′This is an important book and essential reading for all leaders in education. Carol Cardno expertly shows how effectiveness can be enhanced when complex problems are openly, collaboratively and trustingly resolved. This book offers a refreshing insight into the complexities of being a leader and exercising effective leadership in modernised organisations′

-Professor Tanya Fitzgerald, La Trobe University, Melbourne

Combining a theoretical and a practical approach, this book provides a guide to educational administration, management and leadership across sectors. The author focuses on two particular topics: organisational learning and dilemma management. More specifically, the author looks at how to bring about productive relationships in order to solve complex problems.

By drawing attention to particular sets of theory and practice, Cardno presents seminal and recent research that can be applied to practice in an original way. The author demonstrates that effectiveness is enhanced when complex problems are resolved collaboratively and trustingly. Productive relationships are shown to rely on openness and dialogue.

This book will stimulate and support practising and aspiring educational leaders at all levels and in all types of educational organisations. Students, practitioners and researchers in the early childhood, school and tertiary sectors will find this book to be indispensable.

Dr Carol Cardno is Professor of Educational Management and until recently was Head of the School of Education at Unitec Institute of Technology. She has held several school management positions and was principal of Waitakere College before establishing an Educational Management Centre at Unitec in 1991.