief Strategy Officer, SHRM Foundation Board
I very much enjoyed the insights Mark shared from his extraordinary career, as he continues to raise business professionalism to levels not always seen in US corporations. I am savoring Mark's insights, appreciating the logical construct and enjoying his conversational writing style. I heartily agree with Mark's thesis that the strategic importance of stakeholders is inadequately understood and addressed by business leaders. As a former graduate student (Harvard MBA), I can affirm this book presents an excellent outline for a business school course. ~ Kelly Jensen, Business Consultant, Healthcare Executive
The mantra of “people are our most important asset” is both trite and useless for providing guidance regarding how to effectively lead companies. This book authored by Mark Englizian shifts the view of people from being objects, to human beings with inherent dignity and varied interests no matter where they are in the organization, regardless of how they interact with the organization as customers, suppliers, investors, and in communities. It is a much-needed people-focused approach to leading organizations in the 21st century. ~ Dr. Patrick Wright, Department Chair, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
Stakeholders by Mark Englizian is an essential read for anyone looking to truly understand the human dynamics within the ecosystem of business. With decades of experience and insightful observations, Englizian argues that people are not just assets, but the very foundation of any successful organization. This book offers a fresh perspective, breaking down the traditional views and providing a comprehensive framework for making value-based decisions that benefit all stakeholders. It’s a must-read for business leaders, managers, and anyone committed to fostering a thriving organizational environment. ~ Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author
I greatly appreciate Mark's investment in this work, and the insights, experiences and wisdom he shares. It's great to see Mark helping others improve their lives, personally and professionally. It's inspiring to me on so many levels. ~ Dan Bilderback, Talent Leader (Financial Services)
I loved the contention of this book, and that Mark speaks directly to the reader as a voice of experience. The metaphor of traffic cop is a perfect illustration of modern-day leader experience, and his cautionary description of how some managers get promoted is spot-on. The investment theme is so clever, and an approach any leader can apply. ~ Kristie Provost-Gorman, Ethics and Compliance Officer
This was an easy read, very understandable, but full of wisdom that appeals to the intelligent reader. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. My key lesson from this book? Every stakeholder matters. ~ Randy Fox, Acclaimed Motivational Speaker
