“The Firm, The Story of McKinsey and its Influence on American Business” by Duff McDonald

 Purpose of the Firm. A book about a business consulting firm may seem off-point to the creation of a knowledge base on Character Towns; but consider that The Firm is a consulting firm. Most cities hire and manage consultants and many city planners are or have been or will be consultants. Also consider that McKinsey is a long-standing and successful business that provides advise to decision-makers. Since all planners are advisors to decision-makers, this book offers many useful lessons. 

McKinsey and Company was technically founded in 1926 by James O. McKinsey [1889-1937], Marvin Bower [1903-2003] was a successor who established the ethos of the firm and the basic principles that guided it for decades. Trust and ethical behavior, the currency of every advisor, was that foundational base for the firm. Through growth and diversification, these basic tenants eroded, but the principles and practice of consulting have survived and offer a great object lesson for city planners as they advise leaders of governments, institutions and industry.