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Title: The Elephant and the Flea by Charles Handy ISBN: 1591391288 Publisher: Harvard Business School Press Pub. Date: 07 February, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $16.00

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Average Customer Rating: 4

Rating: 3
Summary: Handy Wants it Both Ways
Comment: Charles Handy, a former oil company executive who recast himself as a freelance writer/thinker, desires success both ways.

While he celebrates the life of what he terms "the flea," --flexible, independent creative types -- he warns their life "is an invitation to selfishness and a recipe for a very privatized society."

Life, he says, requires a commitment to others. Something, he appears to believe can only be achieved by large organizations - the "elephants" of the world.

I found chapter entitled "The Problems of a Portfolio Life" particularly interesting. In it he describes three tensions which emerged from his decision to opt out of his organizational life for independence:

1.A lack of community.
2.The need for a driving passion.
3.The need to keep learning and developing.

He was particularly surprised by the first two points.

This is a book to be savored slowly; a book that explores three threads - the individual, the organization and society - and their interaction. When Handy publishes his treatise on how they should peacefully co-exist, I want to be first on line to purchase it.

Rating: 5
Summary: The Elefant and the Flea
Comment: Mr. Handy's book sets forth some very original insights on democracy and the current challenges facing large organizations. Most significant to me, as a newcomer to "Fleadom" the book encouraged me to revisit my thoughts from a personal, family, societal and professional point of view. Mr. Handy's book was both inspirational and pragmatic.

Rating: 4
Summary: Interesting Thoughts
Comment: Mr. Handy has expanded on some of his thoughts from his earlier books plus some updates. It is a good documentation of his life experience and in the process gave a roadmap for those who wants to have a portfolio life, entrepreneur or have to work as an independent as organisations downsize or go bust.

As always, his thoughts are profound. Some trends are some way yet and some among us may wish it does not happen. Only time will tell. What is instructive is that it gave us a peek and perhaps prepare and arm us for the eventuality.

A nice read over the weekend if you seek inspiration to become your own employer.

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