Dave Ulrich

Why the Bottom Line Isn’t! began when the authors asked a simple question: How can two companies in the same industry with similar earnings have vastly different market values? In answering that question, authors Dave Ulrich and Norm Smallwood demystify theories of intangible value and show that the bottom line is about much more than just earnings–it’s about building long-term value through assets not accounted for on a company’s financial statements, such as leadership, brand, corporate culture, and ability to attract talent. The authors use real-world examples from various industries to show how intangibles drive market value; even more, they provide the tools to make it happen in your company.

According to studies, we all work for the same thing–and it's not just money. It's meaning. Through our work, we seek a sense of purpose, contribution, connection, value, and hope. Digging down to the meaning of work taps our resilience in hard times and our passion in good times. That's the simple but profound premise behind this groundbreaking book by renowned management expert Dave Ulrich and psychologist Wendy Ulrich. They've talked to thousands of people–from rank-and-file workers to clients and customers to top-level executives–and synthesized major disciplines to identify the "why" behind our most successful experiences.