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How the Mighty Fall
One of my former partners suggested that I read Final Accounting: Ambition, Greed and the Fall of Arthur Andersen, by Barbara Toffler and Jennifer Reingold.
Let me start by saying I believed — and still believe — Arthur Andersen was one of the greatest professional services firms of all time. My brother came very close to going to work for them back in the ’70s. They were high-quality, client-focused and very innovative (e.g., their technology practice started in the ’50s).
I still grieve their demise in 2002. Even all these years later, it’s so hard for me to acknowledge that Andersen is gone. I always looked forward to their latest service or discovery. In my humble opinion, they were the best for decades.
That said, who should read Final Accounting? I would recommend it to anyone who is leading an organization that, for years/generations, has been considered “the best” in whatever industry you’re in.
Are you considered the best in your industry? Are you sure you’re still the best?