Confidence lies at the heart of civilization. Everything about an economy, a society, an organization or a team depends on it. Every investment and decision we make is based on whether we can trust ourselves, and others, to accomplish what has been promised. Confidence determines whether our steps are tiny and tentative or big and bold.

Using company case studies of over 1000 companies, Rosabeth Moss Kanter identifies the patterns distinguishing the dynamics of failure and success in a variety of different arenas ranging from private organizations and businesses to high schools and governments.