Randori Principles

Randori/ ran-door-ee/ v. (from the Japanese martial art Aikido) means to be in the right place, with the right technique, at the right time, with the right level of power.

Out of the chaos of business change, mergers, acquisitions, and upheavals, leaders continually seek practical new ways of thinking about-and doing-business. Many will identify with this description: “Suddenly you are attacked from multiple directions at once, seemingly with no pattern or reason. Unrelenting, simultaneous, and armed, the attacks keep coming.”

The solution draws from ancient Aikido principles. It is called Randori.

In the above attack, consider: “Instead of panicking or flailing, you respond effortlessly and impeccably. Each movement, each technique you bring forward perfectly parries every force you encounter. You flow with the attacks, almost without thought, and in doing so rise brilliantly above the flurry of opposition.” THAT is Randori.

Applying The Randori Principles to business is a perfect match, for Aikido is about mastering the chaos of multiple attacks, the scenario facing companies daily. Leaders will learn to:

• Apply the right action, right timing, and right use of power.

• Bring focus to leadership.

• Master Irimi-the use of the single sword strike.

• Turn resistance into collaboration.

• Know when to disengage.

Coauthors Baum and Hassinger identify essential techniques and encourage heightened awareness in 60 time-tested management lessons. Their fast-paced and refreshingly brief scenarios are rich with action ideas to try.

Hassinger and Baum, business consultants who also practice the martial art of aikido, have developed a formula for applying the principles of randori used in aikido (right place, right technique, right time, right level of power) to the business world. The principles are explained in easy language, with numerous anecdotes and examples from the business world. The volume will be of interest to managers. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

With 20-plus years of experience as a consultant, David Baum provides clients with innovative, creative solutions to change. Drawing on a rich and varied background from experience as a clown, to resolving conflicts in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to revitalizing Native American communities, Baum is sought after by such clients as Shell Oil, Condé Nast, Barclays Bank, Johnson & Johnson, and Outward Bound.

Jim Hassinger holds a black belt in Aikido and has spent the past 12 years applying the principles of this innovative martial art to organizational performance. With more than 20 years’ experience as a business consultant, he is sought by corporate leaders for his wise counsel. Such clients as Avid Technology, Disney, Fleet Bank, Lotus Development, Liberty Mutual Funds, and Hewlett-Packard have benefited from the coaching of this master of integration.