21 Ideas for Management

Citation

(2001), "21 Ideas for Management", Work Study, Vol. 50 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ws.2001.07950fae.005

21 Ideas for Management

21 Ideas for Management

Charles HandyJossey-BassISBN 0-7879-5219-2£16.60 Keywords: Organization, Management

This book is subtitled Practical Wisdom for Managing Your Company and Yourself, and Handy simply presents a range of ideas to support the average manager – and that includes anyone who has to work with other people in a group, team or family. We know that organisation is the key to success – and that success is delivered through working with others. These ideas are about doing that. Questions at the end of each chapter reinforce each "idea".

This is not all new – there are some "old friends" here. The images and anecdotes may be new but the ideas are often long-established. Indeed, Handy makes no claim for originality – pointing out that many well-established ideas are not always put into practise.

Fans of Charles Handy will recognise his approach – and will welcome his always-approachable style. Those new to him should find him thought-provoking and stimulating – as ever, its often a case of "Why didn't I think of that?". The best ideas are often simple with hindsight.

Each of the ideas is brief – set out in three to four pages, and is explained in jargon-free language accompanied by a cartoon. So, if you want a quick guide to the portfolio career, the shamrock organisation, the "inverted donut" of job opportunities, etc. – here is the book!