Description
When Abraham Lincoln said, 'You can be anything you want to be,' Americans, and eventually everybody everywhere, lifted their sights. Nowadays anybody can aspire to be a leader, and nearly everybody has to lead sometimes. In Leadership, Simon McDonald assumes that thinking about leadership before you lead helps you to lead better. No matter the circumstances in which we might be called to lead - be it at work, on the sports field, or in the community - the example of top leaders in politics and public service (both their successes and shortcomings) can help you figure out your own approach. As the head of HM Diplomatic Service, McDonald was responbile for over 14,000 staff in 270 posts worldwide, worked for six foreign secretaries, and saw five prime ministers operate at close quarters. Observing these people undertaking the most important and often the most difficult work in the country, he saw the behaviours that helped them to achieve their objectives, and those which hindered them.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY BOOK AWARDS 2022
About the Author
Simon McDoanld was the British ambassador to Germany and later permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and head of Diplomatic Service. He is master of Christ's College, Cambridge.
Reviews
'Leadership displays the virtues you might expect of a top diplomat: it is elegantly written, discreet and observant.' Gideon Rachman, Financial Times; 'An enjoyable read packed with insights from someone who was ''on the spot'' when the United Kingdom responded to significant international challenges.' House Magazine; 'An original, very well-written, and serious book which adds to the quality of public discussion.' Anthony Seldon; 'This is a book full of riches - a despatch from deep inside the British state about how it really operates and how it could be run better. In places, Simon McDonald wields his fluent pen like a blowtorch. His candour burns the page. Some of the most eminent in the land will rush to the index. Some will be right to tremble if they find their name.' Peter Hennessy; 'The author's observations are widely applicable and strengthened by a strong understanding of history.' The Edge, Malaysia;
Book Information
ISBN 9781913368876
Author Simon McDonald
Format Paperback
Page Count 302
Imprint Haus Publishing
Publisher Haus Publishing
SHORTLISTED FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY BOOK AWARDS 2022
About the Author
Simon McDoanld was the British ambassador to Germany and later permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and head of Diplomatic Service. He is master of Christ's College, Cambridge.
Reviews
'Leadership displays the virtues you might expect of a top diplomat: it is elegantly written, discreet and observant.' Gideon Rachman, Financial Times; 'An enjoyable read packed with insights from someone who was ''on the spot'' when the United Kingdom responded to significant international challenges.' House Magazine; 'An original, very well-written, and serious book which adds to the quality of public discussion.' Anthony Seldon; 'This is a book full of riches - a despatch from deep inside the British state about how it really operates and how it could be run better. In places, Simon McDonald wields his fluent pen like a blowtorch. His candour burns the page. Some of the most eminent in the land will rush to the index. Some will be right to tremble if they find their name.' Peter Hennessy; 'The author's observations are widely applicable and strengthened by a strong understanding of history.' The Edge, Malaysia;
Book Information
ISBN 9781913368876
Author Simon McDonald
Format Paperback
Page Count 302
Imprint Haus Publishing
Publisher Haus Publishing
