Freedom and Accountability at Work: Applying Philosophic Insight to the Real World [Paperback]

Koestenbaum is a philosophy professor and veteran writer, and coauthor Block is a business consultant and a longtime friend of Koestenbaum's. This book, a product of their professional affiliation, is a "restatement" of two important books of Koestenbaum's, The Vitality of Death (1971) and The New Image of the Person (1978). Both books were academically oriented, and Block has taken their messages and retooled them for a more popular audience. The fundamental point of the new book is that the basic tenets of philosophy can be applied to life, particularly to the workplace, to such an extent that our lives can be changed. The primary focus is on the concept of individual freedom and how managers can best utilize that concept to create a more productive, but at the same time more humane, work environment. This provocative, challenging book is not easy reading. It must be taken in small doses, for each idea requires time to digest. Brad Hooper
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"Both Koestenbaum and Block are such passionate men who bring together what we all seek in our work life-meaning, insight, and humanness. Bless them for this book." (Joyce DeShano, board chair, Ascension Health)

"Peter Koestenbaum's message of courage and accountability in the face of anxiety has struck a powerful chord. He and Peter Block have helped us see the very core of our contribution-compassionately confront people with their own freedom." (Kenneth F. Murphy, senior vice president, human resources, Philip Morris USA)

"Prepare to have your world rocked. Koestenbaum and Block take on the profound task of understanding existence and its place in organizations. You will never be the same." (Christopher G. Worley, director, MSOD Program, Pepperdine University)

"This book deepens the ongoing economic and social dialogue about balancing wealth creation with core human values. The authors' words offer encouragement to people in organizations who choose to elevate their work by using it as a vehicle to discover and strengthen the links between identity and industry, passion and prosperity, meaning and marketability, service and success." (Joseph A. Braidish, director, Kelley Executive Partners, Indiana University Kelley School of Business)

"Peter Koestenbaum brings the full force of his intellectual prowess to bear on the major questions of human existence. His insights are priceless even as they challenge some of our most deeply held assumptions about organizational life." (Camden C. Danielson, executive director, Kelley Executive Partners, Indiana University)

"This work is one of those rare business book breaks from the 'how to?to the what if?'. Block and Koestenbaum provide the foundation for a philosophy of hope for the work place for life; adding meaning to both." (Howard Schultz, cofounder, The Learning Consortium)

"This book is for the curious and the courageous. The curious will learn from a master philosopher and be intellectually challenged. The courageous will be asked to choose freedom and accountability. Be forewarned!" (Charlotte Roberts, author, Fifth Discipline Fieldbook, The Dance of Change)

"Tired of being held? and holding others?accountable? Disappointed that your time management system didn't reduce your stress? Think freedom in the workplace is an oxymoron? Then get ready to go deep, and emerse yourself in the wisdom of Koestenbaum according to Block." (Paul Anderson, dean, Northern California School for Managing and Leading Change)

"I've taught Peter Koestenbaum's leadership philosophy all over the world...and it works! Its broad and all encompassing...and brings a powerful message of hope to us in the workplace." (George I. Fitzpatrick, The Authentic Leader, teacher and practitioner)

"This is an important book by two important management thinkers. Peter Koestenbaum and Peter Block offer an alternative, if not an antidote, to the shallowness of 'speed, simplicity and (unwarranted) self-confidence' by challenging managers to think about freedom and accountability." (Robert M. Fulmer, coauthor, The Leadership Investment, Distinguished Visiting Professor Graziadio School of Business, Pepperdine University)

"Noted philosopher Peter Koestenbaum and author Peter Block present some new perspectives for seekers of meaning, insight and humanity in the work place." (Training, 12/01)

"It's perceptions are strikingly original, challenging the reader on every page to speculate and transform." (Napra Review, 1/02)

"Koestenbaum and Block present more in-depth information on philosophical tenets and do an outstanding job of helping readers see how to apply the ideas." (Choice, 2/02)

"...it provides deep an valuable insight..." (Professional Manager, March 2002)

"It belongs on your retail shelves and also in your backroom to be read and shared with employees." (New Age Retailer, May/June 2002)