Developing Skills for Business Leadership - 3rd Edition by Gillian Watson & Stefanie Reissner (Paperback)

About the Book

"Split into the core areas of managing yourself and others, transferable management skills and postgraduate study skills, this is an ideal textbook For CIPD Level 7 students and those on non-CIPD business masters degrees.Covering the theory and practice of the key topics needed for successful professional development and practice, Developing Skills for Business Leadership includes content on interpersonal and communication skills, managing information and projects, change management, decision making, managing financial resources and data analysis. This new edition has been fully updated throughout and now includes new material on leading ethically, managing virtually, working inclusively, developing the organization and managing stress. This book provides everything that students will need to manage teams in the workplace, make sound and justifiable business decisions and effectively lead, engage and influence others. Each chapter is supported by 'skills in practice' examples to help students with no prior business experience put the skills into context and see how they apply in the workplace as well as reflective questions to consolidate learning and case studies, activities and 'explore further' boxes to encourage learner engagement. Online supporting resources include a lecturer's manual, powerpoint slides, additional case studies, sample assignments and templates"--

Book Synopsis

Split into the core areas of managing yourself and others, transferable management skills and postgraduate study skills, this is an ideal textbook for CIPD advanced level students and those on non-CIPD business masters degrees.

Covering the theory and practice of the key topics needed for successful professional development and practice, Developing Skills for Business Leadership includes content on interpersonal and communication skills, managing information and projects in both academic and professional contexts, change management, decision making, managing financial resources and data analysis. This new edition has been fully updated throughout and now includes new material on on building and managing virtual teams, remote and hybrid working arrangements, resolving conflict, organizational learning and development as well as working across diverse cultures and how to foster inclusion. This book provides everything that students will need to manage teams in the workplace, make sound and justifiable business decisions and effectively lead, engage and influence others.

Chapters are supported by 'development zones', examples, case studies and 'pause for thought' boxes to consolidate learning and help students with no prior business experience put the skills into context and see how they apply in the workplace. Online resources include a student guide, PowerPoint slides, lecturer manual, and downloadable templates.

Review Quotes

"Many employers and managers say that graduates or other people who they wish to appoint or promote should become better leaders and improve their so-called 'soft skills'. For valuable and practical insights and astute advice on how to improve such skills, go to Gillian Watson and Stefanie Reissner's third edition of Developing Skills for Business Leadership. This book has an additional key benefit in so far as it also supports the core knowledge and behaviour requirements of 'Personal effectiveness, ethics and business acumen' in Level 7 qualifications for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, UK. It is highly recommended!"-- "Greg J. Bamber, Professor, Monash University, Australia; co-editor, International & Comparative Employment Relations: Global Crises & Institutional Responses (SAGE)"

"Developing Skills for Business Leadership provides a comprehensive account of the skills and behaviours that managers need to develop to be effective in their roles. It is practically focused but grounded in the latest theory and evidence. The updated third edition addresses the key issues managers are facing now, including the growth of hybrid working and the emergence of new AI-based tools and practices."-- "Andy Charlwood, Chair in Human Resources Management, University of Leeds, UK"

"

No matter where you are on your journey, this book is the perfect tool for you to take your skills set and success to the next level, with information and strategies that will help you achieve your goals.
Developing Skills for Business Leadership is an ideal reference for practising professionals and managers as it covers developing your organisation to complete complex business tasks. It is also a source of knowledge for those pursuing postgraduate studies in business management with coverage in managing people and organisations.

If you are exploring the idea of applying business leadership skills in your organisation, this book has no peer in its clarity and practical applicability. Gillian Watson and Stefanie Reissner have done a superb job in providing insights on perspectives on leadership in organisations and the building block on personal effectiveness and business acumen. This book's special strengths lie in discussing pertinent skills and capabilities that are required to lead and manage people and organisations with an authoritative yet practical perspective on the knowledge and skills areas that will help you most in your career. Perfect study material for a postgraduate management or leadership qualification.

"-- "Dr Stanley Yap, Executive Director, Audience Analytics Limited, Visiting Professor at UPSI, Malaysia"

"Gillian Watson's and Stefanie Reissner's Developing Skills for Business Leadership is a valuable book that should be widely adopted in leadership, general management and business courses. It effectively communicates how the skills needed to effectively lead business organizations are transforming as employees and workplaces are rapidly changing to be more diverse, virtual and self-regulatory. The content in the book is engaging, timely and accessible for your students."-- "Ellen Ernst Kossek, Basil S Turner Distinguished Professor of Management, Mitchell E Daniels Jr School of Business, Purdue University, USA"

"The third edition of Developing Skills for Business Leadership is a very comprehensive narrative on this topic. It presents useful insights into the always complex and constantly evolving challenge of business leadership. All the chapters successfully bridge the gap between understanding business leadership as an academic exercise and informing those needing to apply the principles of leadership within their work environment. As such I would strongly recommend this book to students, scholars and practitioners."-- "Michael Brookes, Professor of Human Resource Management, University of Southern Denmark"

"This is an impressive book, targeted at professionals who have or aspire to have responsibility for managing others. Uniquely, the authors highlight what a changing wider landscape means for the career-minded professional. They provide timely and research-informed guidance in areas such as self-management, career development, communicating with others and many other topics. A particular strength of the book is the way in which it actively engages the reader and shows compassion and concern for the challenges they face. The writing is clear and well-informed, and the case studies and 'Development Zones' encourage reflection, further learning and engagement with others. This book will especially appeal to people aspiring towards or occupying early leadership positions but in truth offers insight and wisdom to support individuals regardless of their role in the career hierarchy."-- "Helen Shipton, Professor of International Human Resource Management, Nottingham Trent University, UK"

"This new edition is an essential text for any Master's student studying modules on leading and managing people. The authors translate the latest research findings into a highly accessible and topical guide to all the skills required both to manage yourself and your career, and lead others effectively in an organisational setting. The many case studies, examples and exercises throughout the book bring the theories and evidence to life, leaving the reader with a deep knowledge and practical understanding of how to be an effective leader, equipped to face today's challenges. A must-have book!"-- "Katie Bailey, Professor of Work and Employment, King's College, UK"

"We live in a world where growing complexity and uncertainty means that personal skills and qualities are increasingly important, not only in HRM professionals but in all leaders. This third edition of Developing Skills for Business Leadership not only maintains the thorough analysis of these qualities that we have seen from previous editions, but has firmly updated these discussions for today's digital, hybrid, global and ever-changing context. This book is not only informative but is full of exercises and points of reflection to make sure that reading it is an enjoyable and developmental experience."-- "Emma Parry, Professor of Human Resource Management, Cranfield University, UK"

"Whilst drawing on seminal theory and established professional practice, this comprehensive text extends essential knowledge and skills for leadership in today's dynamic world of work. It offers a fresh, meaningful perspective to develop reflexive leadership competence that will positively impact professional careers and facilitate constructive organisational dynamics. A read not to be missed by professionals and practitioners dedicated to and passionate about leadership as pivotal to an agile work context."-- "Antoni Barnard, Professor, of Industrial Psychology, University of South Africa (UNISA)"

About the Author

Gillian Watson has worked as university educator and academic leader for three decades. She has co-authored and edited several CIPD textbooks, developed many postgraduate-level business programmes and has led a variety of academic teams.

Stefanie Reissner is a Professor of Work and Organization Studies at Essex Business School, UK, researching topics such as identity, reflexivity and learning. She is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an associate academic member of the CIPD.