Challenging the status quo.

Karen Thompson-Yancey, senior director of enterprise portfolio management for HCA, says Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds' in Business Win (William Morrow; $26.95) spotlights a new way to compete, lead, and succeed in business. Authors William C. Taylor and Polly G. LaBarre contend that the future of business requires executives to renounce "business as usual" and employ practices that foster originality, creativity, and innovation.

"The ability to think outside the box to solve problems and improve service will drive business success in the 21st century," says Thompson-Yancey. She states that the book has motivated her to challenge the status quo at work and use unconventional methods to achieve remarkable results.

Thompson-Yancey highlights the following book excerpts:

Rethink competition. Being competitive is more than being less expensive or faster than your rival. Mavericks think of competition in much broader terms that include increasing value, improving customer satisfaction, and inspiring employee excellence.

Reinvent innovation. Mavericks don't approach innovation by simply tweaking products and adjusting services; they break the mold. Mavericks embrace the unknown and experiment with uncertainty by redefining industry standards, targeting emerging customer bases, and forging promising collaborations.

Redesign work. A business is only as good as its employees. Mavericks inspire employee imagination, creativity, and excitement. They give their employees opportunities to grow professionally, learn from others, and engage in stimulating work.