The Starfish and the Spider- the book.

Is your organization a Starfish or a Spider? Or a mix of both? According to Brafman and Beckstrom in "The Starfish and the Spider", a Starfish is synonymous to an open system or a decentralized organization while a spider is synonymous to a centralized Organization.

What sets the two apart? A spider like a centralized system has a head and eight legs. When you cut the head of the spider, it dies. However, a Starfish is like a decentralized organization. It has no head. When you cut the Starfish in half, you are faced with two. If you cut one of its legs, it grows another one.


To elucidate this further, the authors describes six principles of a decentralized organization and gave examples. In highlight:
1. When attacked, a decentralized organization tends to become more open and decentralized.
2. It is easy to mistake a starfish for a spider
3. A decentralized organization is an open system. It does not have central intelligence. The intelligence is spread throughout the system and information naturally filter in at the edges, closer to where the action is.
4. The open system can easily mutate.
5. The decentralized organization sneaks up on you and grows quickly.
6. As industries become decentralized, overall profits decrease.

A centralized organization is coercive, it depends on order and hierarchy. But a decentralized organization is flat and fluid. No pyramid or hierarchy and it does not depend on central headquarters. It is a movement.

The decentralized system:

* Has no one person in charge
* No headquarters
* If you kill the head, the organization will not die.
* No clear division of the role; any and every activity is within anyone's job description.
* Units are autonomous
* Knowledge and power are distributed
* organization is flexible
* Units are self-funding
* Members are spread across and cannot be counted because of exponential growth
* The is direct communication between members.


This open system is built with a sense of trust and community by a Catalyst. Unlike the CEO who runs the centralized organization, the catalyst initiates a "circle" and fades away into the background in a decentralized organization. He lets go of leadership role and transfers ownership to the circle. He is seen as the inspiration, connector and charismatic. In the organization, relationship is built on trust and understanding. Ideology is the fuel that drives the decentralized organization.

But is one model better than the other? The author notes "It's not that open systems necessarily make better decisions. It's just that they're able to respond more quickly because each member has access to knowledge and the ability to make direct use of it."

What is setting Skype apart from AT&T? Craigslist from the traditional ad? Wikipedia from other sources? It is the starfish revolution! Any organization aiming for more creativity and exponential growth and sustainability would definitely embrace the starfish model- it is an unstoppable movement.

Reading Up-side-down

"Hey ladies. Hope you are all enjoying the beginning of your vacation time. (Some of you perhaps are just beginning to enjoy it right now). I only want to remind you all to get a hold of The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell to read for our Jan 29th training session."-- yet another book reading reminder from Atlas Corps Training Manager! Oh! I just want to crawl back to bed...but then instead I crawl into the pages of the book. We have to read it to be able to participate in the intellectual discourse during the training. No superficial contributions are celebrated.

Leaders are readers! And as An Atlas Corp Fellow training to be among the best non-profit leaders in the world, you must be willing to read-- something new! From books about non-profit management to Harvard Business Review :)

Reading a book per month, amidst the rigorous training and busy work schedule in our work placement/organizations, is not as easy as its spelling. I am excited about books, especially personal and professional development books but lately....phew! I have them all piled up on my desk...each page bleeding (not literally) for my attention.

The books we have read so far includes-- "How to change the world", "Be Bold", "Tipping Point" and "Forces for good".


David Bornstein in his book "How to change the world" gave a clear perspective in defining who is a Social Entrepreneur. He also provided an indept profile of different Social Entrepreneurs around the world doing extra ordinary things to create positive change...it projected the "best practices" worth emulating and inspired ordinary people like us to be bold and take a leap and not relent in our commitment to make a positive difference in the world. (I am yet to finish reading this book).

What does it mean to be bold? Then came the next book of the month- "Be Bold" by Echoing green- " A meaningful life will mean something different for everyone. It may mean following a lucrative career track in the for-profit world, it may mean pursuing athletic or artistic talents, or it may mean being a terrific Parent... For many, a career of service is the path to meaningful life..." Pg 12.The goal of Be Bold is to inspire you to make a powerful personal movement that will impact the world around you. The Book "Be Bold" is not just another inspiring or motivational book. Okay, I admit it will certainly get you all pumped up with a provoking but inspiring attitude after reading :)

Hmmm... what is the difference between David's "How to Change the world" and Echoing Green's "Be Bold"? While mulling over that, allow me flaunt one of my favorite book so far-- The Tipping Point!

Reading "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell was a different cup of tea. In a nutshell, the book really changed my perspective on how to view issues-- especially social issues and how change occur. Many have argued that it doesn't take one person to start a change, but if as Gladwell states, "Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread like viruses do" then we now know that ideas, like viruses...starts with one person and tips....spread to others...through "The law of the few", "The stickiness factor" and "the power of context".


Tonight, I am flipping through, the last few pages I can read before tomorrow's training, "Forces for good" by Heather McLeod Grant & Leslie R. Crutchfield. For this book reading, I found it interesting doing a group-reading and discussion (before training discussion) with Paola and Masoora and then sharing an online Google document where we all input our thoughts as we made progress with the reading. (A method we must adopt each time we feel overwhelm with finding time to read).

Reading these books aint no child's play. We are expected to put the lessons we learned from each book into practice--- and so far, so good.

Atlas Corps Fellow monthly book-reading is exciting in its own way-- I look forward to receiving the next email buzz from the training manager announcing the book of the month. Step by step, putting one foot in front of the other and striving to embrace opportunities over excuses-- opportunities of imbibing the lessons learned in the books for professional development, over excuses of how little time we have to read. After all, leaders are readers ...and good time managers :)!

Hmmm...yeah, I wonder what book we will be reading next month! I hear it is "The Spider and The Starfish". Bring it on!

Oh! the title of this blog has nothing to do with my reading style. Have you ever tried reading up-side-down? It is easy ,just change your reading position if you are lying on your bed (as oppose to actually flipping your book up-side-down).

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a book-review. Just a one-naira reflection on the adventure of a fellow in the pages of her books.

Uncommon by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whittaker

Do you have that courage to choose influence over image? Live your faith? Then you are on your way to living a life of significance! "Courage can be demonstrated by standing up to the school bully or intervening to prevent someone you don't know from being hurt. But more often than not, its the day-to-day moments of reaching down inside yourself to find the courage to stand alone that can be the toughest" Beautifully written and embroidered with such powerful quotes that will hold your interest, Tony Dungy, the former Colts' head coach, shares what it means to live a life of significance in his second book "Uncommon".

Punctuated by life teachings in the Chapters after the story of Brandon and Dallas, the author draws from his wealth of experience to explain the importance of developing the core- character; Honesty and Integrity; Humility and Stewardship; and Courage. Here, we are reminded that our gift, time and talents are entrusted to us, we don't own them. Thus, we must maximize them and be true to ourselves.

What else does it take to live a life of significance? Simply Love your family, says Dungy. Oh! Oh! This is deeper than you think. It covers the importance of honoring our parents to how to treat a woman, fatherhood, respect for authority etc. And then, he also explains the importance of lifting our friends and others.

One cannot live a life of significance without maximizing his full potential. But what happens when talent seems to conflict with Education? Choose wisely, says Dungy. Don't dump one over the other while establishing a mission that matters.

Although divided into seven parts, this thirty-one chapter book is worth diving into anytime of the day. The down-to-earth approach of the author(s) gives a personal touch that makes the pages come alive, thus, making the teaching practical and livable. Each chapter opens up a new topic that is equally relevant to everyone living under the sun. The Epilogue connects us back to Brandon and Dallas, with a new perspective on how they are redeeming their once neglected path- giving hope to readers who might think it is too late for them.

Some questions that popped into mind while reading the book were answered so satisfactorily in the question and answer section of the book. And this is definitely one of the reasons I call "Uncommon" a book written by an author that connects so well to his readers.

Uncommon, will make a good birthday or Christmas gift for your son, brother, protege, boyfriend, or male colleagues/acquaintances! Every man out there, in their formative years, should read this book. However, it is not restricted to male audience alone, I enjoyed reading it (even though I am a female) and found the lessons relevant to me as well. We all desire to live a life of significance, don't we? Then go order for/buy your copy now!

UNBRIDLED: A Review

Title: Unbridled
Author: Jude Dibia
Pages: 207
Publisher: Blacksand books
Year: 2007

After reading the last sentence “for once, unbridled” (page 207), I unconsciously turned expectantly to the next page, yearning for more. Not because the story did not end well, but because the book is so interesting that you can read it in one sitting and be left to ponder afterwards…

The author, Jude Dibia, who won the 2007 ANA/NDDC Ken Saro-Wiwa prize, tells a shocking but deeply moving story of Ngozi in an easy to understand language that makes the story so unforgettable. However, what puzzles me most about the book is how Dibia, a man, could tell a story through a woman’s eyes so well. He tells me in the Acknowledgment page “…I spent a lot of time with…women who were willing to share with me the way women react to issues, think and love…”

Thus, using the first-person narrative and flashback technique, Dibia effortlessly takes us through the turbulent life of Ngozi, who in a bid to rebuild her life from the horror of a loveless childhood is lured to England by an internet romance. And 227 days later, she treads her new path as Mrs. Erika King. But she soon realizes that her new life is still stuck in shallow waters. How will she get out of it?

Bessie, one of Erika’s friends, urges her to break away from being so needing of King. “Men” she continued, “It’s almost their unbridled ambition to destroy women. We are not their slaves Erika. You must remember this. Even Diana had to let go. Her divorce was right. Women are life and we have to seek life. Don’t wait until it is too late.” (Page 162). But does she take the bait?

The dominant theme of the book can be sum up in the popular saying “Not all that glitters is gold.” But it carries a more powerful message that encourages women to find their voice and not sit mum in the shadow of their problem. The story also questions the ignorance that muddles our culture. For example, Nnamdi, Ngozi’s brother, refused to confront their father when Ngozi complained of being sexually abused by him (father) because “it is not a woman’s place to complain about her father.” (Page 151). Similarly, Ngozi’s aunty expressed this same ignorance when she applied dry pepper (hot chili) to Ngozi’s private part in an attempt to punish or curb her promiscuity (page 100-101).

Dibia’s “Unbridled” deserves a rave review and much accolade for capturing the fear, tears, stupidity, desperation, and courage of the 21st century woman living everywhere. While narrating the story, the author did not hold back his outstanding creative ability to interweave the past and present life of Ngozi. He did not mix up Erika and Ngozi, who although are the same, played different role in unfolding the plot so brilliantly. However, don’t get uncomfortable with the Igbo language that buzz in some of the pages, it is part of the settings of the characters, and maybe the author’s culture (language) showing off its essence.

I enjoyed reading “Unbridled”. Please get your copy and read it to find out if you will too. Don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts about the book here!

IN DAYS TO COME: A review by Ketki Yennemadi

Book:IN DAYS TO COME (Collection of Poems)
Author: Jennifer Ehidiamen
Publisher: The Young Poet Society U.K
Year: 2004

A review by Ketki Yennemadi

No sinuous rhymes and no syrupy language. Yet with her first book "In days to come" Jennifer Ehidiamen strikes a chord. "In Days To Come" is a collection of poems that put into words the life in Lagos. The words blend beautifully with the theme to present a picture which is beautiful and yet so achingly human. The simple words and a heavy use of blank verse make emotions stir in the heart of the reader.

It will be untrue to say that all the poems are an exemplary of poetic writing as there is always room for improvement. However one cannot belittle her talent of putting her thoughts into words to create a picture in the mind of the reader which is no small feat for a first-timer. It an admirable attempt at putting forth a plight of people, today, in Lagos.

This anthology of touching poetic compositions by Ehidiamen shows obvious talent and intention. With their simplicity and profoundness of the poems all the poetry lovers have definitely witnessed the dawn of a poetry star!


Ketki Yennemadi
ketkiyennemadi@saikiranpublications.com

TIME: June 22 edition review

The June 22nd edition of Time Magazine...Did you read a copy? Well, what attracted me to this edition is actually not the bold picture of Gordon Brown’s back that compliments the headline “Why Britian wants to see The Back of Gordon Brown” but the earpiece headline on the right corner of the front cover- Amazon’s Quest to Shape the Future of Books. As a matter of fact, it is a very critical story that deserves a wide-audience read! Imagine the future with the new big-screen Kindle Dx, an e-book! Well, the sky isn’t falling, yet…

“If you're a reader, you probably consider Amazon your friend. And it is. It recommends books to you and gets them to your door for cheap. But try shifting your point of view to that of a publisher and Amazon starts looking a bit scarier.”

Inside the Arts section, which as a matter of fact have got some tight articles, another one that might interest you is Lev Grossman’s stories on the two survivors’ of plane crash stories.

Also, Belinda Luscumbe enchants us with her article on social norms, which reveals the two side of a coin called social networking sites! Ouch! Watch out facebookers! However, if you are keener about learning some life skills, like how to save more dough, then read Linda Bastianich’s life coach.

For the politically inclined fans of Time Magazine, the June 22nd edition will sure give you’re a deep angle into the Labour pains…as it was termed! Obama was not left out of the news Peter Beinart and Joe Klein’s commentary and in the arena articles spoke volumes on the Middle East Peace quest!

Flipping through the pages of the TIME, from Josh Tryangiel’s hilarious Postcard: The Bronx through the verbatim, spotlight, global news etc. etc. I gained a better understanding of the global issues currently blowing hot and cold!

One more reason to read TIME magazine!

I HAVE LIFE! by Alison and Marianne Thamm

Book: I Have Life: Alison's Journey as Told to Marianne Thamm.
Author: Marianne Thamm
Publisher: Fusion Press (June 2003)
Pages: 288

The story, an autobiography, begins when Alison, while trying to park her car after a night out with her friends, is attacked by two callous killers who drove her away from her home in Port Elizabeth to a place they raped her, stabbed her many times, slit her throat and left her for dead in a filthy deserted clearing.

This story about surviving rape (and murder) as told by Alison and written by Marianne Thamm is very captivating. For the fainthearted, the book will shake you to the core of your being because it is written in its raw form. When I first picked up a copy of the book and read the synopsis, I had a clear feeling that it would make me cry and after Chapter one, I let the tears freely flow.

It is a sad account of how a young lady was raped, stabbed and left to die in a desolated place at the dead of the night. However, it is also a very inspiring account of life- living life and surviving!

The first part of the book tells us how Alison was car-jacked at knife point, raped, stabbed so many times (that the doctors could not count her wounds), and left for dead miles away from her home. The remaining part tells how Alison truimphed over the painful experience afflicted by her assaillants and chose to have her life back...instead of hiding away or keeping mum out of fear of stigmatization.

I admire Alison's courage, which really helped her in having her life back. It wasn't easy but she made it and rose from being a victim of a brutal rape and attempted murder into a victor who uses her tragic experiences into inspiring others to live life. The role her family and friends played during this process was not left out of the story. Reading the contributions from Alison's family, friends, and the man (Thienne) who saved her after she was abadoned by the rapists gave a deeper picture to Alison's story.

The first-person narration technique makes the story come alive as Alison, in terrifying details, describes her thoughts and feelings throughout the attack, while in hospital, recovering at home and getting back on her feet, and shows how attitude, belief, and choice (her ABC philosophy of life) helped her survive the ordeal.

Meanwhile, in the account, Alison's surname was not mentioned once! Is this to protect her privacy or it was just an over sight?

From my research, I learnt that Alison is happily married and she has a son. She is a public inspirational speaker who tours the world sharing her story of survival. The Author, Marianne Thamm is an award-winning journalist and she has written for different magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Fair Lady, House and Leisure, and Style.

It doesn't matter what happens to us in life, it is what we do with it that matters. I HAVE LIFE is a story of hope! I encourage you to read it because it conveys a powerful message that we can all apply to our life, no matter the circumstances!!