After a long climb to the pinnacle of the hospitality industry, Chip Conley - CEO and founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality - was rocked to his foundation by a dramatic economic downturn. His company was suddenly undercapitalized and overexposed in the post-dot.com, post 9/11 economy. This desperate situation made Conley reaffirm his belief in psychologist Abraham Maslow's iconic concept of the Hierarchy of Needs and rely on Maslow's theory of human motivation to help his business flourish once more. In Peak, Conley explores how Joie de Vivre - the second largest boutique hotelier in the world ? overcame the storm that hit the travel industry by applying translations of Maslow's ideas to his company's winning business practices. Part memoir, part theory, and always practical, accessible, and engaging, Peak offers a behind-the-scenes look at Joe de Vivre's remarkable transformation. Throughout this audiobook, Conley provides real-world examples from other companies including Google, Whole Foods Market, Harley-Davidson, and Southwest Airlines, and shows how anyone can bring similar changes to their own work and personal lives. Peak reveals the miracle of human potential and shows what can happen when employees live up to their full potential, customers are completely transformed by the experience they receive, and investors are fulfilled by leveraging the potential of their capital.
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"If only all managers and business owners understood Maslow, perhaps we'd have fewer disappointed employees. I met Conley, had a chance to stay in several hotels in the chain he founded - Joie de Vivre. Clearly, this man gets it. If you are a struggling manager, read this book now."
— Ray (4 out of 5 stars)
“Chip Conley gives a brilliant analysis of the absolute necessity of Maslow’s hierarchical paradigm in unleashing the talent and commitment of customers, employees, owners—in fact, stakeholders. Great resource material for leaders, trainers, educators, even parents. Chip practices in his hotels what he teaches—most successfully!”
— Stephen R. Covey, New York Times bestselling author“Strategy? Got one. Tactics? Check. But there’s one more key element without which you won’t get anywhere: Motivation. Peak will show you how to create motivated employees, customers, and investors, and tells the story of how one spectacular entrepreneur does it by treating people right—and how they return the favor.”
— Chris Anderson, New York Times bestselling author“Conley’s book is packed with thoughtful, instructional stories and advice for entrepreneurs as well as Fortune 500 managers, gleaned from his own experience as well as other business books…His advice is inspiring and accessible.”
— Publishers Weekly“Conley understood that personal transformation and corporate transformation are not all that different, and this story shows not only how Maslow’s ideas brought about a resurrection in Conley’s business but also how similar mind-sets continue to create growth and a positive work environment at companies such as Google, Netflix, Harley-Davidson, and Apple.”
— Booklist“One of the best business books I’ve read. A unique combination of organized intelligence and creative insight. I guarantee it!”
— George Zimmer, CEO and chairman of Men’s Wearhouse, Inc.“Chip Conley’s book is a perfect combination: part personal story, part business theory, and part how-to instruction. Peak combines head, heart, and soul for today’s aspiring business leader. Don’t just read this book—do it!”
— Alan M. Webber, former editorial director of Harvard Business Review and cofounding editor of Fast Company“Chip Conley presents a creative and thought-provoking new approach to running a business. He brilliantly applies Abraham Maslow’s theories to management and provides insightful prescriptions that will help you gain peak performance in your company. Conley’s depth and candor make this book a must-read for everyone who wants to improve their organization.”
— Bill George, former CEO of Medtronic and author of Authentic Leadership and True North" Recommended by Professor Jennifer Escalas "
— Walker*Management*Library, 2/9/2014" Good ideas, but found it a bit dry. Great if you are into psych theory. "
— Eliot, 11/6/2013" Really, really good. Describes a tremendous framework for building a fun, satisfying, and profitable organization or business. Very cool and worth a second read. "
— Marc, 10/7/2013" Not a very fun read, but lots of great insights. Very useful if you are building an organization, especially with a long term perspective. "
— Kelly, 9/5/2013" Unique use of Maslow's work in business. "
— Dmorante, 4/26/2013" If you want a good read with clear ideas on how you can improve your company and your management style this will encourage you to take action. "
— Sabrina, 4/16/2013" An interesting translation of Maslow's ideas (Hierarchy of Needs) to apply to running a business or other organization. Another example of how it's all about the people. "
— Eric, 10/11/2012" Admitting his mistakes is step one .... nice read, nice thoughts on Maslow, but nothing groundbreaking in business. "
— George, 7/8/2012" A good book and made more credible given its written by a CEO of an excellent hotel company. "
— John, 5/8/2012" Great bibliography. Good upbeat/optimistic tone throughout. Interesting case study summaries although lacking in critical analysis of any counterexamples. "
— John, 3/12/2012" Well written. Makes me want to leave my job and find a peak work experience! "
— Sharon, 2/15/2012" Review blogged here "
— Holly, 10/28/2011" I love and continually refer to this book everyone can learn from this especially ceo's and HR managers "
— Bruce, 7/19/2011" It is something we know is the basic of business services. Having it proven in Chip's business practice is encouraging. "
— Janet, 6/22/2011" If you believe in your people, this is an excellent book. I just started reading it and can't put it down. "
— Kirsten, 5/19/2011" Awesome... psychology is extremely pervasive throughout business practices! love the additional reading recommendations that Mr. Conley provides at the end of each chapter... now ready for Rebel Rules...:) "
— Octavia, 5/8/2011" Well written. Makes me want to leave my job and find a peak work experience! "
— Sharon, 4/28/2011" I love and continually refer to this book everyone can learn from this especially ceo's and HR managers "
— Bruce, 3/5/2011" Really, really good. Describes a tremendous framework for building a fun, satisfying, and profitable organization or business. Very cool and worth a second read. "
— Marc, 1/31/2011" Good book though little slow paced. "
— Slobodan, 7/28/2010" If you want a good read with clear ideas on how you can improve your company and your management style this will encourage you to take action. "
— Sabrina, 1/30/2010" If you believe in your people, this is an excellent book. I just started reading it and can't put it down. "
— Kirsten, 10/13/2008" It is something we know is the basic of business services. Having it proven in Chip's business practice is encouraging. "
— Janet, 8/11/2008" An interesting translation of Maslow's ideas (Hierarchy of Needs) to apply to running a business or other organization. Another example of how it's all about the people. "
— Eric, 6/24/2008" Great bibliography. Good upbeat/optimistic tone throughout. Interesting case study summaries although lacking in critical analysis of any counterexamples. "
— John, 1/21/2008Chip Conley started out as a rebel entrepreneur, building one of America’s most successful boutique hotel brands, Joi de Vivre. As the company’s leader for twenty-four years, Conley was honored as the “Most Innovative CEO in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Business Times in 2007. He is the author of three books, including the bestseller PEAK: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow. As a speaker, he has shared his philosophy with a number of successful companies and some of the country’s top academic institutions.