100 Greatest Ideas For Effective Leadership and Management

John Adair
Capstone £10.00
ISBN 1-84112-140-1

This little book is well structured, accessible, simple but effective. It misses the worst points of banality and hyperbole that characterises some of these "how to" management texts. Presumably, this is because John Adair is a leader whose ideas have stood the test of time. He builds on his long experience to offer a range of pragmatic solutions to getting the job done, be it by management techniques or leadership skills.

Sensibly, the prose does not waste time debating the management/leadership divide - Adair acknowledges that both are necessary for individual and organisational success.

These 100 greatest ideas are categorised into Greatest Ideas for:

• getting your act together;
• understanding leadership;
• performing as a leader;
• thinking as a leader;
• power through the people, and
• getting the message across.

In each category the material is further sub-divided and reference to the detailed content page will direct the reader to an explanation or action to meet the current challenge.

This is not an academic book; there are no signposts to follow-up readings or other materials. It's a 'quick hit' book offering simple, sound advice. Practising and aspiring managers should both find this useful. At the price, it must be recommended.