Everything I Need To Know About Being A Manager, I Learned From My Kids

Being a parent and being a manager have a lot in common. Both involve long hours and a daunting list of responsibilities. Both require clear communication skills and a good sense of humour. In this unique look at the modern workplace, Ian Durston, a successful project manager and happy father of three, uses his experience raising children to shed light on the perennial challenges of management.

Issues such as leadership, motivation, performance, team building and change are explored not only through the author's experience as a manager, but, more importantly, through the rituals every parent must go through in raising his or her child. Getting his son to sleep while on holiday becomes a lesson in flexibility on the job; dealing with tantrums at home provides insight into the role of assertiveness at work; and watching his youngest begin to walk is used as an example of the trial-and-error method and the importance of failure as a learning tool.

“"It seems a stroke of genius for Ian Durston to relate management behaviors and values to those of parenthood. I am sure readers of his book will find it of enormous help in both their professional and personal lives."”

"An excellent read. Ian Durston has clearly accumulated a lot of insight and perspective from all that he has been exposed to throughout his career and home life." David Owen, MD, UK Consulting, Deloitte"
"Excellent . . . not just funny and wise, but packed full of strategic insights for leaders." Peter Hyman, former head of the Prime Minister's strategic communications unit"
Iain Gray, MD, Airbus UK"

Ian Durston has worked in industry and business for 13 years, including a role at Deloitte Consulting, where his clients included Vodafone, Barclays Bank, General Motors and the Ministry of Defence.

Being a parent and being a manager have a lot in common. Both involve long hours and a daunting list of responsibilities. Both require clear communication skills and a good sense of humour. In this unique look at the modern workplace, Ian Durston, a successful project manager and happy father of three, uses his experience raising children to shed light on the perennial challenges of management.Issues such as leadership, motivation, performance, team building and change are explored not only through the author's experience as a manager, but, more importantly, through the rituals every parent must go through in raising his or her child. Getting his son to sleep while on holiday becomes a lesson in flexibility on the job; dealing with tantrums at home provides insight into the role of assertiveness at work; and watching his youngest begin to walk is used as an example of the trial-and-error method and the importance of failure as a learning tool.

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