The global financial crisis, a scandal-ridden business world and a deeply unstable business environment: all of it means that trust in businesses, and business leaders, is at an all-time low. At the same time, global supply chains in major corporations have become more complex and exposed to risks, as organizations have sought to make use of cheaper production opportunities in poorer countries, leaving their global brands exposed to uncertain practices around the world; we are in need of a new kind of leadership.
There is a growing disconnect between the way large corporations would like to see the world and what is happening in reality, and the problem lies at least partly in the way that these organizations are being led. The Reconnected Leader evaluates the current situation and sets out an eight-step model to implementing new leadership practices that help managers reconnect with their teams and reset the relationship the business has with all its stakeholders. It is up to leaders to set long-term goals that, if achieved, will create lasting value for businesses and for the communities they serve.
Drawing on case studies from international organizations and a sound theoretical underpinning, thought leader Norman Pickavance argues that the solution lies with leaders. The Reconnected Leader invites readers on a journey to rediscover the true purpose of their business and find more innovative leadership solutions that integrate the challenge of long-term societal needs and short-term financial results.
About the AuthorNorman Pickavance is a thought leader, experienced board operator and advisor, and social business commentator. He has held numerous high level and Director roles in international organisations including Fujitsu, Morrisons, Marconi plc and Diageo and has significant experience in delivering large-scale business turnarounds and advising businesses, government departments and not-for-profit organizations on people strategy, culture, talent and leadership. Identified as one of the most influential HR Directors in Europe, and has been a Non-Executive Director for several UK Government Departments. He is an Advisor to The Blueprint Trust, an innovative charity which promotes ethics, morality and accountability in business. He is currently National Director, People and Culture, at Grant Thornton LLP.
Industry Reviews
"Pickavance, former HR director of Morrisons and now at Grant Thornton, is a man on a mission: to put people back at the heart of business relationships. The Reconnected Leader is a barnstorming manifesto that hides a multitude of detail. He criticises the disposable workforces and distant execs that have become commonplace and urges a radical rethink: employee ownership, limited (but not non-existent) hierarchies and a new relationship with customers are just a few of the well-argued and convincingly sketched alternatives on offer in this intelligent read." * People Management *
"Pickavance tackles the growing 'disconnection' between business leaders and the wider world in which they operate. And the man behind the Labour party's report into zero-hours contracts doesn't pull any punches, touching on the growing gulf between boards and stakeholders, executive pay, ungovernably large supply chains and the two-tier UK labour market...it's certainly a galvanizing read. Pickavance writes with passion and his business background gives him credibility. It should be required reading for leaders." * HR Magazine *
"The Reconnected Leader offers a meaningful and well-thought out perspective from the typical business objective of maximizing shareholder revenue, to issues that speak of inspiring ideals. Pickavance wants to encourage business owners to move away from the individual 'my company is only here to make money' attitude and connect with a deeper purpose intended to create and foster longer-lasting relationships." * Charles Franklin, Small Biz Trends *
"A thoughtful assessment of a truly massive, possibly scary situation that has the real and serious chance of changing life as we and certainly our children will know it. The author gives an eight-step process for more ethical and interconnected management that may help manage the change, creating a shared sense of purpose, responsibility, enterprise and value along the way for our global corporate citizens." * Darren Ingram, Darren Ingram Media *
"A superbly presented instruction manual and guide that is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. An invaluable addition to the personal reading lists of corporate executives, and a seminal contribution to professional, academic, and community library business management reference collections." * Mason's Bookshelf, Midwest Book Review, Reviewer's Bookwatch *
