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Leadership
Lessons from a Life in Diplomacy
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Check link for latest rating. ( 78 ratings, 4 reviews)
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Leadership
$5699
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is well suited for readers interested in politics, public administration, British governance, and leadership theory. Professionals in civil service, diplomacy, or those intrigued by contemporary debates on UK leadership reforms will find particular value here.
Leadership of the United Kingdom is being debated as never before. This book is a clear-sighted and insightful contribution to that debate.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY BOOK AWARDS 2022
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Description
A British diplomat shares lessons on leadership gained over his expansive career.
Simon McDonald argues that we should reflect on the nature and strategies of leadership before entering a leadership role, and we should look to examples of others to help us in shaping our own approaches.
Over nearly four decades in Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service, McDonald worked for four permanent under-secretaries and a dozen senior ambassadors before becoming a permanent under-secretary himself and leading the Service—which has over 14,000 staff members in 270 countries—for five years. He also worked directly for six foreign secretaries and under five prime ministers. Observing these people undertaking such important and difficult work, McDonald saw the behaviours which helped them achieve their objectives, as well as those which hindered them.
In Leadership, McDonald synthesises the skills he’s learned through his many years working in diplomacy, offering an insightful contribution amid heightening debates over the leadership of the United Kingdom. Considering the future of British leadership, he makes a case for the reform of the monarchy, the cabinet, civil service, and, in particular, the House of Lords, of which he has been a member since 2021.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews highlight Leadership as an elegantly written, observant memoir and plan for reform. Civil Service World regards it as a valuable addition for readers interested in leadership and governance. The Financial Times praises its discreet and insightful style, mirroring the virtues expected of a top diplomat. The House Magazine finds it an enjoyable read full of practical wisdom from someone deeply involved in navigating significant international challenges.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781913368685
Publisher: Haus Publishing
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 16 November 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Haus Publishing
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 156.0mm
Height: 236.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Simon McDonald is a British former diplomat who was the British Ambassador to Germany and later Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service. He is Master of Christ's College, Cambridge.
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