A practical book which draws on case study evidence and leadership theory to illustrate a proven approach to developing middle managers in service organisations. ‘Voices from the Middle’ brings a strong challenge to prevailing assumptions about the leadership capability in the middle of organisations. The book presents a model of organisational development that builds the influence and contribution of middle managers to organisational strategy and cultural development. A combination of practical and theoretical evidence demonstrates that mid level leaders are uniquely placed to facilitate organisational change. This book contains practical advice for developing mid level leadership capability and a range of tried and tested tools.

1. The wake up call
   1. The wake up call
   2. Chapter learning objectives:
   3. Reflection and learning
   4. The power of reflective questions
   5. Case study: A ‘wake up call’ for a new organisation
   6. The Midland 23
2. A new landscape for middle managers
   1. Introduction
   2. Chapter learning objectives
   3. Chapter learning outcomes
   4. A new landscape for middle managers
   5. Reflection and learning
3. Voices from the middle
   1. Introduction
   2. Literature approach
   3. Chapter learning objectives
   4. Chapter learning outcomes
   5. Where do assumptions about middle managers come from?
   6. Reflection and learning
4. Developing the middle: best practice
   1. Introduction
   2. Chapter learning objectives
   3. Chapter learning outcomes
   4. From individual to organisational development
   5. Developing the middle: How to get started
   6. Reflection and learning
5. ‘Leading from the Middle’: What happened to the Midland 23?
   1. Introduction
   2. Chapter learning objectives
   3. Reflection and learning
   4. Background
   5. Programme design
   6. The pilot programme (2007)
   7. Leading from the Middle
   8. Mid point evaluation research (2010)
   9. The vision of middle managers
6. ‘Leading the Way’: best practice in housing leadership development
   1. Introduction
   2. Chapter learning objectives
   3. Chapter learning outcomes
   4. Radical shifts in Housing Associations
   5. Leading the Way: A case study of mid level influence
   6. Reflection and learning
7. ‘When horses run together’
   1. Introduction
   2. Chapter learning objectives
   3. Chapter learning outcomes
   4. Radical shifts for hospice and end of life care
   5. Future scenarios
   6. Case study: ‘When horses run together’
   7. Evaluation findings
   8. Reflection and learning
8. Voices from the Middle: a new centre of gravity
   1. Introduction
   2. Chapter learning objectives
   3. Chapter learning outcomes
   4. A new landscape for middle managers
   5. Reflection and learning