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.

Today’s successful leaders must understand the new role that intangibles play in company valuations and see their own roles from a larger perspective if they are to join the new breed of leaders—those who consistently build value within the company. Why the Bottom Line Isn’t! will show you how to take that next step and start improving your organization now.

About the Authors

Dave Ulrich, Ph.D. has been listed by BusinessWeek as the top “guru” in management education. He has coauthored ten books and over 100 articles, serves on the Board of Directors of Herman Miller, and has consulted with over half of the Fortune 200. He is currently on professional leave as professor at the University of Michigan to serve as Mission President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Montreal.

Norm Smallwood is cofounder of Results-Based Leadership, which provides education and consulting services based on this book as well as the ideas in Results-Based Leadership: How Leaders Build the Business and Improve the Bottom Line, which he coauthored with Ulrich. He has led leadership development, business strategy, organization capability, change management, and HR project for a wide variety of clients spanning multiple industries.