Thomas J Delong's publications

DeLong, Thomas J., John J. Gabarro, and Robert Lees. When Professionals Have to Lead: A New Model for High Performance. Harvard Business School Press, 2007. Abstract

For too long, professional services firms (PSFs) have relied on the "producer-manager" model, which works well in uncomplicated business environments. However, today's managing directors must balance conflicting roles, more demanding clients, tougher competitors, and associates with higher expectations of partners at all levels. "Integrated Leadership in Professional Services Firms" presents an overarching framework better suited to such complexity. It identifies the four critical activities for effective PSF leadership: setting strategic direction, securing commitment to this direction, facilitating execution, and setting a personal example. Through examples from consulting practices, accounting firms, investment banks, and other professional service organizations, industry veterans DeLong, Gabarro, and Lees show how this model works to: align your firm's culture and key organizational components; satisfy your clients' needs without sacrificing essential managerial responsibilities; and address matters of size, scale, and complexity while maintaining the qualities that make professional services firms unique. A valuable new resource, this book redefines the role of leadership in professional services firms.
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DeLong, Thomas J., and Ashish Nanda. Professional Services: Text and Cases. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2003.

Published Papers

DeLong, Thomas J., John J. Gabarro, and Robert Lees. "Why Mentoring Matters in a Hypercompetitive World." Special Issue on HBS Centennial. Harvard Business Review 86, no. 1 (January 2008).

DeLong, Thomas J., John J. Gabarro, and Robert Lees. "Juggling Isn’t the Same As Leading." The American Lawyer (December 2007): 124-130. (Excerpt from the book When Professionals Have to Lead.)

DeLong, Thomas J., and Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. "Let's Hear It for B Players." Harvard Business Review 81, no. 6 (June 2003).

Presentations

DeLong, Thomas J. "When Professionals Lead: The Challenges of Managing the Professional Services Firm." A Harvard Business School Publishing Best Practice Briefing Series, Harvard Business School Press, Web event, January 2008.