Page 27 - Chapter One

Preface xxvii

and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and
daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest
walls of oppression and resistance.” This book also shows what organi-
zations should aspire to be like, what some of the progressive ones are
already like and what the majority of organizations will be like in the
future.

A summary of research presented in this book was submitted as written
evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Management, and
2
it was included in the report “Management 2020” produced by the
Commission on the Future of Management and Leadership and Chartered
Management Institute. The key findings of this report emphasize the
importance of focusing on People, Purpose and Potential – this book
provides research evidence on why this is so important and how it can be
achieved in practice. With the cost of time wasted by poor management
estimated at £19.3 billion per year for the UK, the improvement in
management practices is essential!
For years, I have felt that this work is my life purpose and that, as part of
this, it was essential to find a sympathetic publisher to distribute this book
internationally. I was therefore delighted to receive an offer for a book
contract from Palgrave Macmillan, not just because they cover the global
market but also because they specialize in bringing high- quality academic

work to a practitioner market. My aim is to bridge the gap between
academia and practice, to put ideas and theory into action and make an
impact on the real world of business.

I endeavor to inspire many leaders to adopt more people- centric manage-
ment practices, to demonstrate ways of uplifting and engaging employees
whilst creating value and innovation. The book is also written for academ-
ics at business schools and their students (at MBA and Business Studies
courses), the future leaders – to educate and prepare them for the type of
leadership that will fulfil them and inspire those they will lead.
Last but not least, I wanted this book to show my children what their
future working places should be like and not to settle for working for an
uninspiring boss.