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Multi Unit Leadership

Multi Unit Leadership by Jim Sullivan. The 7 stages of Building High-Performing Partnerships and Teams. Reviewed by Jane Sunley.

We can't take credit for finding this one, it was given to me by Sean Wheeler (the Malmaison & Hotel du Vin Group Head of People) as a recommended read. Jim Sullivan is an American business guru who started out in hospitality and retail as an award winning operator. The examples in his book are taken mostly from those industries, in particular from fast-food; however there are sound lessons for any multi-site leader. I always think that the most difficult career leap is the one from single site to group role. And so many people do it with little or no preparation, have a big shock when they get there and then end up wasting time and energy having to learn by trial and error as they go. The introduction to the book stresses the importance of this key leadership role and goes so far as to say that without these 'invisible warriors', 'CEOs would be helpless... and boards of directors pointless'. Sullivan states that because they are often seen as 'middle-managers' they have routinely been under-served, over-told and under-taught. Couldn't agree more.

Seven is a lucky number when it comes to business writing and this book is arranged into seven main chapters covering the key functions of a multi-site role: brand; people; customer; development; marketing; thinking and inspiring and goal focus, plus sections on change and transformation and 'how to get from A to B' at the end. The book is well laid out and easy to read and then dip in and out of. Useful quotes are highlighted such as

'The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the leader is a servant' (Max De Pree)

'Multi Unit Leadership' is full of good practical tools and techniques that manager and leaders can use to enable them to do their jobs better. Some are around critical subjects such as how to deal with being promoted from GM to MUM (multi site manager). There are tools for self assessment as well as also masses of useful little tips; like filling your car with petrol on the way home so you don't have to waste time in the morning. And lots of useful tables and checklists that you'll want to refer back to all the time.

Overall this is a very useful collection of wisdom concerning a very important subject. If you're in a multi-site management role, aspiring to be or responsible for those who are, buy a copy today, read it over the Christmas break and start 2010 as you mean to go on.

5 November 2009