(Book Review) Where the Wild Things Are

BOOK: “the 50th Law” – 50 cent and Robert Greene ISBN 978 184 668 068 7
In any group, the person on top consciously or unconsciously sets the tone. If leaders are fearful, hesitant to take any risks, or overly concerned for their ego or reputation, then this invariably filters its way through the entire group and makes effective action impossible. Complaining and haranguing people to work harder has a counterproductive effect. You must adopt the opposite style: imbue your troops with the proper spirit through your actions, not words.   Hold yourself to the highest standards. Take risks with confidence. Make tough decisions. This inspires and binds the group together. In these democratic times, you must practice what you preach.
So writes 50 cent and Robert Greene in “the 50th Law”. 
It would be criminal if NHS trust chief executives spent their time trying to retain the status quo, to pass downwards the conflicting demands for more reporting, market development, but no change; or to focus on micromanagement in order to avoid tough decisions about how to chart a course through the uncertainties of lower financial growth, more demand, and a changing market.
NHS needs bold leaders – clinical leaders prepared to stand up and say “I will discover ways to deliver better quality within current resources”; administrators/managers who strive to plan a future with less ill-health, and resources where they are needed in time for that need; receptionists who laugh in the face of the doom and gloom to wish each patient a better day than they came in expecting.
But we’re not in the world of the gangsta, are we? Should NHS managers take advice from a self-confessed drug dealer? 50 cent freely admits he did all he could with the situation he was given, and rose above it. Have a look at the description of “the Hood” (South Queens, South Broklyn) and ask yourself which roles your colleagues play? Then ask yourself “am I rising above this, or drowning in it?” (by the way don’t take the metaphor too literally – pumping bullets into the Director of Finance’s car would cause more than a minor stir in UK).
This is an inspirational book. Read it and think about how to apply it. Don’t just put it on your desk to make everyone think you are erudite or “with it”. 5 stars out of five