Who Really Matters

“Art Kleiner has uncovered a central truth about the way organizations work. His concept of the Core Group clarifies one key reason why rational people often act in seemingly irrational ways within the confines of an institution. Like any deep insight, it
makes explicable what had previously been mysterious.”
—Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and coauthor of Built to Last

“Fresh, pragmatic, wise and eminently accessible . . . Who Really Matters cuts through our needlessly complex views of organizations and brilliantly reveals what’s at the core of both their promise and dysfunction. Kleiner’s astute and grounded analysis makes it possible for all of us who work within or around organizations to be more skillful and successful while maintaining our personal values and purposes.
—James Flaherty, founder of New Ventures West and author of Coaching: Evoking Excellence in Others

“Seminal idea, brilliantly presented, and wonderfully useful.”
—Warren G. Bennis, author of Geeks and Geezers

“Provides a much needed new perspective on leadership, power, and authority in showing clearly how Core Groups unconsciously guide and control organizations. This is a must read for all managers and would-be leaders.”
—Edgar H. Schein, Sloan Fellows Professor of Management Emeritus, MIT Sloan School of Management

“This original and carefully-argued text suggests how to penetrate the apparent and
understand the real driver of corporate conduct. Most important are the practical suggestions for how to effect change. This addition to the conventional wisdom should be part of everyone’s library—buy it!”
—Robert A. G. Monks, shareholder activist and author of Corporate Governance and The New Global Investors