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How to Run A Government: So that Citizens Benefit and Taxpayers Don't Go Crazy Paperback – 12 Mar 2015

4.8 out of 5 stars 4 customer reviews

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Product details

  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Allen Lane (12 Mar. 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0241004977
  • ISBN-13: 978-0241004975
  • Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 2.8 x 23.5 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 388,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Product Description

Review

Michael Barber is a source of inspiration and wisdom (Andrew Adonis New Statesman)

Sir Michael Barber is the man who can unlock the secrets of turning promises into action (John Rentoul Independent)

[Barber's] advice can be refreshingly ruthless . . . this account of a potentially dry subject has an uplifting brio to it (Economist)

More fun to read than a book on the reform of the welfare system in Michigan has any right to be . . . Barber is the global overlord of public policy (Philip Collins Prospect)

About the Author

Michael Barberhas worked on government and public service reform in more than 50 countries for two decades. He is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Harvard School of Public Health and an Honorary Doctor of several universities. His previous books include"Deliverology 101"and"Instruction to Deliver." "


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Format: Paperback
For at least 5 years, Barber was Blair’s right-hand man in the Cabinet Office trying to “deliver” better performance of carefully selected targets mainly in the educational and health sectors and has, for the past decade, used this experience to build a global reputation as a “delivery” or “implementation” guru in various parts of the world – not least Canada and the Punjab. And he is one of a small (if growing) number of people who has been able to both straddle the worlds of government and consultancy and write coherently……..

So I didn’t hesitate to buy the book – even although it failed my “standing on the shoulders of giants” test (ie its - short – reading list failed to mention some important texts from other practitioner/academic/consultants such as Christopher Foster and John Seddon let alone such writers as Chris Hood and Chris Pollitt, Robert Quinn and the entire literature of change management!!)

I’m at page 170 and thoroughly enjoying it – despite the occasional over-indulgent self-referencing….. Hardly surprising that he’s made a fair number of enemies in his time - but his straightforward language and description of the various techniques and working methods he’s found useful in the last 20 years of advising political leaders in various parts of the world I find both useful and refreshing.

I would, however, have liked to see a final section exploring why he feels that his is such a distinctive contribution.....

There are surprisingly few reviews on the internet for a book which has been out for some 18 months which says a lot to me about academics, consultants and journalists…..
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This book by Sir Michael Barber manages to be at the same time a reminder of how good his book 'Instruction to Deliver' was; an antidote to the 'blunders of government' because it is positive about the fact that governments actually can deliver (even if its hard) - and it also functions as both a manual for mental survival for all public sector seniors and a helpful guide to private sector managers about why 'the government' seems so crazy at times. As I mellow as a manager I find I agree less with Sir Michael on the need for confrontation with the professional vested interests and the scepticism on 'consultation' but his message here is clear and readable and is essential reading for anyone who wants to make an impact in what is a notoriously difficult arena in which to thrive.
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Deeply considered perspectives providing valuable insights and filling a significant need in relation to this important topic.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)

Amazon.com: 4.8 out of 5 stars 6 reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Tour de Force 16 July 2016
By James G. Laidlaw - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
There is no more timely clear or relevant book to be read this summer. I recommend this book without reservation.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars He carelessly uses the phrases and codewords that progressively showed the Blair Government as imperious and intellectually self 20 April 2016
By Brian Arps - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I took a while to warm to this guy. He carelessly uses the phrases and codewords that progressively showed the Blair Government as imperious and intellectually self satisfied. That Blair does not really understand what went wrong is shown in many of his later speeches. Barbour doesn't have a clue either. .Long before the Iraq decision the rot was clear. I think that Iraq was Blair's response to the rot. Error begets error.

Yet beyond that I recognise that before we can make governments work for the people we have to first make them work.This is matter of control and management that includes the political but doesn't end with it. Barbour's argument for a process that can be taught and learned appears well thought through, and it is possible to see how it could work and even work well.

There are problems with this recipe.however: Barber's program requires a level of managerial professionalism that is difficult to acquire by the average street politician.no matter how intelligent. This is not a reason to ignore it but it requires a party like the Labour party to make available either directly or though surrogates, a training program that can teach the method. Otherwise the civil service will hold even more expertise and power. That might not be so good.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book! A must read for all citizens who ... 18 April 2015
By Hasan - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Kindle Edition
Brilliant book! A must read for all citizens who want to understand how they can get more from their tax dollars and strive for a more effective government!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read with lots to learn! 28 Jun. 2015
By Fathima dada - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I found How to Run a Government very useful and interesting.
The conversational and simple, accessible way it comes across belies very in depth and useful ideas on delivery and accountability, which can be applied equally to government, business or other contexts. The case studies and anecdotes make the ideas come alive.
A very useful read and one to be kept and dipped into from time to time.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great tangible strategies for governments everywhere! 15 Feb. 2016
By Barry McLoughlin - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This book provides tangible strategies for organizations to execute their vision, and for all to share ownership in its delivery. A must read!
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