Accomplishment: How to Achieve Ambitious and Challenging Things

by Michael Barber

'Excellent . . . reveals that high accomplishment has a signature pattern that reoccurs from sport to politics to business to government' Matthew SyedThere is no secret formula for success, especially when tackling a new challenge. But what if there were a pattern you could follow? A way of mapping the route and navigating the obstacles that arise?Michael Barber has spent many years advising governments, businesses and major sporting teams around the world on how to achieve ambitious goals on time. Drawing on stories of historic visionaries and modern heroes - from Mary Fischer and Rosa Parks to Paula Radcliffe and Gareth Southgate - Barber presents a unique combination of personal anecdote, historical evidence and interviews from inspirational figures to unpack the route to success.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Self Help, Audiobook

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

Sir Michael Barber is a leading educational reformer. Since May 2011, he has been the Chief Education Advisor at Pearson, the world's largest education company.

From 2001-2005 Sir Michael was the education advisor to the former British prime minister, Tony Blair. He then became the head of McKinsey's Global Education Practice.

Sir Michael has sought reform for school improvement, standards, performance, access to schools in developing countries, and access and funding in higher education.

Reviews

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Michael Barber was the guest speaker at a recent anniversary event I attended. He was kind enough to leave a copy of this book all those attending. For those who do not know, Sir Michael is probably best known as the Head of former PM Tony Blair’s ‘Delivery Unit’ – a small group charged with ensuring that the Blair government delivered on its election promises – no small task given the oft heard complaint that politicians over promise and under-deliver. The methodologies developed in Downing Street and under Barber attracted widespread attention and were replicated in a number of other countries, not least of all because the Blair government demonstrably did deliver on many of its promises and Barber’s unit was able to show how and where.
It is quite some time since I read a leadership/management/getting-things-done sort of book and really had no intention of ever reading one again. However, this book was a gift and I had heard good things about Sir Michael’s podcast series, so I decided to give it a go. I am pleased I did. He is a very good writer combining clarity with concision and drawing upon numerous fascinating examples from industry, sport, history, politics and elsewhere to illustrate his points. His central narrative is that turning plans (as per the new Blair government’s manifesto) into tangible action and outputs does not just happen. The Delivery Unit, which he led in number 10, built clear methodologies and reporting lines for holding individual departments and ministers to account for their bits of the government’s manifesto – and it worked.
This all sounds incredibly dry stuff but Sir Michael is a very engaging writer who takes us on a fascinating and persuasive journey across different sectors, times and locations, demonstrating that those who achieve ambitious and challenging things have much in common with each other, not matter what it is they seek to do.
A very enjoyable and insightful read.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that looks at people/teams from across politics to business to sport who set themselves quite challenging objectives, but ultimately delivered. What was the secret behind their success? Is there a pattern we can all learn from? Michael Barber provides that insight, having excellent experience himself of how to deliver.

My rating would be 3.5 stars

[Sambasivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but excellent book. The examples given are not commonly known. However clearly makes the point. Accomplishment comes by a certain willingness to take pain and with consistent motivation and sacrifice. Not easy to continue daily.

Go for it.