I noted recently the sad news about the death of Charles Handy on 13 December 2024, at the age of 92. Apparently, he preferred the title - social philosopher to any others that were used. I shall always remember him as someone who inspired thought on the way our world could be run in a kinder, more considered and creative way.
 
I met him on a number of occasions and always remember his quiet albeit purposeful intent. Someone who did not suffer fools gladly yet always keen to listen to and create new understandings. Questioning, listening, challenging, creating.
 
He was to have a profound impact on my career.
 
I came across his work when I undertook my first postgraduate studies back in the 1980s. The picture shown is the book that was a required part of our studies, still at hand on my book shelves, together with many others of his.
 
It was he who had developed the thinking around the 2-year course I was undertaking. The approach and content of our studies very different from that of other business schools. Interestingly, still fresh and relevant; had I studied elsewhere most would now be obsolete.
 
Over the years I have brought and read almost all of his books – each containing wisdom seldom found elsewhere. Most of the popular writing comes under the heading of leadership, few really making an impact on both management and organisational thinking – the grit that get things done. The only other people that come to mind are Henry Mintzberg and Peter Drucker, who he admired.
 
He coined a term, that is now well used – portfolio career. A way of working and for life. A mix of more than one area of work and income blended within the rest of one’s life activities.
 
The impact on my career came when, with the echoing of his words, I managed to put into action as I developed my own portfolio career/life. One I still run and live by today.
 
It seems that the resistance after the pandemic to go back to the way of working, pre-pandemic, has become both challenging and unlikely. There has been an inevitable shift - I am sure the thinking and words of Handy should and would help to realign the axis of work rather than the attempt to return the world to the old axis. Adding more texture and humanity, a greater appreciation of the value of community, rather than an endless lust for growth and control.
 
I hope his legacy of work will be appreciated and reviewed when our world, especially of work, needs more focus on providing people with a purpose, not mere payment.
 
Time to revisit some of his work and take a few books of the shelf.
 
May I suggest you dip into one of his books and capture the imagination and ideas that I am sure will stimulate thought…and action.
 
My best wishes,
 
Peter