Book Review: The Relational Manager

The Relational Manager: Transform your business and your life by Michael Schluter & David John Lee

Human relationships are at the core of our business and social lives.  Interest in coaching has raised managers’ awareness that relationship management impacts hugely on organisational performance. Schluter & Lee’s book provides a superb analysis of this important issue.

The text is presented in 12 sections neatly combining business and social perspectives.  A start is made by detailing the scope of relational thinking and proximity to provide a framework for understanding the impact of relationships.  Then relationship issues relating primarily to business are addressed focusing on time management, finance, office culture and systems.  Social issues are ingeniously weaved into a business context just as, in the later chapters, business issues are brought into an analysis of the social aspect of relationships.

The social aspects of relational management focus on maintaining relationships when conflicting priorities arise between home and work, or extended travel threatens social dislocation.  Copious examples throughout the book provide insight into handling relationship issues effectively.

The book stimulates thought on how the work-life balance affects work performance and social relationships.  Many issues are raised which give concern to managers and their airing provides food for thought.

To date much of the research into relational management has been in the domain of sociologists. The research conducted for this work is rigorous and the lucidity of the writing removes all trace of academic dullness.  A much-needed structure is at last available for those involved in the work-life debate and the significance of relational management has never been so powerfully drawn.

Reviewed by Andrew May FCMI

Published by Lion Hudson
Price: £8.99
ISBN: 978-0745953687