Charles Handy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Charles Handy is a British management guru, writer, and academic, commonly known as Charlie Handy.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 2, 1936, in Dublin, Ireland. Still alive at the time of writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Handy's nationality is Irish-British, and he has worked as a management consultant, author, and professor emeritus at London Business School.
Early Life and Background
Charles Handy was born into an Anglo-Irish family in Dublin. His father was a civil servant who later became the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Savings Bank. Handy's early life was marked by the influence of Catholicism and his family's middle-class values. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied philosophy.
Major Accomplishments
Handy has had an illustrious career, with numerous accomplishments to his name:
Co-founded the management consultancy, Monitor Company Limited (now Monitor Group), in 1969.
Has written over a dozen books on business and management, including "The Age of Unreason", "The Empty Raincoat," and "Beyond Certainty."
Was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to industry and commerce.
Received the Outstanding Contribution Award from the CIPD in 1999.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Handy's most notable works include:
"The Age of Unreason" (1989): This book examines the changes happening within companies and organizations, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability.
"The Empty Raincoat" (1994): In this work, Handy explores the concept of "postmodern management," arguing that traditional hierarchical structures are being replaced by more fluid and flexible systems.
Beyond Certainty: The Changing World of Organizations through the Lens of Complexity Science (2002): This book introduces readers to complexity science and its application in organizational settings.Impact and Legacy
Charles Handy's work has had a significant impact on management thinking and practice. His writings have influenced many organizations, leaders, and policymakers worldwide. Some key aspects of his legacy include:
Promoting flexibility and adaptability: Handy's ideas about postmodern management and the need for organizations to be more flexible and responsive to change have resonated with business leaders.
Encouraging innovation: His emphasis on innovation as a critical component of success has inspired many companies to adopt more entrepreneurial approaches.
Shifting focus from control to empowerment: Handy's work often emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and encouraging them to take ownership of their work.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Charles Handy is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on management and organizational behavior. His ability to explain complex concepts in clear, accessible language has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant. He continues to be an influential voice in the world of business and management, offering practical advice and guidance to leaders and organizations seeking to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.
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This biography provides a comprehensive overview of Charles Handy's life, work, and legacy. From his early life and education to his major accomplishments and notable works, this profile offers readers a deeper understanding of why he is widely quoted or remembered.
Quotes by Charles Handy
The companies that survive longest are the one's that work out what they uniquely can give to the world not just growth or money but their excellence, their respect for others, or their ability to make people happy. Some call those things a soul.
Home is the first school for us all, a school with no fixed curriculum, no quality control, no examinations, no teacher training.
The companies that survive longest are the one’s that work out what they uniquely can give to the world-not just growth or money but their excellence, their respect for others, or their ability to make people happy. Some call those things a soul.
Forget land, buildings, or machines-the real source of wealth today is intelligence, applied intelligence. We talk glibly of “intellectual property” without taking on board what it really means. It isn’t just patent rights and brand names; it is the brains of the place.
The moment will arrive when you are comfortable with who you are, and what you are- bald or old or fat or poor, successful or struggling- when you don’t feel the need to apologize for anything or to deny anything. To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength.
Instead of a national curriculum for education, what is really needed is an individual curriculum for every child.
To learn anything other than the stuff you find in books, you need to be able to experiment, to make mistakes, to accept feedback, and to try again. It doesn't matter whether you are learning to ride a bike or starting a new career, the cycle of experiment, feedback, and new experiment is always there.
The moment will arrive when you are comfortable with who you are, and what you are- bald or old or fat or poor, successful or struggling- when you don't feel the need to apologize for anything or to deny anything. To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength.