Built on a unique four-year experiment working alongside real leaders in real businesses, Living Leadership explodes the myth of the charismatic, transformational leader, to show that real progress comes from the dramatically ordinary stuff of leadership. From building relationships - not starting revolutions, by working with the grain of your organisation - not against it, and in knowing your limitations as much as pushing every boundary.
''A sound, readable, leadership book for a wide audience: to be read by everyone concerned with delivering resluts at any level.''
Long Range Planning, March 2007
“The real value of this book lies in the detail of how things really get done, and sometimes go wrong. The "black box" of leadership in organisations is now a little less mysterious... Those of us who are led by someone will know that the book’s messages are spot-on. It is practical, challenging, potentially liberating and timely. Most of all, it is humane and passionate. It deserves attention. “ People Management, February 2005
The authors of this timely and reassuring new book are challenging the conventional new wisdom. They bring a large and welcome dose of reality to the overblown debate on "transformational leaders" and the heroics of one lonely individual. Leaders are only effective when they work with and not apart from their organizations, as this important book makes plain. Anyone who has to run or lead anything should find space for it on their bookshelves." Accounting & Business, February 2005
"... a refreshing and engaging break from the torrent of formulaic, sanctimonious self-help guides ... peppered with incisive observations on redefining leadership in terms of the realities and choices that 'ordinary mortals' in organisations face ... there are some excellent practical lessons of good leadership, which will be helpful to managers and executives looking for long-term effectiveness"
Management Today, February 2005
“Based on some four years of action research, Binney, Wilke and Williams provide us with an unvarnished account of leadership in action, with all its anxiety, uncertainty, false certainty and crippling expectation. They dispel the myths of leadership, they eschew recipes and homilies; instead they give us some real insight and wisdom into the constraints and possibilities of ‘living leadership’ .
Bill Critchley, Organisation Consultant and Leader of the Ashridge Masters in Organisation Consulting
"Living Leadership struck a real cord with me. In the quiet of sleepless nights it’s precisely the type of themes explored in this book that have aided my success. Great leadership is not about slick presentation. It’s about embracing a continual leadership responsibility as second nature in every interaction. Ultimately it’s the ability to connect to people in a "real time real world" way. Trevor Bish-Jones, Chief Executive, Woolworths Group plc
"Living Leadership shows how, when you take away the myths and misconceptions, leading can genuinely be made easier." Hans Straberg, CEO, Electrolux
“A 'how to' book that redefines leadership in terms of the realities and choices facing people in organisations today."
Professor Michael Osbaldeston, Director of CranfieldSchoolof Management
