Results: Getting Beyond Politics to Get Important Work Done

Governor Charlie Baker and Steve Kadish have written a book called Results to help leaders in public service and large organizations deliver results and get past politics. The book is based on a four-step framework that bridges divides and demonstrates how government can be an engine of positive change. It is important to demonstrate that government can work to ensure the future of democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

A Leader's Guide to Executing Change and Delivering Results

Governor Charlie Baker, one of the most popular governors in the United States, renowned for his ability to get things done, has a strong vision for putting the service back into public service. In an essay titled "Wedge Issues May Be Great for Making Headlines, but They Do Not Move Us Forward," Baker emphasizes the importance of focusing on collaborative efforts and achieving results rather than engaging in divisive politics. He believes that success should be measured by what we accomplish together as a community, rather than by individual achievements.

Governor Baker and his longtime associate Steve Kadish have developed a four-step framework, Results, which serves as a practical implementation guide for anyone in public service, as well as leaders and managers in large organizations. This framework is based on their extensive experience working in top leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Results is designed to help individuals and organizations break free from the constraints of bureaucracy and politics, enabling them to move from identifying problems to achieving tangible results.

The book provides a wealth of examples that demonstrate how this approach can be applied in various contexts. Baker and Kadish showcase how government can be an engine of positive change and an example of effective operation, rather than a hopeless bureaucracy. They emphasize the importance of bridging divides and finding common ground to achieve meaningful progress.

Results goes beyond simply getting things done. It also aims to renew people's faith in public service. Empty promises and broken promises can lead to disengagement and a loss of trust in our government and the services it delivers. By demonstrating that government can work effectively, Results contributes to ensuring the future of our democracy and our sense of government.

In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol Building, the importance of demonstrating that government can work has become even more apparent. This book serves as a powerful reminder that our democracy is built on the principles of collaboration, respect, and effective governance. By working together and focusing on results, we can build a stronger and more resilient society that is equipped to face the challenges of the future.

In conclusion, Governor Charlie Baker's essay and the Results framework provide a valuable guide for leaders and organizations seeking to execute change and deliver results. By placing politics and partisanship aside, focusing on collaborative efforts, and bridging divides, we can achieve meaningful progress and renew people's faith in public service. This approach is not only relevant for government but also for leaders and managers in large organizations who are facing similar challenges. As we navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of our world, let us remember the power of collaboration and the importance of achieving results.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647821807