The Art of Action
How Leaders Close the Gaps between Plans, Actions and Results
by Stephen Bungay
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Pub Date Apr 16 2011 | Archive Date Feb 05 2013
Description
Many managers have great ideas but lack the strategizing skills to implement them. Using the battle tactics of the 19th-century Prussian army, author Stephen Bungay combines his unique background as a historian and leading business strategist to teach managers how to strategize in the workplace to succeed in their careers and close the gap between plans, action and results. Through engaging narrative and tried-and-true battlefield practices, THE ART OF ACTION brings a fresh, entertaining perspective to management, equipping leaders with the tools they need to achieve their goals.
Stephen Bungay is a director of the Ashridge Strategic Management Centre in London and teaches on several executive programs at Ashridge Business School. An acclaimed military historian, he has published two books, The Most Dangerous Enemy: A History of the Battle of Britain and Alamein. He also works as an independent consultant and speaker, and is a frequent contributor to television programs on channels such as National Geographic and the History Channel. He lives in London, UK.
Advance Praise
"We live in an age of strategic failure across the board--in international relations and economic affairs, on the battlefield as well as in the marketplace. Inventively and incisively, Stephen Bungay draws on Clausewitz's wisdom, military history, business literature, and common sense to develop the notion of ‘directed opportunism' for breaking the ominous cycle of frustration."-Jonathan Stevenson, Professor of Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College
"Leadership is an intangible value. What sets Stephen Bungay apart is that he draws upon his deep knowledge of historical military campaigns to highlight key leadership principles and then sets them in the context of modern business with an understanding of the particular challenges faced by each company he works for. The first part greatly entertains and captivates the audience and the second part really brings home the teachings we wish to impart. The results have been very good."-Tom Glocer, CEO, Thomson Reuters
"The Art of Action is a must for anyone in business who takes their leadership responsibilities seriously. Stephen Bungay draws upon his deep understanding of business strategy and military history and describes principles in his book that will have a real impact for those who adopt them. The Art of Action is the strategic handbook for today built on the insights of yesterday. This will be compulsory reading for all of my unit heads."-Eliot Forster, CEO, Solace Pharmaceuticals
"All too often, strategies fail to be implemented because they do not make tough choices between priorities and therefore leave people confused. The eminently pragmatic techniques described in this book are a great way of sharpening up the thinking, the communication and the sense of accountability needed to get an organization moving. The ideas sound simple, but they are very powerful."-Martin Bean, Vice Chancellor, The Open University
"Stephen Bungay's career as CEO, management consultant and historian enable him to bring a unique clarity to leadership and the art of making strategy happen. His study of the chastened Prussian military machine analyzing why it was defeated by Napoleon's peasant army is illuminated with anecdotes from his career in business. It is this blend of evidence from the military to the business environment which makes this book so useful to the modern day practitioner!"-David Roblin, Senior Vice President, Pfizer Global R&D
"This is not just another book about strategy. The Art of Action does not only present a radical, counter-cultural solution to the impasse business is facing today but it is grounded in real strategic execution in a fascinating organization. It is the ‘re-engineering the corporation' of the 21st century. I intend to send a copy to all my clients."-Aidan Walsh, Partner, Ernst & Young
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781857885590 |
| PRICE | 29.95 |
| PAGES | 288 |
