Zarina Qadir

Skim and Review

Task Zero
Rocking The Boat by Debra Meyerson addresses various issues and concerns that arise at the
workplace, and employees and managers face the challenges in their organizations, especially the
leaders of the organization when they faces the challenges and obstacles to follow the
organization culture, rules, and regulation. Managers also encounter the challenges of making the
changes in the organization.
It is a reference book for the managers who want to initiate change in the organization. Change
forces in organization are very challenging for the employees, managers, and the leaders unless a
systemic system is adopted to make changes. I believe that a pilot program should be introduced
to ascertain the results of the change before making the decision and moving forward for the
changes. Managers should consider the employees input and feedback and the outcome of the
change when they pilot the changes in an organization. Initiating and introducing the change in
the organizations culture, policies, and procedures is possible through various levels and through
various measurable outcomes and results at micro level instead of at macro level. After
evaluating the initial micro level change outcomes, results, and consequences, the managers
should facilitate and lead for the changes gradually and consistently by monitoring the pros and
cons of the change.
The book focuses on the various alternatives to change, such as building diverse, adaptive,
family-friendly, socially and environmentally responsible workplaces not through the revolution
but through walking the tight-rope between rebellion and conformity. Meyerson indicated how
tampered radicals work towards the transformational ends through incremental means to bring
the change, sticking to their values, accomplishing their agendas, without jeopardizing their
careers. Meyerson view of tempered radicals should not be misunderstood who bring the changes
by force with axes. The focus is that tempered radicals want to become valued, successful, and
productive members of their organizations without compromising their personal values and
identity.
I believe that with the rapid change in social, environment, and technology, organizations
become compelled to review their old work environment and cultures which are not sustainable,
thus needs to be changed. The book presents several stories about the ordinary people at various
levels who are successful in their professions and careers, but they continue to promote their own
values and ideas to bring the change. Meyerson researched three different global corporations,
who are different, but they have similar goals. She mentioned about eight people that she felt are
best representation of her research. She exemplified these quiet leaders who were capable of
changing the policies and attitude while prospering in their careers and professions.