I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author David B. Savage takes readers on an exploration of the nature of collaboration within the world of business, and examines the guides he has crafted in regards to every facet of collaboration within the business, social, and environmental fields in his book, “Breaking Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible Within a Culture of Collaboration”.

The Synopsis

Collaboration is the new field of leadership. And it is evolving quickly. Now access the most current and collaborative book. Savage’s updated book guides you through the business, social and environmental costs of bad collaboration, the roadblocks to collaboration, the 10 Essential Steps to Collaboration, Disruptive Technology, Team Assessments, getting beyond fake news, how to create a culture of innovation, create shared value, build on success and much more. Tired of the barriers and wasted resources? This is the breakthrough guide for you and your organization. David B. Savage’s Break Through To Yes provides the key for real success— collaboration! —Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers 50 #1 Leadership Thinker in the World and Top 5 Management Thinker 2015. KIRKUS REVIEW Break Through To Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration A book thoroughly examines the power of successful collaborations. Canadian collaboration expert Savage (a contributor to Ready, Aim, Excel, 2012) offers a work that couldn’t be more timely. While it addresses organizational collaboration, this book could be interpreted more broadly as a treatise on building a cooperative culture within families, groups, businesses, and government. In a collection of concise chapters, Savage leads the reader through a discussion of the meaning and value of collaboration. The author supplements his own experiences over more than four decades with extensive quotes from experts and results from surveys that he conducted; in effect, he collaborated far and wide to garner input for this volume. Part One lays the groundwork by first exploring reasons for collaboration, why it fails, and what is required for effective collaboration. Part Two explores “The Discipline of Collaboration,” addressing such issues as why collaboration is misunderstood, how to involve stakeholders, and why the practice demands “opening the mind…opening the heart…and opening the will.” This section also delivers a useful assessment tool to determine the state of an organization’s “collaborative ecosystem.” In Part Three, Savage provides a comprehensive road map via 10 specific steps for implementing organizational collaboration. Beginning with “Step 1: Set Intention and Declare Your Purpose,” and concluding with “Step 10: Make It So: Positively Change the Energy and the Future Together,” the book systematically details each step and then summarizes to facilitate implementation. Part Four (“Break Through”) offers a discussion of circles and teams and explains the rise of the “Chief Collaboration Officer” as a senior position, which, Savage writes, is “the greatest advance in organizational productivity in the knowledge economy.” This engaging volume’s Appendices contain additional worthy information, including quotes from experts (from Bryce Medd/Wealthy Tortoise Financial, British Columbia: “In the financial services realm, if the intention is to create one plan, a roadmap for a client, then only by collaboration can all of the various disciplines come together for the best interest of the client”). The Appendices also include an itemized list of “roadblocks to collaboration,” and vital lessons the author has learned from some less-than-successful collaborative engagement startups. Highly readable, informative, and well-organized, this insightful work acts as a short-form textbook on the best practices in collaboration. A valuable volume for the senior leader of any group, business, or organization who wants to build a collaborative culture. 

The Review

This was such an informative and insightful read. The author did a fantastic job of finding the right balance of educational and teaching moments within this book with personal experiences and narratives within the context of the book that highlighted the author’s message. The descriptive imagery that the author employs to paint an image in the reader’s mind really emphasizes the concept of collaboration.

Honestly, there were a couple of things that really stood out to me in this read. The first was the way the author was able to connect with all readers for this guide, not just business-oriented readers. I personally am not well versed in business and have never really had the drive for it, but I always appreciate an author who can make an educational guide like this feel understandable and relatable, something the author has accomplished here. Also, I enjoyed seeing how the author’s collaborative teachings applied to more than just business. The book itself opens up a perfect examination of collaboration within the environment itself and opens up to how collaboration can apply to our relationships, our friendships, and so much more. 

The Verdict

An engaging, thought-provoking, and educational guide on business, the environment, and beyond, author David B. Savage’s “Breaking Through to Yes” is the ultimate lesson on the nature of collaboration and teamwork that a reader can have. The imagery and tone of the author’s writing convey authority yet compassion in the face of years of individualist and narrow-minded goals set within a business setting, and this guide will lead readers onto a brilliant path of success in many facets of life if they heed the author’s words. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

David B. Savage works with leaders and organizations to advance their success through collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, and business development. David brings 42+ years expertise, experience and leadership in oil and gas, renewable energy, health care, entrepreneurship, stakeholder engagement and conflict management. Over a ten-year period, David and partners, collaborated to develop 5 companies and 4 not for profits. Since 2007, Savage Management has focused on build capacity, innovation and accountability in people and in and between organizations and communities. CORE COMPETENCIES: Negotiations and Agreement Building, Business Development, Acquisitions, Management Consulting, Strategic Planning & Execution, Sustainability Engagement and Organizational Development, Management Leadership and Team Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Business Development, Conflict Management, Executive and Team Coaching plus 360 Leadership Assessments. Getting the right people, in the right places, with the right systems and right resources to collaborate, innovate and figure out challenges together is the best way. And, if that is not possible, then guiding the parties to the right people, principles, processes and systems to ensure everyone’s interests are heard and considered is the goal. PUBLICATIONS 2003: David’s Company to Company Dispute Resolution Council published the Let’s Talk Handbook 2011: Think Sustain Ability published Sustain Magazine 2012: Ready Aim Excel: 52 Leadership Lessons 2016: Break Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration 2017: The Collaborative Podcast Series (print, eBook and Audible) include 75 guests from eight nations are; Book 1: The Foundations for Collaboration Book 2: The Collaborative Guest Podcasts Book 3: The 10 Essential Steps Book 4: Unlocking the Possible 2018: Break Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration, Updated and Revised edition Produce Better Outcomes with Well Designed Collaborations: A Handbook for Rotary International Nobody Gets to be Right.

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