6 November 2002

Commonsense guide for managers in uncertain times

The Uncertain Art of Management, a handbook-style soft cover publication, features focused, stand-alone chapters that deliver practical and topical information in easily digestible bites - a formula that is perfect for today's manager.

The book provides an in-depth and lively analysis of 32 issues that confuse, concern and exasperate managers. Management fads are debunked, gurus challenged, theories dissected, models put to the test and best practice explained.

This third book in the best selling Management Today Series, commissioned and edited by the Australian Institute of Management, features author and management educator, Harry Onsman.

Each book in the AIM Management Today Series tackles contemporary management and leadership issues, but the thread that is common is people.

"Whether you think management is an art, a craft, a science or voodoo…people, and how they are motivated, challenged and lead, determines success or failure as a manager. That is why at times management can seem so difficult, even perplexing, but it is also why it can be so gloriously satisfying when it works in an organisational context", said Carolyn Barker, Series Editor and National Director of the Australian Institute of Management.

The premise of this book is that management is, and always will be, an uncertain art and an imprecise science. In today's rapidly changing environment, what works for a manager one day may well be the incorrect solution the next.

The approach of this book is honest and provocative, with the emphasis on commonsense. It doesn't hold out the false hope that all management problems can be overcome by following 'seven easy steps' nor promise any quick fixes.

"Without in anyway 'dumbing-down' the subject matter, Harry Onsman has succeeded in explaining complex, sophisticated (and often contradictory) management concepts with clarity and wit, and with an emphasis on practical application", said Ms Barker.

"In commissioning Harry Onsman to write this book, AIM's intent was to provide a road map for those who plan, implement, lead, control and evaluate. So each chapter includes practical, commonsense Guidelines to help managers put things in perspective and 'cut through' when decisions need to be made", said Ms Barker.

The handbook approach and breadth of content make this book attractive for managers of all levels, from aspirant managers through to senior executives and experienced leaders.

The Management Today Series is published by McGraw-Hill Australia. Other books in the series include Innovation and Imagination at Work and The Heart and Soul of Leadership.

The Uncertain Art of Management will be available at retail bookstores from the first week in December 2002 or order online [PDF; 258K].