Penny Ferguson - The living leader: Become the leader you want to be

Anyone who is engaged in culture change in an organisation will benefit from this book. Penny Ferguson has found an inspirational way of reflecting on her own life experiences and combining that with her own brand of good, common sense to create a learning experience for her readers. Strongly recommended.

Professor Brenda Gourley,
Vice Chancellor, The Open University

A 5ft bundle of energy and drive, Penny is nothing like the sterotypical business guru. And what she espouses is not rocket science, but common sense. It works because she goes to the heart of the problem and of the solutionand she brings the journey alive through story telling and personal anecdote

Pat Lee,
Head of Organisation Development, Argos Retail Group

An explosion of inspiration and powerful insightsPenny provides a refreshing perspective on leadership which stimulates action.

Lesley Cotton,
HR Director, Holmes Place plc

Penny unlocks the skills, gifts and talent within everyone. She is amazing.

David Taylor,
author of the best-selling Naked Leader books

Copyright The Infinite Ideas Company Limited, 2006
The right of Penny Ferguson to be identified as the author of this book has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

First published in 2006 by

The Infinite Ideas Company Limited

36 St Giles

Oxford, OX1 3LD

United Kingdom

www.infideas.com

All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of small passages for the purposes of criticism or review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except under the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4LP, UK, without the permission in writing of the publisher. Requests to the publisher should be addressed to the Permissions Department, Infinite Ideas Limited, 36 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LD, UK, or faxed to +44 (0)1865 514777.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 10: 1-904902-89-8

ISBN 13: 978-1-904902-89-8

Brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Designed and typeset by Sparks, Oxford www.sparks.co.uk
Printed by TJ International, Cornwall

CONTENTS

T his is a joy for me to do because it enables me to thank publicly some of the many people who have impacted my lifeto give them the recognition they deserve. Firstly, Richard Burtona publisher with courage. From the moment we met, you supported and encouraged me, and helped me find the belief that I can write! Kathryn Kelly, you were wonderful in taking my many words and helping them come together in a way that made my thoughts read more easily. Also, for your help in promoting my work wherever possible, you are a great asset. John Dugganyou have read and reread all of this book with such care and attention and it has come alive as a result of your outstanding editing. Thank you so much.

There are always the personal development gurus that I meet who are on a similar path and I take something new to heart every time I hear them. David TaylorI have enjoyed getting to know you and working with you more than you can imagine, you are a lovely man. Ian Jessupyou are truly amazing. You have impacted my life so positively and raised my awareness of communication to new heights. I thank you so very much.

Once again, my clients inspire me and take me to new levels of learning; sometimes I wonder if they know how much they stretch me! I feel privileged to work with so many wonderful people. Amongst this amazing group there are some that I would especially like to thank. Brenda Gourleyyour courage to take on some of the daunting challenges that you do and still come through committed, determined and smiling is inspirational. Chris Weston and Jill Sheddenyou are both such wonderful examples of how great the difference can be when you lead in this way; your passion and caring for people shines through in all that you do. The results you achieved in BGB speak for themselvesthank you for taking the time to write about it for me. Kevin Leiththank you for taking the time and effort to add to this bookI feel lucky to have worked with you and now have you as a friend. Ian Lambertyou are a lovely man and your support over the years has meant so much. Ewan McCulloch, you are simply amazing and I believe that you embody all that I talk aboutworking with you is a sheer delight. Steve Backwhat would I do without you in my life? I hope I never have to find out. Monique Cheungyou never give in! You want to live and breathe these concepts wherever you are. Lesley CottonI may have met you only recently but you are just a joy and your friendship is special to me. Pat Leethank you for your belief in me and for your incredible determination to do the best for each individual in every part of you life. You epitomise a giving, caring and inspirational leader.

For my friends and colleagues I hardly know where to begin and couldn't possibly name you allI feel inspired, uplifted and so very supported by you all. A big thank you to everyone in the office who does their best to manage mea trying task! So, too, all our wonderful associates who deliver programmes with such passion and courage! Rob Geeyou have been a tower of strength to the business and the most caring friend I could wish for. Your wife Denise is pretty special too! Karen MurphyI hope you know how much it means to me to have you working so closely with the company now, and even more so to have you as a dearly loved friend. It is especially good to see you so happy and successful. Kirsten Campbellyou give so much of your life, your friendship and your love and it is reciprocated and valued more than you can imagine. Sally Pattisonas a client you challenged me to deliver the best and as a friend and colleague you inspire and support me. Thank you too for such a valuable and special contribution to this book. Michael OByrnethank you for your effort in writing up what happened when you were Chief; I am so very delighted that we remain friends. Ray Powellyou are just gorgeous! Hugh EvansI am pleased and honoured that you have joined our team. Your passion, dedication and particular flair are such amazing assets and I feel very lucky to have such a special person to run the business. I know you will take us all to new heights. Tasha Berminghamyou have known me, worked with me, been a friend for many, many years. My life is the richer for having you in it. Lesit's good to have you around stillyou will always be special.

A big thank you to my children James, Philip, Richard, Lucy, Emma and Mark. You all in your different ways have given and continue to give me the greatest leadership challenges and so that means that you are also my most powerful teachers. You give me so much love and care in many different ways. I am proud to be your mother and love you all so very much. Emms darlingjust keep winning! I am highly delighted that you are now bringing me some wonderful grandchildren who are a complete delight and add a wonderful new dimension to my life. Lucyyou will be a very special mother. I am also so very pleased to have Hugh, Nick and Emma come into my lifeyou are most supportive of your mother-in-law and I thank you so much for bringing the happiness that you do to my children.