Practice What You Preach: What Managers Must Do to Create a High-Achievement Culture

Based on extensive research, this book explains that attitudes are more important to effective leadership and financial performance than actions.

David Maister researched 139 offices of 29 marketing relations business in 15 countries to see if there was a correlation between employee attitudes and financial performance. This relationship was found to be strong, with 9 important factors:

• Quality and client relationships
• Training and development
• Coaching
• Commitment, enthusiasm and respect
• High standards
• Long-term orientation
• Empowerment
• Fair compensation
• Employee satisfaction

Each factor was examined in relation to financial performance and revealed that high performing organizations are small to medium sized units run by managers who set high standards of service to clients, and where respect and honesty are valued among staff.

Through case studies, Maister emphasizes that the findings of his research are applicable to real life situations. With attitudes being more important to effective leadership than actions, a positive effect that spreads through the work force and leads to higher rates of satisfaction all round.

Though this book and its ideas are not revolutionary, Maisters book has an impact that will help managers to have the courage of their convictions, set high standards and achieve top results.