Talent Development

Book Reviews

Adair - Buzan
Ciampa - de Bono
Fleming - Green
Handy - Kotter
Maccoby - Phillips
Smith - Thurbin

Internet Sites

Management

Business

Tools

Adair - Buzan

Adair, J., Effective Leadership.
London:Pan 1988 ISBN 0330 30230 2
Adair outlines an approach which can help people to understand and develop leadership skills and abilities. He believes that while some are natural leaders most of us have to learn it and can do so very effectively.

Barker, A. How to hold Better Meetings.
London:Kogan Page. 1997. ISBN 0 7494 2165 7
Part of a series sponsored by the Industrial Society, this book provides sound guidance on how to manage meetings that are focused, effective, and efficient rather than boring, unproductive and time consuming. Recognising that chairing meetings is a key managerial skill which few are taught and even fewer have a good role model to learn from, the author provides 130 pages of very sound advice.

Belbin, R.M. Management Teams : Why They Succeed or Fail.
Oxford:Butterworth. 1993. ISBN 0 7506 0253 8
In this seminal work Belbin examines the ways in which teams typically work and outlines the eight key team roles which are essential for effectiveness. Many have found this approach to be highly effective and we use Belbin's approach in our own consulting work.

Binney, G., Williams, C. Leaning into the Future. London:
Brealey Publishing. 1997. ISBN 1-85788-083-8
This excellent and very readable book was my "Book of the Year" in 1997. The authors provocatively discuss the nature of management style and the need for flexibility in a rapidly changing and diverse business world. Read it!

Black, J. S., Gregersen, H. The right way to manage expats.
Harvard Business review. March-April 1999. pp 52-62.
The factors that influence the success or failure of expat assignments are discussed in this article. Recognising the enormous cost of a failed assignment, the authors identify three key factors for increasing the likelihood of success. They are - focusing on knowledge creation, assigning people whose technical skills are matched or exceeded by their cross-cultural abilities and ending expatriate assignments with a deliberate repatriation process. To fulfil these factors the expatriates need to be capable communicators, have a broad-based sociability, show cultural flexibility, a cosmopolitan orientation and a collaborative negotiation style.

Bracey, R., Managing People for the First Time.
Kent:Grant Publishing. 1998. ISBN 1-901306-08-9
This small book is part of the "60 Minutes Success Skills Series" which for little cost help people think about the essentials in managing people for the first time. Including chapters on understanding the manager's role, managing friends and former colleagues, managing older people and dealing with conflict, it is practical, to the point and helpful at that stage in a career when many get little support from their employer or boss.

Brodbeck, F. et al., Cultural variation of leadership prototypes across 22 European countries.
Journal of Occupational and Organisational Psychology. Vol 72/1 March 2000 pp1-30.
This article sets out to test the assumption that concepts of leadership differ as a function of cultural differences in Europe and to identify dimensions which describe differences in leadership concepts across 22 European countries. The research confirms the assumption and considers the implications for cross-cultural management both in European and non-European settings. The central finding points to the need to be able to create and build conceptual bridges across cultures as a key competence for cross-cultural leadership.

Buzan, T. Make the Most of Your Mind.
London: Pan 1988. ISBN 0-330-30262-0
A straightforward book explaining how the brain works and how you can use it more effectively.

Buzan, T. The Mind Map Book.
London:BBC.1993. ISBN 0 563 86373 8
Buzan is the originator of Mind Mapping; a technique which helps you to organise your creative and organised thinking in a dynamic, non-linear way. This is one of those "Oh, yes" books which opens the door of changed perception.

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Ciampa - de Bono

Ciampa, D., Watkins, M. The successor's dilemma.
Harvard Business Review. November-December 1999. pp 160-168.
The dilemma is the power struggle that is played out between the CEO and his would-be successor. There can be a tension between the unwillingness to give up power, on the one hand, and the need to effect change to prove oneself, on the other hand.

Cleary, T (trans). Thunder in the Sky.
Boston:Shambala. 1993 ISBN 0-87773-951-X
Subtitled "On the Acquisition and Exercise of Power", it is suggested that looking back can help in the understanding of the dynamics of power. Two classics from ancient Chinese traditional wisdom (The Master of Demon Valley and The Master of the Hidden Storehouse) are translated in a clear, aphoristic way.

de Bono, E. Lateral Thinking for Management.
London:Penguin 1990 ISBN 0 14 01.3780.7
Suggesting that everyone can be creative, de Bono encourages proactive, practical creativity (lateral thinking) as a way to break out of the traditional ways of thinking. In his opinion, creativity can be learned. In this, and his other books, he teaches us how.

de Bono, E. Six Thinking Hats.
London:Penguin. 1990 ISBN 0 14 01.3784 X
The author outlines a way of helping us to break out of our traditional thinking style. He enables us to look at a problem from different perspectives by metaphorically asking us to put on a different coloured hat for different perspectives. Thus black hat thinkers (yes, but...) among others can be enabled to be optimistic (yellow hat), creative (green hat), factual (white hat) etc. It works! It's fun!

de Bono, E. Tactics: The Art and Science of Success.
London:Fontana. 1991. ISBN 0-00-637072-1
Through interviewing 50 succesful people de Bono has analysed the ways in which people achieve success and he has turned it into a practical strategy.

de Bono, E. Serious Creativity.
London:Harper Collins. 1995. ISBN 0 00 637958 3
This book builds on "Six Thinking Hats" etc. to provide a more comprehensive guidebook in the creation of new ideas. De Bono's approach is widely used and is standing the test of time.

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Fleming - Green

Fleming, J. Become Assertive
Kent:Grant Publishing. 1997. ISBN 1-901306-01-1
This small book is part of the "60 Minutes Success Skills Series" which for little cost helps people learn the essentials of being assertive. For those who sometimes fell put upon, who find it difficult to deal with conflict and who feel obliged to put others first, this book differentiates between aggression and assertiveness, helps you to give and take criticism and generally helps you to feel more in control and consequently more self-confident.

Goleman, D. Leadership that gets results.
Harvard Business Review. March-April 2000 pp 78-93.
Goleman outlines six leadership styles based on his own work developing the concept of Emotional Intelligence. He describes the effect each style has on the working atmosphere and presents evidence that the most successful leaders use most of the styles at different times. The skill is in knowing when to use which style. An excellent article with recommendations that are backed up by some sound research.

Greene, Robert. The 48 Laws of Power.
Profile Books: London. 1999 £4.99
This is essentially a guide to manipulation. Amusing and very thought provoking, it outlines 48 principles or laws using an introductory proposition and then elaborating on the point through the use of explanations "the keys of power" and illustration drawing on the writings of such people as Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Tacitus and Voltaire. This concise version of the larger best seller is an ideal read for the plane whether you want to understand why it’s ill advised to outshine your boss (Law 1) or to learn when to stop once you’ve achieved your goal (Law 47

Handy - Kotter

Handy, C. Gods of Management.
London:Arrow. 1991. ISBN 0 09 954841 0
Subtitled "The Changing Work of Organisations", this book explores the different styles of management and culture that exist in business today. In his typically provocative way, Handy uses the differences between four ancient Greek gods as the skeleton on which to tie his hypotheses. As always, he provides a thought provoking read.

Heller, R. Communicating Clearly.
London:Dorling Kindersley. 1998 ISBN 0 71513-0629-0
This small book is part of the Essential Managers Series. It covers the basics of communication in a concise and clear way; it includes sections on learning to listen, the importance of gesture and other elements of body language and how to focus your emphasis with regard to the medium of communication (face to face, telephone) and the relationship with the other(customer, boss, employee etc.).

Heller, R. Motivating People.
London:Dorling Kindersley. 1998. ISBN 0 71513-0630-4.
This small book is part of the Essential Managers Series. It very competently covers the key points in the process of managing and motivating through understanding, encouraging, training and coaching. It helps to think through the difficulties that face you with demotivated staff and the challenge of keeping morale high once progress is being made.

Heller, R., Hindle, T. The Essential Manager's Manual.
London: Dorling Kindersley. 1998. ISBN 0 7513 0400 X
This is a very practical and down to earth guide to managing people. It covers everything you need to know and although it is a big book (more than 800 pages) it presents its highly usable hints and tips in an excellent and clear way. Highly recommended and not expensive.

Kotter, J. What effective managers really do.
Harvard Business Review. March-April 1999. pp 145-159
Kotter did the original research for this article more than 20 years ago and first published his findings and ideas in 1982. This paper ( an HBR Classic) revisits the original and has an additional commentary by Kotter. His suggestion is that how managers think they spend their time is quite different from how they really spend their time and quite different, as well, from an idealised and theoretical perspective of how they should spend their time.

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Maccoby, M. Narcissistic Leaders; The incredible pros, the inevitable cons.
Harvard Business Review. January-February 2000. pp 69-77.
Narcissists can be good for companies that need people with vision and the courage to take them in new directions. Narcissists can also risk leading companies into trouble by refusing to listen to advice and warnings. A trusted second-in-command can counterbalance and keep things rooted in reality.

Makin, P., Cooper, C., Cox, C. Organisations and the Psychological Contract.
Leicester:BPS. 1996. ISBN 1-85433-168 X
This is a comprehensive book covering the theory of management. It will interest both practising managers and those studying for MBA's etc. Covering relevant theories and using practical examples and case studies, they cover coping with change, empowerment, motivation, leadership and dealing with organisational problems. While it is a solid read and may be difficult for those for whom English is not their mother tongue, there is a lot of thought and insight-provoking material.

Markides, C. All the right moves.
Boston: Harvard Business School Press. 1999. ISBN 0 87584 833 8.
A company needs to create and exploit a unique strategic position in its industry. To do so, it must make clear and explicit choices based on three questions - Whom should I target as customers? What products or services should I offer them? How should I do this in an efficient way? Hence this is a book that pushes forward the importance of creative thinking in strategic innovation and underlines the need to recognise that this is a dynamic process requiring rigorous and continuing self-examination.

Maslow, A. Maslow on Management.
New York: Wiley. 1998. ISBN 0 471 24780 4
Maslow is one of the most esteemed experts on human behaviour and motivation. He developed the concept of self-actualisation and from this developed thinking on such fundamental management concepts as empowerment.

Morris, D. The Naked Eye.
London: Ebury Press. 2000. ISBN 0 09 187022 4
Perhaps not linked with business life closely enough but nonetheless interesting, this book pulls together Morris's observations on the human animal (his famous earlier books include "The Naked Ape", Manwatching" and "Bodywatching") in a way which is enjoyable and informative.

Oncken, W, Jr., Wass, D. Who's got the monkey?
Harvard Business Review. November-December 1999. pp 179-186.
The burdens of subordinates always seem to end up on the manager's back. Here's how to get rid of those monkeys. This article was originally published in 1974. It made sense then and it makes sense now. An HBR classic.

Papows, J., Enterprise.com.
Nicholas Brealey Publishing; London. 1999. ISBN 1-85788-208-3
This book takes the assertion by Eric Hoffer "In a time of dramatic change, the learners will inherit the future", chronicles his perceptions of what has happened in recent years and uses this as a platform for his opinions on the challenges and opportunities that face business in the future. He emphasises the role of the Web and the importance of knowledge based management in achieving sustainable competitive edge on a global basis. His considerable experience does not lead to a soapbox style; this book is an articulate and accessible examination of issues none of us can afford to ignore.

Pease, A. Body Language.
London:Sheldon. 1991. ISBN 0-85969-406-2
This book lays out the fundamentals of interpreting body language. While it does not cover the complexities encountered in an international business environment, it is a useful introduction to getting co-operation and conducting business negotiations.

Phillips, N. Managing International Teams.
London:Pitman 1992 ISBN 0 273 03804 4
This excellent book examines the cultural issues raised by increasing globalisation and the effect of different national cultures on management styles. The author then outlines her recipe for getting the best out of staff in multinational teams, using case studies and providing useful practical suggestions.

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Smith - Thurbin

Smith, D. Eurofutures.
Oxford:Capstone 1997. ISBN 1-900961-16-4
Subtitled "Five Scenarios for the Next Millenium", this book addresses the future for Europe in a provocative way. Five possible outcomes are discussed in a way which can help companies think for themselves about the implications of the alternative possibilities. Future scenario planning is something that few companies do in any serious way; all should do so as part of their strategic planning.

Spears, L. C. Reflections on Leadership.
New York:Wiley. 1995 ISBN 0-471-03686-2
This is a collection of essays based on Robert K Greenleaf's theory of servant-leadership. He has been considered the grandfather of today's empowerment movement. He described a true leader as someone who leads by serving others; a steward with a commitment to the growth of people and the building of a community. There are thought provoking articles by such people as M Scott Peck (The Road Less Travelled) and Peter Senge (The Fifth Discipline).

Thurbin, P. The Influential Strategist.
London:Pitman. 1998 ISBN 0 273 63097 0
Thurbin suggests there are paradoxes in business and helping to understand, and accept, them is an important part of achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Forecasting the future is difficult but identifying what counts for you and formulating a sound and consistent but not inflexible strategy by following Thurbin's guidelines may make the difference.

Trompenaars, F., Hampden-Turner, C. Riding the Waves of Culture.
London:Brealey 1997. ISBN 1-85788-176-1
This terrific book by two very respected writers is an essential read for anyone working in an international environment. Probably the definitive text on cultural diversity in business, it is very readable while providing a lot of information and it provokes thoughts and insights which can be readily translated into practical usefulness.

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Internet Links

Management

www.lominger.com
Lominger has developed the Leadership Architect Suite of tools to help companies identify and develop their talented people.

www.ccl.org
The Centre for Creative Leadership has a number of tools such as 360 feedback for the development of key people

www.peoplesoft.com
PeopleSoft and Success Factors have developed IT platforms to support Lominger’s Leadership Architect Suite.

www.successfactors.com
SuccessFactors helps companies build, develop and maintain a high-performance workforce.

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Business

www.harvardbusinessonline.org
The mission of Harvard Business School Publishing is to improve the practice of management and its impact on a changing world.

www.financialtimes.com
Link to the Financial Times including up to the minute news as well as useful tools such as a currency converter and a searchable archive.

www.economist.com
Access to the well known magazine and a searchable archive of articles as well as 'premium content' such as profiles of key business personalities and practical guides to Business.

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Tools

www.journalsearch.com
JournalSearch finds articles and offers subscriptions from leading publications.

scholar.google.com/scholar
A new addition to the Google empire that searches academic papers and journals.

www.multimap.com
Maps of the whole of europe at large and small scales available on-line for free.

www.expedia.com
Travellers tools and on-line bookings of hotels and flights.

babelfish.altavista.com
This section of the Altavista search site offers basic translation of web pages and small amounts of text for free.

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