Book of the Month

Shortlisted for the Digital Management Book category in the 2010/11 CMI Management Book of the Year, How to lead is based on the author's practical experience, and on interview research with working individuals at all levels in over 70 of the world's best, and a few of the worst, organisations. It is illustrated with case studies and results that model practical work applications for leaders and managers to follow. The focus is on what people actually need to do if they want to manage, lead and succeed. The author aims to offer something simple and practical for the many of us who want to develop the skills and behaviours for successful leadership, but are not likely to be ideal leaders either by nature or learning. A Leadership Skills index gives quick reference to leadership topics, and because the book is in an electronic format, readers can easily access any practical guidance or reference points they may need quickly for work. This second edition includes sections on hiring and firing, dealing with difficult people or groups, and coaching.

"This simple to follow, no-nonsense book takes a practical hands-on approach to a very wide subject area. ... It would be useful to any manager, and would also lend itself to supporting the aspiring manager in his or her development".

Emma Leach, Category Judge

About the author

Jo Owen is a bestselling author who has written several management and leadership books. He is a leader, social entrepreneur and speaker who aims to practice what he preaches. Jo was the best nappy salesman in Birmingham and put the blue speckle in Daz. He led a business in Japan for three years, has been a partner at Accenture, and was the architect of what is now HBOS business banking. He is the co-founder of four charities: Teach First, which is now one of the UK's top graduate recruiters; Future Leaders and Teaching Leaders, which develops leaders for urban schools; and StartUp, which helps offenders start their own businesses on release from prison.

"How to lead takes the reader on a leadership journey from the foundations of leadership through to mastering leadership at the practical level".

Paul Williams, Reviewer

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