Leading Across Boundaries: Creating Collaborative Agencies in a Networked World

Powerful Managers Used to Getting Their Way

John Springett is a fascinating study in contrasts. He’s tall, extremely bright, has a savvy understanding of organizational dynamics and politics, and has functioned at very senior government levels. He also has a tendency to land squarely on his feet after events that derailed others’ careers. If this was all you knew about Springett, you would be forgiven for assuming that he is a domineering figure who has a strong need to control people and resources. That’s hardly the case. If you met him at a party, you’d probably be struck by his wonderful listening skills, his modesty, and his genuine interest in others; you wouldn’t come away thinking that he had been the leader of very large organizations. ...