Thirteeners

About the Author

Daniel F. Prosser, an accomplished CEO and mentor, has spent over 40 years in the business world, guiding leaders and organizations toward success. As the CEO of The Prosser Group, he has dedicated his career to helping business leaders, entrepreneurs, and micropreneurs develop unique strategies to gain a competitive edge. His book, Thirteeners: Why Only 13 Percent of Companies Execute Their Strategy - and How Yours Can Be One of Them, reflects his deep understanding of corporate dynamics and the human interactions that drive success. Prosser's insights are not just theoretical; they are grounded in real-world experience, making his guidance both practical and inspirational.

Main Idea

In Thirteeners, Daniel F. Prosser explores why only a small percentage of companies—13%, to be exact—successfully execute their strategies. He identifies the concept of "connectedness" as the key differentiator between successful companies and those that struggle. Prosser argues that the essence of a thriving organization lies in its internal communications and the interconnectedness of its employees. He introduces the idea of "Thirteeners," companies that achieve exceptional results by mastering the art of communication and aligning their actions with their strategic goals. The book delves into the psychological and cultural aspects of organizations, offering a roadmap to becoming a Thirteener through conscious leadership and strategic alignment.

Table of Contents

1. Connectedness and Conversations
2. Viruses and Disconnectors
3. Here Be Dragons
4. The Breakthrough Solutions Framework for Your Business
5. The Blueprint for Building a Thirteener Company

Connectedness and Conversations

The foundation of Prosser's thesis is that business success hinges on the quality of conversations within an organization. He asserts that "everything is a function of the types of conversations you engage in." These conversations form the backbone of a company's culture and significantly impact its ability to execute strategy. Prosser identifies ten critical conversations that foster connectedness: Contribution, Acknowledgment and Appreciation, Alignment, Accountability, Communication, Relatedness, Responsibility, Integrity, Possibility, and Fun, Rewards, Gratitude.

"Amazing things happen when you are willing to declare the impossible to be possible -- without any idea how you're going to make it so." - Daniel F. Prosser

Prosser uses the example of two snowboarders who, by boldly naming their team "The Team That Just Won $3,600," declared their outcome and then worked to achieve it. This illustrates the power of words and the importance of creating a narrative that drives action. The concept of connectedness is further expanded by psychiatrist Dr. Edward M. Hallowell, who describes it as "a sense of being a part of something larger than oneself." This sense of belonging and mutual support is crucial for a high-performing workplace.