It's the People!: What Really Drives Great Management and Leadership [Paperback]

The pithy title proclaims what I had always believed was the essence of successful business. From the very outset, the author outlines a simple algebraic equation that declares his philosophy.

The book is peppered with accounts of Dembitz's experiences, ranging from brief anecdotes through chronicles of personal encounters with the very best and worst business practices - quoting some of the mavericks of the corporate world as well as some unknowns. The author speaks with a wealth of knowledge from having sat on both sides of the interviewing table.

He repeatedly urges us to question the status quo, refuse to accept what generations of business graduates have been force-fed and have taken for granted and advocates throughout that we use our skills of communication to their utmost. The text veers between quoting astonishing corporate statistics, inside stories of boardroom mayhem, as well as didactic narrative in the form of a `business practice guide for idiots'.

His message is one of creating a respectful business environment from the top down and is particularly disapproving of the culture of sexism and ageism, as well as the demand for unreasonable hours that pervades the corporate world. Dembitz is not afraid to be scathing of some major corporations and their outdated practices but at the same time is generous in his praise of some others who are supportive of their newcomers, well-structured, disciplined and respectful of individuals' rights.

The text is interspersed with a `call to action' and a very uncomplicated view on the power of selling and how this simple task is often considered the `Cinderella' of the academic establishment.

It's the People will strike a chord with graduates commencing their climb up the slippery corporate ladder, as well as some of the traditionalist autocrats of the boardroom, who will feel somewhat uneasy. His message is summed up in the three words of the title and one that is often forgotten. It is definitely the People who are the asset and driving force of any company. You treat them badly at your peril!

I recommend this book as essential reading for everyone who interacts with anyone!

In a market renowned for authority but not always readability, a new book ' It's The People ' by John Dembitz is an immensely welcome newcomer. Succinct, authoritative and amply illustrated with pertinent case histories, it draws upon the author's many years of highly diversified, top flight experience. It addresses all of the key issues that impact on effective decision making and seeks a direct and immediate response from the reader who will be faced with many of the opportunities, challenges and potential elephant traps that are highlighted. With its strong focus on the theme of ' Do it, do it now,' the book is not only an invaluable source of advice for today's enlightened business leader, but also the ideal top drawer companion for the business school graduate aspiring to the highest echelons in a business career

This is a rite-of-passage book, it's for anyone who expects to be involved in building and leading teams at some point in their career. I really do wish I'd read it at 19 when I had to recruit my first team-member - it would have made me a better interviewer, a better manager and a more focused leader.

And, of course, the best managers never stop learning, which means that experienced, senior managers will also find that an investment of their limited time in reading 'It's The People' will pay off. It's full of timely reminders of the value of youth, fresh ideas and practical leadership - I've been managing people for 24 years and I've definitely benefited from this refreshment of my views on management.

What's remarkable is that the power of the book isn't really taken from new ideas, though experienced managers will find lots of good ideas they weren't aware of, it's from an incredibly practical, useful and accessible telling of the fundamental stories of management.

Dembitz mentions that he was a pupil of Charles Handy at the LSE and it shows in his championing of the value of young people, his cutting through the jargon and double speak, and in his 'apply this now' practical application.

That point about youth is important: John Dembitz is, I think he would admit, in the golden senior stage of his business career, and he isn't saying 'throw out the oldies and let the youngsters have a go', no he's saying something more subtle and important - new graduates and young workers have an intrinsic value in their freshness, world-view, lack of cynisism and lack of exposure to 'the way things are done'. Therefore, Dembitz, suggests, senior managers must attract, nurture and look after those people rather than exploit their youth and relative lack of experience through low-pay, long hours, unfair internships and hierarchical structures.

My eldest daughter is 21 and will graduate in just over a year - I hope she then goes on to work for somebody like John Dembitz. It will mean she is at a company that values people, that is successful and that is a fun, balanced, place to work. This book shows managers how to build just such a place and it should be on your shelf as a result.