As a consultant, practitioner and academic it is important to my practice that my work is underpinned by rigorous research and relevant literature to provide practical material that can be applied to enact improvement in the workplace and beyond. This excellent book contributes to that outcome by bringing together key areas of content essential for good leadership and management practice to provide critical review and sound principles that can be applied to develop individuals and stimulate the growth of a thriving culture.

The book distils a vast range of interrelated subject areas associated to providing leadership (leading or managing people) all of which are critical in themselves however when brought together in this way they provide a comprehensive backdrop of understanding which I would suggest is critical for any leader of people.

The quantity and variety of sources of literature are coherently integrated provide a compelling analysis of valuable insights for the read. The critical analysis debunks some engrained ways of acting and replaces them with thoughtful summaries to enable the reader to critically reflect on their understanding and enacting of leadership and adjust their thinking and actions as a result.

Because of the expansive nature of the content of this book, along with the critical analysis and integration of content themes, it responds well to the climate to growing complexity and interconnectivity that challenges the development of a thriving culture.

This book responds to the demands of developing leaders and managers in the context of valuing and harnessing difference. I would recommend it to all students and others interested in studying leadership and management with a view to embracing and enacting better leadership in the future. There is much to learn from this excellent and comprehensive text.

Stephanie Sturges

Leadership and organisational development consultant