Reviews
Mantra Design References:
Dana Oliver has written a great book on profitable innovation. He covers many aspects of innovation from culture to commercialization and he does it in a way that every entrepreneur or corporate leader can take away a gem for implementation.
What I liked best was Oliver’s focus on the customer. In a world where program management/project management focuses on stakeholders, I believe that we have lost focus on who pays the bills…our customers.
This message was loud and clear with suggestions throughout his work on how to leverage product innovation to engage customers. He advises us to “look for opportunities to protect key accounts by including them in organic development”. Oliver advises us to focus on profitable innovation by keeping the most important features for our customers in scope. He also reminds us to communicate our latest concepts with our customers twenty times! We need to ensure that we solve our customer’s business problems with our product innovation.
Testing was also well discussed. Quality testing needs to go beyond simple test plans because a product needs to work beyond the day we first receive it. Test plans need to include time and customer simulations. This I challenge my cohorts in I/T – it is no longer good enough to document lessons learned – you need to anticipate!
You may be wondering how a return to customer focus will improve customer social responsibility…well with an increase in consumer activism and more companies focused on CSR as a way to increase profits – the customer will be asking for CSR deliverables and products that respect people, planet and profit.
Oliver’s blunt discussion about how structured processes can sabotage creativity and innovation challenge the reader to create a balance between the two. He gives implementable ideas for individuals and corporations on the how to.
As a program director , I will be implementing Oliver’s suggestion:
“Spend 15% of your time on innovation.” in both my personal and organization’s time management.
My only criticism of Oliver’s work is that there may be too much good information in his book to digest and action.
…and to my colleagues in program leadership, I challenge you to increase your organization’s focus on innovation and lessen the dependence on structured process… are you up for that?
yours in Corporate Social Responsibility
Reviewed by Cara MacMillan
If your goal is to become the best leader possible with an innovative corporation, you must read Dana A. Oliver’s book, Mantra Design – Innovate, Buy or Die!: Discover the Secrets for Profitable and Lasting Innovation. Mr. Oliver has thirty years of experience leading research and development teams, specifically with Medtronic, one of the leading manufacturers of medical technology equipment. He thoroughly explains the concept of Innovation Management, which is the management of innovation processes, both for the product itself and the organization. Innovation Leadership is the next necessary step; it refers to synthesizing different leadership styles, influencing “employees to produce creative ideas, products services and solutions.” Many examples of successful leadership from various organizations are detailed throughout the book.
Dana A. Oliver presents fourteen memorable mantras for Innovation Leadership in his book, Mantra Design – Innovate, Buy or Die! While these mantras are catchy, they are also substantial, imparting meaningful messages. The mantras are explained succinctly and purposefully. One of my favorites is “Hope is Not a Strategy.” Many people will relate to this mantra, as they have probably experienced this phenomenon during their careers. While this book is geared towards the creation of innovative products, leaders in other types of businesses should also read it. The lessons are applicable to all types of organizations, and all leaders would benefit by considering how each lesson could be implemented in their specific environment. This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in improving their company’s success!
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers’ Favorite
Dana Oliver’s second book “Mantra Design” is a perfect companion to his first book “Mantra Leadership” In “Mantra Design” Dana takes us on a journey through concepts he developed over his 30+ years of experience for generating lasting returns on your investments in people, time, technology, and money. A particular favorite of mine is his discussion on Core Focus and “Dance with the girl you came with”, which talks to growing your company’s organic technologies. If you are familiar with Dana’s first book you will remember that chapters are organized by mantras. These mantras are perfect takeaways that allow the reader a clever way to remember and retain the message, such as “Hope is not a strategy” or “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should”. I recommend Dana’s new book to anyone interested in providing a lasting impact to their organization or their own personal careers.
Travis Zweibohmer, Program Manager, Medtronic
Great Book! Dana Oliver nails it!!
With lots of experience in many areas, Dana’s practical experience is very helpful for many management situations. This book is a very good read for all managers of engineering professionals.
Tom Molz, President & Chief Executive Officer, US BioDesign
Mantra Leadership References:
From one of America’s most accomplished leaders in medical device research and development comes a thought-filled book about lasting influence, experiential learning and the importance of repetition and practice in all we do in life… Dana Oliver is a humble lifelong learner who lives his life from the inside out, makes a practice of his proven methodology and now through his writing, teaches us how to create an environment that is rich with opportunity to learn and grow. Mantra Leadership strikes a refreshing balance between the customer, business, and vital associates by way of Dana’s approach to building trust… and in doing so teaches us… how to thrive…
Neal Strohmeyer, CEO, Triangle Manufacturing Company
Dana gives us the 10 commandments of leadership (x2)…
This is some straight-forward advice on the tenants of leadership – a mantra so to speak. With current business pre-occupation on “innovation”, maybe the mantras of leadership are the tonic for true innovation. Dana’s background in the high tech world of durable medical goods provides many insights to the fundamentals of leadership. Forget all the advice on innovation, true leadership leads to true innovation!
Randal Schulhauser, Sr. Product Development Manager, Medtronic
With “Mantra Leadership”, Dana Oliver has created a must read guide for all aspiring leaders. This book provides an excellent strategy to understanding what true leadership is and how to become a better mentor and leader. The breakdown of “Mantra Leadership” into easy to digest “Mantras” provides a great tool for leaders to use to improve their relationship with their staff and peers. I especially enjoyed the human aspects peppered throughout the book with personal experiences and life lessons which made it easier to relate and incorporate into my own personal work experience. Dana’s 30 plus years in the industry further validates the premises and mantras outlined within this book through years of tried and tested methods. Dana has been my supervisor and mentor for over 4 years and I can see firsthand the respect and loyalty he and his team display on a daily basis which has helped grow the business from $100M to well over $1B in less than 10 years.
Ethan G. Sherman, Ph.D., Biomaterials Engineer, Medtronic Inc
In Mantra Leadership, Dana Oliver eloquently describes his leadership style and techniques, which have helped make him one of the medical device industry’s preeminent R&D leaders. Pulling from the experiences of his upbringing, education and 30 years of experience in med-device, Dana’s style is the perfect blend of leading from the heart coupled with a sound strategy of the mind. His ability to foster an environment where his team understands their roles, as well as the business objectives and is encouraged to learn and grow makes Dana the kind of leader anyone would love to work for. Whether you are an aspiring leader of industry or veteran CEO, Mantra Leadership can help teach you to get the most out of others as well as from yourself.
Dax Strohmeyer, President, Triangle Manufacturing Company
Dana Oliver has been my manager for 8 years and his leadership style truly impacts my passion for work. Working in any product development profession requires creativity and motivation while maintaining the project goals and timelines. Dana strives to drive technology while maintaining sincerity and compassion for his employees, and this balance he achieves provides an optimal work environment. Dana’s first book, Manta Leadership provides an easy to read guide on how to achieve his leadership style and maximize performance by building a strong team, providing recognition and inspiration whilst not over burdening or micromanaging the team.
Jennifer Medina, Principal Pharmacologist, Medtronic
Just finished Dana A. Oliver’s “Mantra Leadership”. It’s one of the most practical, straightforward, and genuine leadership books I’ve come across. I highly recommend it, especially for R&D leaders.
Joseph Saladino, VP of Marketing, Zyga
Dana Oliver’s debut book “Mantra Leadership” was thirty years in the making. It’s based both on his personal and extensive professional experience in varying positions of leadership. You will surmise from the very first pages that leadership is not only a topic Dana writes about, but one in which he is truly passionate and puts into practice daily. Dana has organized his thoughts on leadership into “mantras”, which are practical, memorable, and easily applied. I have read countless books on leadership and now rank Dana amongst my favorite authors on the subject matter. Dana’s thoughts on emotional intelligence, goal setting, performance reviews, and team building are worth the read alone. I recommend Dana Oliver’s book “Mantra Leadership” to every leader or aspiring leader who strives to increase their competitive edge and make a lasting impact within their organizations.
Travis Zweibohmer, Engineering Program Manager, Medtronic Inc.
Excelling in the workplace is no different than doing so in a sport or other skilled activity; it takes thoughtful effort and practice. Mantra Leadership, the book and mindset, reminded me of the basics to being a valuable employee and co-worker as well as forward thinking strategies to grow my skills or business. I would liken it to golf pro’s who spend hours on the range building muscle memory of their basic swing while trying to add or hone new skills that will advance their competitiveness. No one can reach their full potential without the right type of effort and Mantra Leadership is like a well-balanced instructor.
Britt Hissong, Senior Principal Design Engineer, Medtronic
Dana has been a valuable source of management information, on a personal basis, for many years. He has distilled much of his wisdom into “Mantra Leadership”. I consider the book a valuable Middle Manager guide to survive, and thrive in the corporate environment. The book provides a “roadmap” to effective and emotionally intelligent success. It defines and provides strong usage of the “responsible manager” concept.
Ben Rubin, Senior Engineering Manager R&D, Medtronic
Dana Oliver’s Mantras are recognizable as basic common sense and proper business decorum for success. While I have unknowingly followed many of his Mantras over the years in my architectural practice, those wherein I have fallen short offer an invaluable guide to improving my business acumen.
E. Wendell Hall, Partner, Bhide & Hall Architects, P.A.
A worthwhile read: Having worked within Dana’s organization for many years, and having managed a group of engineers, I have the benefit of direct counsel and the opportunity to apply many of Dana’s mantras. I can attest to the value of these bits of wisdom, and the positive effect of their application. My managerial skills have improved by recalling the mantras and applying the lessons in Mantra Leadership.
Jerry Norman, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Medtronic Surgical Technologies
Mantra Leadership is an excellent reference for leaders and people managers aspiring to improve effectiveness through people and teams. As leaders develop their management philosophy Mantra Leadership provides a tool kit of methods to help understand how other leaders effect change and to apply as appropriate.
Mark Himes, Senior Director, Quality Assurance Services, Medtronic Surgical Technologies
I really like the clarity and the structure of the book. Very well done!
Emmanuel Dujarric, Senior Director of Global Operations, Medtronic
It’s GREAT! And I can picture you saying all the words printed on the pages. I’m like “yep,” “that’s Dana!”
Lissa Venosh, Principal Packaging Engineer, Medtronic
