Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/61380
Bookshelf Do you spend more of your time planning for the future, working in the present, or analyzing the past? Your answer will help determine your temporal alignment, which in turn predicts how you will function as a leader. So says Peg Thoms in Driven by Time, in which she exam- ines the strengths and weaknesses of each type of time orientation. "Highly future-oriented leaders are more likely to transform organiza- tions and more likely to alienate fol- lowers," she writes. Present-oriented leaders are excellent for making sure specific tasks get accomplished, but not so good at leading a company through change. Past-oriented lead- ers tend to ignore the threats of the future, but are extremely capable at running stable organizations. Thoms offers exercises to help readers gauge their temporal align- ment and find compatible positions and companies. She also presents chapters designed to help even past-oriented leaders develop an outlook toward the future. (Praeger Publishers, $54.95) Living the Dream is a warm and personal look at almost 40 minority professors who have successfully pursued doctorates in business. Published by the PhD Project, which encourages minority candidates to enroll in business school, Living the Dream presents simple but moving tales of widely diverse individuals who followed a calling or sacrificed much to achieve their degrees. An excellent read for Hispanic, African American, or Native American business students who won- der if a career in academia is right for them. (PhD Project, $8) ■ z 58 BizEd MAY/JUNE 2004