Charles J. Palus, David M. HorthBased on years of specialized research, The Leader’s Edge outlines six distinct creative leadership skills that, while not traditionally associated with management development, have, nevertheless, proven to be essential to modern business leadership. Here, the book’s authors deliver compelling lessons in paying attention, personalizing, imaging, serious play, collaborative inquiry, and crafting — all competencies that modern leaders should master. They also outline activities for real-world implementation, provide case examples, and suggest ways to avoid common mistakes. A wealth of self-reflections and tools helps ensure your rapid progress.

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The National Health Service is set to meet the March 2003 target of having nobody waiting for more than 12 months for inpatient treatment.The Department of Health says the latest figures show steady progress is being made in reducing long waits for patients. The number waiting for more than a year dropped by 700 in August to stand at just over 18,000, a fall of 59 per cent on the figure a year ago. Just 32 people in England have waited more than 15 months for treatment a fall of almost 11,000 in the last year.

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A local government think tank is setting up a forum designed to offer practical help and support to the country’s first directly elected mayors.The New Local Government Network says its Mayoral Forum will develop important relationships between mayors, chief executives, other senior officers and key agencies. It will also respond to the needs of mayors arising from regular discussions on policy and strategy and offer action learning through visits by the mayors to other local authorities as well as through visits by mayors from other countries.

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