1st Edition
The Work of Management A Leader’s Guide to Applying Systems Leadership
The Work of Management demonstrates how the concepts, models, and tools of Systems Leadership can be applied, enabling you to become a more effective manager by improving your own work to create a more positive and effective organisation.
Positive organisations, where people come together to achieve a productive and personally satisfying purpose, and which provide the basis for a good society, do not occur by chance. They are created by the work of leaders and members who are dependent upon the way the organisation is designed and operates – its structure and systems. While the theory is explained, this book primarily presents the practical aspects – the specific values, methods and tools – that can be used to improve work and the work performance of direct reports. Building on the bestselling book, Systems Leadership, this book provides leaders with a manual for the application of concepts as well as an introduction to Systems Leadership Theory, a method that has been used successfully by businesses from large multinational firms and banks, to SMEs, public agencies and NGOs. It provides a predictive capability, allowing a leader to predict what will work well and what is likely to fail, according to the context. It gives the benefit of foresight as decisions must be made.
Designed as a leader’s manual for the application of the concepts around Systems Leadership, this book is for people who want to improve their own, and their organisation’s, work practices and performance.
Part I The Basics – Purpose and Work 1. The Importance of Purpose 2. Work and the Domains of Work 3. The Importance of Task Clarity 4. Human Capability Part II Organisation Structures and Roles 5. Levels of Work Complexity 6. Organisation Structure 7. Authority, Power and Vertical Relationships 8. Improving Role Relationships Part III The Work of Leadership 9. The Work of Leadership: Values, Mythologies and Culture 10. The Work of Leadership: Creating a Culture 11. Systems: Descriptions and Design 12. Safety: Systems, Behaviour and Symbols Part IV Essential People Systems 13. Social Process at a Distance 14. Role Descriptions and Selection 15. Performance Management: Output Measures vs. Work Performance of Individuals 16. Performance Management – Overcoming the ‘Muddle’ 17. Task Assignment, Feedback and Review 18. Performance Planning and Review 19. Performance Evaluation 20. Salary Administration 21. Careers and Staff Development 22. Discipline and Fair Treatment
Biography
Ian Macdonald is Founder and Director of Macdonald Associates, an international organisational consultancy. He is a director of BIOSS International Ltd. He is also an honorary fellow at Brunel University, teaches at Surrey Business School and works with NHS Wales and Welsh government.
Catherine Burke was Associate Professor of Public Administration, University of Southern California. Her research focuses on organisation and systems design, management theory and leadership. She has been a consultant to Southern California Edison, the cities of Los Angeles and Pasadena, the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, businesses and non-profit organisations. Her publications include Innovation and Public Policy, and articles in various academic journals. She was a Director at Commonwealth Aluminum.
Karl Stewart trained as a mining engineer but spent most of his working life in leadership positions. He spent four years as an internal managerial consultant developing the theory and good practices to strengthen the leadership of people in organisations and the systems which underpin them. He demonstrated the effectiveness of these ideas implementing them as Managing Director of Comalco Smelting.
“Being introduced to Systems Leadership has had a profound and positive effect on my work as a leader in education. Nothing else I have learned in the last 45 years has been as useful as the concepts, models and tools of Systems Leadership. This latest book finds a place on the top of the 'go to pile' on my desk because it provides a detailed understanding of its practical application in the day-to-day work of managers. It’s invaluable, the nexus of good theory and good practice.”
Clive Dixon, International consultant in education, previously Regional Director of Education Far North Queensland
“This is the stuff that really works!”
Jim Kelly, Senior Vice President Transmission and Distribution, Southern California Edison, retired
"The Work of Management is a practical introduction to Systems Leadership Theory. I found the language and methods of Systems Leadership supports my experiences. I strongly recommend this book for City Managers and all public managers who can help themselves, their employees and their communities by applying these ideas in public organizations."
Donald F. McIntyre, former City Manager, Pasadena California
“Systems Leadership is an approach that is applicable to any systems who organise work around people – I utilise it frequently to understand my work in healthcare. This book will offer a practical guide, equipping leaders with tangible actions to navigate their systems with ease.”
Doctor Julie Highfield, Cardiff and Vale UHB – Psychology
“The Work of Management is a practical guide for leaders of all organizations to increase the effectiveness of their operations. From task assignment to team leadership, The Work of Management offers concrete steps that leaders can take to make their teams more productive. The authors’ focus on the day-to-day actions that leaders can take is based on Systems Leadership Theory, but provides specific steps that must be taken to implement that theory. I highly recommend this book for any leader who is looking to significantly improve the performance of their organization.”
John Fielder, President, Southern California Edison, retired
“Leading complex modern organisations requires a purposeful movement towards a desired culture of positivity. The theory, tools and models of Systems Leadership Theory gives contemporary leaders an invaluable insight into creating such a positive culture, particular one that underpins the technical work of organisations. Most importantly, Systems Leadership Theory provides the methodology to achieve this technical work whilst also focussing on the social processes that create positivity that is truly productive – this in particular is its greatest impact.”
Noel Rawlins, Executive Principal, Upper Coomera State College, Department of Education
“It makes leadership so much easier, that it almost feels like cheating.”
Fred Stanford, former CEO of Torex Gold
“As a leader in education, Systems Leadership is the methodology I apply to lead my organisation. The application of systems leadership enables me to lead with clarity, to achieve our desired culture. By enabling others to exercise their talents, the application of systems leadership tools in my work is a multiplier to improve lives. I proudly apply systems leadership tools in other aspects of life too, including my small business which raises funds for Australian charities. Systems Leadership helps me direct my energy and ideas to enable others to flourish. It’s life-changing.”
Mark Allen, Principal, Malanda State School, Chair, Systems Leadership Association
“The Work of Management has used 3 words to define what leaders have been trying to figure out for thousands of years. Leadership is not simply about a Vision, and Management is not simply about organising things to get work done. Understanding how to bring all the moving parts together, while inspiring every individual to give of their best is not something that happens very often and it can be lost in a day. Ian, Catie and Karl bring their insights and experience into a conversation on how aspiring leaders can think through and be deliberate in creating an extraordinary workplace for ordinary people that just want to make a difference.”
Mark Cutifani, Chairman, Vale Base Metals and former CEO for Anglo American
