BOOK REVIEW
ORDERLY ADVICE EBBEN VAN ZYL, ANDREW CAMPBELL and LIEZEL LUES turn the traditional idea of chaotic times as something to be feared on its head, with advice on how to thrive in an uncertain world
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haos is a Gift? offers practical realities and specific recommendations on how to lead in turbulent times. Covering the private and public sectors, the academic world and conflict/post-conflict environments, the book is ideal for leaders in a broad range of environments, including the business, private, academic and public sectors, and conflict/post-conflict environments. Chaos is from the ancient Greek word that means ‘a thing that is birthed from the void’. Chaos is a Gift? turns the traditional idea of chaotic times as something to be feared on its head, with advice on how to thrive in an uncertain world. With the sub-title Leading Oneself in Uncertain and Complex Environments, the book asks the simple question of whether chaos can be seen as a gift and sets out to find the answer, while showing counterintuitively how disorder can be put to good use. According to the writers, when dealt with effectively chaos can lead to greater innovation, better teamwork, better interpersonal relations and better performance. But in order to achieve this within a changing and demanding
VUCA environment, leaders and nonleaders must first learn to lead themselves. This guide will show you how to do exactly that within our own turbulent times. Chaos is a Gift? is edited by a team of wordsmiths comprising Ebben van Zyl, Andrew Campbell and Liezel Lues. Currently Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology at the University of the Free State, Prof Ebben van Zyl has published 48 scientific publications, 39 research projects, and has presented 45 papers at national and international conferences with regard to industrial psychology and leadership-related topics. Dr Andrew Campbell is the Director of the International Peace and Leadership Institute, in addition to being a retired senior military officer, and works for the Department of Defence specialising in Counter-Terrorism and Global Security Cooperation. He’s a recognised national and international speaker on peace leadership and has addressed a number of audiences worldwide, including the Peace Leadership Conference in 2017 and the International Leadership Association in 2018.
Liezel Lues is an Associate Professor of Public Administration and Management at the University of the Free State. She previously held the position of Head of Department following a term as Programme Director of the Department of Public Administration and Management. Her research interests include Public Management Transitions, particularly the role of leadership accountability. She has been awarded the Faculty Economic and Management Sciences Best Senior Research Award and is an NRF-rated scientist. ORDER INFORMATION Chaos is a Gift? can be ordered from Knowledge Resources, Ground Floor, Yellowwood House, Ballywoods Office Park, 33 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston Contact: tel: (+27 11) 706 6009 fax: (+27 11) 706 1127 e-mail: orders@knowres.co.za Available online at: www.kr.co.za
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