Synopsis
The sequel to 'Tales from a Kitbag', which recounted stories from the author's time as a regular soldier serving in the Korean War and Malayan Emergency. 'Tales from a Briefcase' follows Robert James' adventures after leaving the army, starting as a junior supervisor working in a factory in Hammersmith in the mid-fifties, adjusting to civilian life in a London itself awaking to a new phase in the post-war era. He has to overcome being perceived as 'officer class', and gain acceptance in his new role from those who control his destiny in management and those who need to be persuaded to work for him - his staff. In the early years he suffers a bumpy ride, facing dismissal on more than one occasion. Through determination and hard work, Robert learns the civilian way of gaining respect and leading people and begins to climb the management ladder. Evenings find him at night school, studying towards his degree. As his career enters a new phase in the higher levels of factory management he finds himself facing a multitude of human problems on the shop floor, to say nothing of politically driven unions and, worse, the egocentric behaviour of business owners.Skilfully blending conscience with duty, Robert overcomes the human and commercial difficulties of business and the tragedy of his own family circumstances to emerge with credit from the results.
In his break-through to senior management in large international companies, he circles the world to manage overseas subsidiaries and develop business for his masters, in the process encountering yet more characters, cultures, and situations that will shape his life and outlook. He realises that many of the captains of industry are largely driven by conceit, combined with personal idiosyncrasies and unsavoury morals. Somehow he has to obey orders yet retain his personal integrity - or resign. Finally, as an independent business consultant, he works with the owners of small companies; a special breed, generally untutored in management, driven by over-optimism, and each presenting a new and different challenge. Many fail and lose their money, but a few succeed as bright stars to grow their companies and enjoy the ensuing riches.'Tales From A Briefcase' is a compelling story of the human side of the business world, set against a background of globe-trotting adventures in which the author faces danger and love with equal aplomb. A fascinating and highly recommended read.
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