"I wish this book had been available when I was new to management. It is a must-read guide to ideas and concepts for leaders, with practical tips for deploying them." Michael Wernick, Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, University of Ottawa; 23rd Clerk of the Privy Council
"This book is timely. Business, policy makers and civil society must adopt management practices that address today’s complex issues inclusively, holistically, and sustainably, as indigenous peoples are trying to teach us. Sara presents a new perspective on how we can move our country forward." Annette Verschuren, O.C., Chair and CEO, NRStor Inc.
"Today’s leaders face highly complex and fast paced decision-making environments. Sara’s readable and informative review of leading-edge research from the University of Hertfordshire can help them to respond more effectively to the challenge of uncertain times." Hon. Scott Brison, Vice-Chair Investment and Corporate Banking, BMO Capital Markets
"This is the kind of book I want to keep on my desk. Each chapter includes terrific questions to help the reader improve their management practice in a complex world." Kim Brooks, President, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
Introduction. Part 1 – Managing in a Complex World. Chapter 1 – Why is our World So F&*$#@%! Difficult? Chapter 2 – Taking a Social Perspective on Management. Part 2: Key Implications of Complexity Management. Chapter 3 – We Need to be Both Emotionally Involved and Detached. Chapter 4 – Interdependence Changes Everything. Chapter 5 – Trust and Consequences. Chapter 6 – Habitus: The Way We Do Things Around Here. Part 3: Into the Weeds with Metrics and Meetings. Chapter 7 – Why Metrics Are Not Always Your Friend. Chapter 8 – Meetings, Meetings, Bloody Meetings. Part 4: Reflections and a Challenge. Chapter 9 – So? What Now? Acknowledgements. Glossary. Bibliography.
Dr. Sara Filbee’s (B.Sc., MBA / LLB, D Man) career has included being a corporate commercial law partner, President of Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, Director Corporate Banking and Assistant Deputy Minister with the Canadian Federal Government. Sara is active in the voluntary sector and is currently adjunct at Dalhousie University and lives in Chester, Nova Scotia.