Book of the Month - Journeys: Short Stories and Tall Tales for Managers by Enda Larkin

Jul 16, 12 | 12:06 am

Journeys: Short Stories and Tall Tales for Managersis a relatively unique business book in that it uses the art of storytelling to highlight some important messages about management. It contains 15 interlinked stories which follow the lives of a number of mid-career and more experienced executives as they face common personal and work-related challenges on their individual management journeys. Each story, drawn from real-world leadership examples and the author’s own experience, is shaped by an aspect of current management theory and is designed to illustrate the critical interplay between a leader’s attitudes, attributes and actions. As readers progress through the book, they are encouraged to reflect on their own approaches and consider their individual performance against the themes covered in each story; it is the reader who decides which insights are of most value to them, for the stories guide but do not dictate.

Dublin-born Enda Larkin has worked as a management development consultant since 1994. As well as designing and delivering leadership programmes, he also coaches senior executives to maximise their potential as leaders. He has written extensively on the topic, including in three previous books — Ready to Lead, Quick Win Leadership and How to Run a Great Hotel.  He also writes a regular blog — The Manager’s Toolkit — aimed at managers and aspiring executives which can be accessed through his website, www.htc-consult.com

Journeys is available through all good book stores, at Amazon and other leading online retailers and direct from the publisher at www.oaktreepress.com. It is available in the following formats Paperback, ePub and Kindle.

This book is a must read for anyone in management. Enda Larkin does an excellent job of simplifying the complexities of management through story-telling. Journeys will engage and entertain you from the start whilst providing you with many practical tools and tips. It is a real gem.
Deirdre Clohessy, HR Manager, Toyota Ireland

Enda Larkin's book on the art of management should be required reading for all managers. Not only is his method of conveying key messages much more interesting (stories!) than the average management book, he avoids the idea that there's a one-size-fits-all approach to management. Rather, he encourages readers to find their own lessons in the stories. An entertaining and thought-provoking read.
Siobhan Cleary, Director: Strategy and Public Policy, Johannesburg Stock Exchange

Leadership is a great and never-ending learning journey. Enda´s book offers actions and insights from a human, fun and provocative management experience. This is not only a book about making people happier at work but about the way we interact with people in our lives.
Marcelo Furtado, Executive Director, Greenpeace Brazil

This book provides a powerful insight into management whether you are a rookie or a veteran in the business world. The anecdotal format allows for complex insights to be communicated in simple bite size chunks. A must-read, especially for all aspiring business leaders.
Bernard Farrell, Managing Director - CIS Division, Quinn Manufacturing Group

"Essential reading that, through the medium of storytelling, will assist managers to face the challenge of successfully leading and inspiring  teams  in today’s demanding business environment."
Gerard Denneny, Hotel Manager, Jumeirah Essex House, New York