Maximum Performance: A Practical Guide to Leading and Managing People at Work

Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Resources (March 2006): ‘the book comprehensively covers leadership and people management issues that are topical in the present context of competitiveness in the contemporary business environment’ ... ‘he has demonstrated a rare degree of professionalism in selecting and putting together the contents of the book (and) the entire sets of contents knit together exceptionally well’ ... ‘the editorial and production quality is outstanding’ ... ‘this book can be seen as one of the best intertwinements of management theory and management practice’ ... ‘this remarkably helpful bible to practicing managers ... is full of ideas, insights, analyses and even exhortations rooted in corporate and business realities, and is perhaps the best book of its type that I have read in my 34 year academic career’ (Professor Debi S. Saini). Stern Management Review, (December 2005): ‘If I were giving a graduate-level class in leadership and people management skills, I would use this book as the text’ ...‘if a client asked for a great book to enhance his/her leadership skills this would be one of the first books I would suggest. It’s that good! This book is an outstanding resource for leaders and aspiring leaders. It is filled with an abundance of insights: the distinction it makes between a leader and a manager is one of the best, if not the best, we’ve read’... ‘it’s a powerful, broad-spectrum leadership toolkit with a wealth of information about skills and practices … it is clearly written and superbly organized. An excellent bibliography and subject index top off this outstanding work. We highly recommend this book’ (editors, Yvette Borcia and Gerry Stern). Business Information Alert (September 2005): ‘Maximum Performance is a comprehensive business tome. Although it is designed for students, busy executives who use the chapter summaries or chapter sections that focus in topics that interest them will find the book useful… ‘The strength of Maximum Performance is its depth. Forster touches on everything from whether leaders are born or made, to Machievellian strategies for dealing with toxic work environments. Anyone interested in leadership will find several sections of interest. Those sections that are particularly strong include the discussions on the different roles of leadership, key issues in motivating employees, the team development process, and best practices in leading organisational change’ (Scott R. Jenkins) The Australian Financial Review (August 2005): ‘This is a big book in more ways than one ... a detailed and illuminating exploration of leadership qualities, attributes, skills and competencies ... the mixture of theory, reflective questions, stories, tools and practical exercises demand a level of thoughtful engagement and self-reflection rarely required by books on leadership ... the Australian content is refreshing, as is the lack of evangelistic promises of immediate transformation ... this book is firmly grounded in supporting the learning and skill development needed for maximum performance’ (Viv Read).