The Bureaucratic Entrepreneur
Richard N. Haass, The Bureaucratic Entrepreneur: How to Be Effective in Any Unruly Organization (Brookings Institution Press, 1999)
Summary: A seasoned Washington political operator's "how-to" manual for getting things done — not just in a bureaucracy, but really in any environment with more than, say, two people. A tad dated, but useful anecdotes and advice from Robert Gates, Condoleezza Rice, and others.
Key Quote: "Deadlines are fine if they promote closure when the differences are small or if they lead automatically to consideration of issues at a higher level. But deadlines can also create pressure for compromise and agreement when you might be better off without one. Think twice before suggesting or agreeing to any kind of time frame." - p. 142
Bottom Line: Read this book if you have a job and want to do well.
