The Work of Management A Leader's Guide to Applying Systems Leadership

"Being introduced to Systems Leadership has had a profound and positive effect on my work as a leader in education. Nothing else I have learned in the last 45 years has been as useful as the concepts, models and tools of Systems Leadership. This latest book finds a place on the top of the 'go to pile' on my desk because it provides a detailed understanding of its practical application in the day-to-day work of managers. It's invaluable, the nexus of good theory and good practice."

Clive Dixon, International consultant in education, previously Regional Director of Education Far North Queensland

"This is the stuff that really works!"

Jim Kelly, Senior Vice President Transmission and Distribution, Southern California Edison, retired

"The Work of Management is a practical introduction to Systems Leadership Theory. I found the language and methods of Systems Leadership supports my experiences. I strongly recommend this book for City Managers and all public managers who can help themselves, their employees and their communities by applying these ideas in public organizations."

Donald F. McIntyre, former City Manager, Pasadena California

"Systems Leadership is an approach that is applicable to any systems who organise work around people - I utilise it frequently to understand my work in healthcare. This book will offer a practical guide, equipping leaders with tangible actions to navigate their systems with ease."

Doctor Julie Highfield, Cardiff and Vale UHB - Psychology

"The Work of Management is a practical guide for leaders of all organizations to increase the effectiveness of their operations. From task assignment to team leadership, The Work of Management offers concrete steps that leaders can take to make their teams more productive. The authors' focus on the day-to-day actions that leaders can take is based on Systems Leadership Theory, but provides specific steps that must be taken to implement that theory. I highly recommend this book for any leader who is looking to significantly improve the performance of their organization."

John Fielder, President, Southern California Edison, retired

"Leading complex modern organisations requires a purposeful movement towards a desired culture of positivity. The theory, tools and models of Systems Leadership Theory gives contemporary leaders an invaluable insight into creating such a positive culture, particular one that underpins the technical work of organisations. Most importantly, Systems Leadership Theory provides the methodology to achieve this technical work whilst also focussing on the social processes that create positivity that is truly productive - this in particular is its greatest impact."

Noel Rawlins, Executive Principal, Upper Coomera State College, Department of Education

"It makes leadership so much easier, that it almost feels like cheating."

Fred Stanford, former CEO of Torex Gold

"As a leader in education, Systems Leadership is the methodology I apply to lead my organisation. The application of systems leadership enables me to lead with clarity, to achieve our desired culture. By enabling others to exercise their talents, the application of systems leadership tools in my work is a multiplier to improve lives. I proudly apply systems leadership tools in other aspects of life too, including my small business which raises funds for Australian charities. Systems Leadership helps me direct my energy and ideas to enable others to flourish. It's life-changing."

Mark Allen, Principal, Malanda State School, Chair, Systems Leadership Association

"The 'Work of Management' has used 3 words to define what leaders have been trying to figure out for thousands of years. Leadership is not simply about a Vision, and Management is not simply about organising things to get work done. Understanding how to bring all the moving parts together, while inspiring every individual to give of their best is not something that happens very often and it can be lost in a day. Ian, Catie and Karl bring their insights and experience into a conversation on how aspiring leaders can think through and be deliberate in creating an extraordinary workplace for ordinary people that just want to make a difference."

Mark Cutifani, Chairman, Vale Base Metals and former CEO for Anglo American

"Importantly for Public Administration, which faces challenging new realities as a field, this book reconfirms inseparable connectedness of Policy and Implementation for successes. This is a timely Guidebook for applying experience-based theory and practice of systems leadership, freshly oriented amid increasingly dynamic complexities of public and private organizations. The authors apply the same coherent and integrated theory of organizational behavior as in the second edition of Systems Leadership: Creating Positive Organization, first published in 2006 and as a revised 2018 edition. While this 2025 Leader's Guide is grounded on over half-a-century of worldwide research and applications of varied organizations and cultures, as crafted it merits practical study and reference for responsible work of managers and others to create positive organizations in contexts of historic New Realities...."

Chester A. Newland (2025), The American Review of Public Administration, Vol. 55., Nos 7-7, pp 647-68.