Making It Happen: Reflections on Leadership

Computers are smaller and faster than ever. Cell phones seem to acquire more bells and whistles every day. Mind-boggling advances in technology are changing the practice of business. Yet John Harvey-Jones, former chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries, one of the world's largest chemical companies, maintains that the basic tenets of leadership - decisiveness, daring, patience, empathy and know-how - will never change, regardless of external developments and advances. Boiled down to its essence, business is about dealing fairly and honestly with people, and determining the best ways to motivate them for maximum productivity. Harvey-Jones discusses in detail the CEO's relationship with the board of directors, effective time management, and the inevitable psychological and intellectual battles that leaders must fight. The book's recurring theme is a strong emphasis on business fundamentals, insights based on Harvey-Jones' many years of experience at the highest peaks of business. We encourage not only CEOs and presidents but also upper-level managers who harbor lofty ambitions to benefit from his astute observations.