The Wisdom of Bees – What the Hive Can Teach Business About Leadership, Efficiency and Growth by Michael O’Malley, Ph.D.

It is said comparisons are odious, but certainly not in this case as this delightful little book will reveal. By comparing the remarkable organisation of the honey bearing bee – Apis Mellifera, the author is able to point out just how much we can learn from these extraordinary creatures that, in essence, are the tireless little workers that support our entire agricultural system and provide us with one of nature’s most healing offerings – honey.

Shakespeare remarked on the wisdom of bees in the Life of King Henry Fifth; to paraphrase: “They are the magistrates, merchants, soldiers, singing masons, civil citizens, mechanic porters that teach the art of order to a peopled kingdom.” And indeed the close observation of a hive’s activity as the workers, drones and queen arrange their society offers remarkable insight and a charming model for anyone wanting to learn more effective ways of increasing output and engendering success out of an organisation with consideration and input from the whole team.

Set out over 25 easy to read chapters – and you don’t have to read them in order if you don’t wish - the lessons of honeybee organisation are made relevant to current issues causing stress in the workplace. What is the most effective way of communicating messages, organising work flow and bringing the best out of the individuals in your team? Let the honeybees guide you on a terrific journey of sweet ideas that will make a remarkable difference to your home or place of work.

Read an excerpt here

About the author:
Michael O’Malley, Ph.D., is a social psychologist and management consultant who has coached some of the world’s largest companies. He is currently the executive editor for business, economics, and law at Yale University Press and an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. He has been an avid beekeeper since 2002. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut.

The Wisdom of Bees – What the Hive Can Teach Business About Leadership, Efficiency and Growth by Michael O’Malley, Ph.D.
Portfolio, Penguin Books ISBN: 978-0-670-91948-2