Herding Cats - Reviews of the original 2010 edition"'Herding Cats' is brilliant... a 'must read' for all academic and research leaders - before and after they take up these positions...The book is full of extraordinary insights... it should not be read once, but again and again, since the strategic guidance it provides is so invaluable." Dr Ramesh Mashelkar, FRS, formerly Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, CSIR, India, and presently President of the Global Research Alliance "This short book is lively, good fun but full of wisdom, eminently readable, great common sense and filled with really good quotes... it provides a useful roadmap for any leader embarking on this tough enterprise." Sir Gustav Nossal, FRS, The University of Melbourne, Australia "Before leaving office for the Chinese Spring Festival I just want to say to you that your book is very well received by the scientific community, namely the Institute and Lab Directors and scientific administrative people. It is my hope that it will help enhance scientific management in China.” Jinghua Cao, Deputy Director, Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (on the Mandarin version, translated by the CAS) |
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"After reading Garrett and Davies' excellent and highly recommendable little book, the aspiring university leader will know that s/he has to be: accountable, balanced, confident, decisive, ethical, fearless, generous, hard-working, imaginative, joyful, knowledgeable, likeable, mature, non-egotistical, optimistic, prudent, quick, reliable, scholarly, tenacious, unflappable, versatile, witty, xenian (it means hospitable), young at heart, and zestful. (An A to Z of herding practical cats, with apologies to Old Possum.)"
Professor Sir David Watson, formerly Vice-Chancellor, University of Brighton, UK and, from October 2010, Principal of Green Templeton College, Oxford
"Thank you very much for your wonderful book, which I have just finished reading. It has given me more insight into how to approach my current position. I think it is a must read for academic administrators."
Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, Head of Department of Orthopaedics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
"This is a little (literally) book large in wisdom. It captures countless years of contemporary wisdom gleaned from experienced managers of research and academic enterprises, and it will appeal to the experienced and the novice alike. I can see an immediate use as an aid in mentoring new-comers to management. Short, pithy, well-signposted and easily navigable, it is an essential 'how-to' manual that all leaders in research will want to keep close at hand. A great read!" Dr Shaun Coffee, Chief Executive, Industrial Research Ltd, New Zealand
"I found this book wonderful reading, and I hope that the publication is a great success."
Professor Bernard Shapiro, formerly Principal, McGill University, Canada
"Not only did I enjoy 'Herding Cats' - I laughed out loud at how true it is. Cats indeed. I also enjoyed the novel format: succinct, engaging, and easy to comprehend. Great job... it will be an extremely helpful contribution."
Dr Curtis Carlson, Chief Executive, SRI International, Menlo Park, USA
"What a wonderful read! This book deserves to be on the coffee table in the office of all Vice Chancellors and other leaders in Higher Education and Research institutions around the world."
Dr Ian Steadman, Director of Development, Oxford Brookes University, UK
"A wonderful compilation. I enjoyed the read greatly... much poignancy."
Dr Mike Battaglia,Theme Leader, CSIRO, Australia
"This manuscript is the first I've seen with instructions for use. I am most impressed by the insights gathered. While an evening across the table from a wise man may be better than a month of study, it takes two to make a conversation worthwhile. The authors of this volume have proved great conversationalists, generously attributing wisdom to those they interview when it is the questions asked, and the integration of the answers, that makes this work so intriguing and worthwhile."
Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne, Australia
"I loved 'Herding Cats' - the 12 Cs are a terrific organizing principle; the manuscript is exuberant which is a great achievement as sometimes the topic can be disheartening for people setting out - the authors have managed to make it extremely lively and fun. A wonderful read."
Professor Mandy Thomas, formerly Pro Vice Chancellor, Australian National University
"This is a much needed document. Having been thrust (did I volunteer?) into an administrative position (Division Director, Earth Sciences, NSF) from my role as a researcher and professor at UCDavis I found that I was ill prepared for my new responsibilities. I hope that I learned from my mistakes. Others will have to answer that question. A guide would have been most welcome."
Dr Ian MacGregor, formerly US National Science Foundation
"Thank you!
I have just finished my first read of ‘Herding Cats’.
Magnificent - many aspects resonated. I will recommend it to my 5 leadership mentees!
We also have ‘enduring questions’ sessions - I will make it the focus on a coming one."
Peter Tugwell, Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
"While I was recently acting for [the Secretary and our CEO], I saw your book on her desk so I took it home and read it. I really enjoyed it and have now recommended it to everyone I know."
Sandra Parker, Deputy Secretary, Workplace Relations and Economic Strategy, Department of Employment, Government of Australia
"This book is great!... It makes great common sense and is good reading for a broad spectrum of people - not only academics. "Lots of wisdom... I think King Solomon could not have done a better job."
Dr Stephen Akers, Consultant, Mollis, Switzerland
"This book makes for a splendid read... and a wonderful and timely reminder of the sorts of people that I deal with. What I found interesting was the consistency of so many of the quotes... as a leader of an institution, one sometimes mistakenly gets the impression that what one is doing is somewhat unique. The answer would appear to be 'take heart - there are actually quite a few cat herders out there'."
Dr Robin Batterham, President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and formerly Chief Scientist, Government of Australia
"I've used your little book on many occasions for the right individuals, a great way of sending a message and always a buzz when I see the light bulb go on!!"
Bob Gee, Deputy Police Commissioner, Queensland, Australia
"I have just been reading Herding Cats. It is fantastic. So much wisdom and so relevant. A great book."
Dr Clare Nourse, Director of Paediatric Infection Management, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, Brisbane, Australia and Associate Professor, Faculty of Paediatrics, University of Queensland.
"Your book arrived yesterday. I have just dipped in here and there to start with and certainly find it resonates! I love the section on Committees - I did once propose, as a way of increasing productivity, that we abolish all our committees and put back the ones that people miss …"Associate Professor Grace McCarthy, and Associate Dean (Education), Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, Australia
"Your book arrived last Tuesday, Geoff. I am... loving it. I promised to share it with the man heading up the new Strategic Plan for the University of Denver. It is going to be invaluable for both of us."
Patricia Cooper, Colorado, USA
"You will be glad to know that 'Herding Cats' is one book that has survived my cull before the move!"
The Hon Ian Walker, Minister for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts, State Government of Queensland, Australia
"Compulsory reading"
Dr Bruce Hobbs, formerly Chief Scientist, State Government of Western Australia
"A nice piece of valuable thinking! This book should reach all leaders and managers in academia!"
Dr Erkki Leppavuori, President and CEO, VTT Technical Research Centre, Finland
" ...[I look forward to applying] your ideas to the management of my team ...[who have] all the qualities of intelligence, creativity and yes, ego, that often comes with smart people. On top of that we have selected for strong personalities that can compete in the commercial world. You can imagine that sometimes they behave not like nice cuddly domestic cats but more like feral cats! I love them but they can be a challenge!"
Bren Collinson, Managing Director. Millennium Science Pty Ltd, Australia
"Well done... superb! I love the [bit about] getting out of the way! Very glad somebody who knows how to do these things has written them down in what seems to be a very accessible way."
Professor Renfrew Christie, Dean of Research, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
"I have just finished reading 'Herding Cats'- it's a masterpiece! I think the lessons are applicable to our day-to-day life as well and I must say that this book is the mantra for ' the way of life'!
"I also absolutely enjoyed the innovation in the structure of the book. It is very refreshing and unique."
Sushil Borde, research engineer, Pune, India
"What a beautiful thing to do, to sit down and actually answer that most marvelous of questions. I certainly see that fun was had. I love [the comment about it being] the Strunk and White of academic administration. That should bring you worldwide sales over decades."
Denis Beckett, author and political commentator, South Africa
"I will certainly request my institutional heads to read this and acquire not only the book but also the skills, if possible. I really wish that I had this book in '96 when I was appointed as the Director, CLRI. Frankly, I remain puzzled as to how I survived in the kind of jobs that I have been doing for the past 14 years..."
Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, India
"I am not sure if 'Herding Cats' has gone to a second edition yet but we have decided to make a bulk purchase of 50 in the first instance with the idea of giving a copy to new VCs when they take up the post or for visitors."
Professor John Wood, Secretary General, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK
"I have just spent an unusually pleasant time waiting for a delayed plane at Amsterdam - because I was armed with, and read from cover to cover 'Herding Cats'. As suggested, I have underlined much and folded corners a plenty!"
Professor Quintin McKellar, Principal, Royal Veterinary College and Vice-Chancellor-elect, University of Hertfordshire, UK
"I read 'Herding Cats' last night and think it is terrific - well done! Keen insights in a very accessible, enjoyable, often jaunty format. Your voices come through loudly. You ought to be feeling very pleased."
Rosemary Grieve, Rosemary A Grieve & Associates P/L, Management Consultants, Melbourne, Australia
"This delightful volume on 'herding cats' provided wonderfully diverting reading (not least on some travels) and I have gone back to some of its playful but shrewd comments several times. Congratulations on the style and the wisdom!"
Professor Deryck Schreuder, formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Western Australia, and President of the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee
"I enjoyed reading 'Herding Cats'. It is a stimulating, engaging, and insightful narration of many years of diverse experience by the authors. I have bought another copy for my son back in India... We talk much about management and we often find much in common between managing science (my experience) and his challenge as a young CEO managing a big international business (Conventions and Hotels). The style used in constructing and narrating the book is novel and brave. The size of the book helps to deal with this; if the book was twice the present size, this may have become more challenging to some readers - the book, although small in size, provides plenty to think about. Congratulations!"
Dr Sadanandan Nambiar, former senior Research Group Leader, CSIRO, Australia
" 'Herding Cats' certainly rings true! I'm sure many people will find this a helpful and entertaining book to read and I am happy to recommend it."
Sheena Thomas, Senior Search Consultant (Academic), Heidrich & Struggles, New Zealand
" 'Herding Cats' is absolutely well done. This was no minor undertaking... the focus of the book is quite obviously very practical and down to earth."
Dr Rich Adams, Senior Vice President, Battelle, USA
"'Herding Cats' is absolutely terrific."
Claudio Fernández-Aráoz Egon Zehnder International, Buenos Aires, Argentina
I enjoyed reading it... It made me think of the different collective purposes of education / research organisations across centuries... [and] what will be the next focus? By all means, there will be more & more cats to herd and your book will serve as a reference and a testimony for a long time.Congratulations!!"
Jean-Paul Raoul, Brennus Consulting, France
"Great little book! It's doing the rounds here. You've pitched it just right, I reckon. If one day you wish to 'update' it, I'm sure my current boss will be able to contribute some gems from his experience of the past five years managing our unruly lot!"
Jeremy Evans, Head of Business Development, Macauley Land Use Reseach Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland
"Garrett and Davies have done a great job pulling together insightful anecdotes and quotes within an interesting and original framework. This must be first in terms about giving practical tips about managing in an academic/scientific environment. I am sure this book will become a handy companion to scientific texts on the bookshelves of senior managers in our learned institutions. It will definitely be on mine."
Dr Alex Zelinsky, Group Executive, CSIRO, Australia
"This book makes for a splendid read... and a wonderful and timely reminder of the sorts of people that I deal with. What I found interesting was the consistency of so many of the quotes... as a leader of an institution, one sometimes mistakenly gets the impression that what one is doing is somewhat unique. The answer would appear to be 'take heart - there are actually quite a few cat herders out there'."
Dr Robin Batterham, President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and formerly Chief Scientist, Government of Australia
"This book contains a mountain of telling quotes applicable to the task of leading innovative organizations."
Professor David Penington, formerly Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne, Australia
Professor Sir David Watson, formerly Vice-Chancellor, University of Brighton, UK and, from October 2010, Principal of Green Templeton College, Oxford
"Thank you very much for your wonderful book, which I have just finished reading. It has given me more insight into how to approach my current position. I think it is a must read for academic administrators."
Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, Head of Department of Orthopaedics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
"This is a little (literally) book large in wisdom. It captures countless years of contemporary wisdom gleaned from experienced managers of research and academic enterprises, and it will appeal to the experienced and the novice alike. I can see an immediate use as an aid in mentoring new-comers to management. Short, pithy, well-signposted and easily navigable, it is an essential 'how-to' manual that all leaders in research will want to keep close at hand. A great read!" Dr Shaun Coffee, Chief Executive, Industrial Research Ltd, New Zealand
"I found this book wonderful reading, and I hope that the publication is a great success."
Professor Bernard Shapiro, formerly Principal, McGill University, Canada
"Not only did I enjoy 'Herding Cats' - I laughed out loud at how true it is. Cats indeed. I also enjoyed the novel format: succinct, engaging, and easy to comprehend. Great job... it will be an extremely helpful contribution."
Dr Curtis Carlson, Chief Executive, SRI International, Menlo Park, USA
"What a wonderful read! This book deserves to be on the coffee table in the office of all Vice Chancellors and other leaders in Higher Education and Research institutions around the world."
Dr Ian Steadman, Director of Development, Oxford Brookes University, UK
"A wonderful compilation. I enjoyed the read greatly... much poignancy."
Dr Mike Battaglia,Theme Leader, CSIRO, Australia
"This manuscript is the first I've seen with instructions for use. I am most impressed by the insights gathered. While an evening across the table from a wise man may be better than a month of study, it takes two to make a conversation worthwhile. The authors of this volume have proved great conversationalists, generously attributing wisdom to those they interview when it is the questions asked, and the integration of the answers, that makes this work so intriguing and worthwhile."
Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne, Australia
"I loved 'Herding Cats' - the 12 Cs are a terrific organizing principle; the manuscript is exuberant which is a great achievement as sometimes the topic can be disheartening for people setting out - the authors have managed to make it extremely lively and fun. A wonderful read."
Professor Mandy Thomas, formerly Pro Vice Chancellor, Australian National University
"This is a much needed document. Having been thrust (did I volunteer?) into an administrative position (Division Director, Earth Sciences, NSF) from my role as a researcher and professor at UCDavis I found that I was ill prepared for my new responsibilities. I hope that I learned from my mistakes. Others will have to answer that question. A guide would have been most welcome."
Dr Ian MacGregor, formerly US National Science Foundation
"Thank you!
I have just finished my first read of ‘Herding Cats’.
Magnificent - many aspects resonated. I will recommend it to my 5 leadership mentees!
We also have ‘enduring questions’ sessions - I will make it the focus on a coming one."
Peter Tugwell, Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
"While I was recently acting for [the Secretary and our CEO], I saw your book on her desk so I took it home and read it. I really enjoyed it and have now recommended it to everyone I know."
Sandra Parker, Deputy Secretary, Workplace Relations and Economic Strategy, Department of Employment, Government of Australia
"This book is great!... It makes great common sense and is good reading for a broad spectrum of people - not only academics. "Lots of wisdom... I think King Solomon could not have done a better job."
Dr Stephen Akers, Consultant, Mollis, Switzerland
"This book makes for a splendid read... and a wonderful and timely reminder of the sorts of people that I deal with. What I found interesting was the consistency of so many of the quotes... as a leader of an institution, one sometimes mistakenly gets the impression that what one is doing is somewhat unique. The answer would appear to be 'take heart - there are actually quite a few cat herders out there'."
Dr Robin Batterham, President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and formerly Chief Scientist, Government of Australia
"I've used your little book on many occasions for the right individuals, a great way of sending a message and always a buzz when I see the light bulb go on!!"
Bob Gee, Deputy Police Commissioner, Queensland, Australia
"I have just been reading Herding Cats. It is fantastic. So much wisdom and so relevant. A great book."
Dr Clare Nourse, Director of Paediatric Infection Management, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, Brisbane, Australia and Associate Professor, Faculty of Paediatrics, University of Queensland.
"Your book arrived yesterday. I have just dipped in here and there to start with and certainly find it resonates! I love the section on Committees - I did once propose, as a way of increasing productivity, that we abolish all our committees and put back the ones that people miss …"Associate Professor Grace McCarthy, and Associate Dean (Education), Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, Australia
"Your book arrived last Tuesday, Geoff. I am... loving it. I promised to share it with the man heading up the new Strategic Plan for the University of Denver. It is going to be invaluable for both of us."
Patricia Cooper, Colorado, USA
"You will be glad to know that 'Herding Cats' is one book that has survived my cull before the move!"
The Hon Ian Walker, Minister for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts, State Government of Queensland, Australia
"Compulsory reading"
Dr Bruce Hobbs, formerly Chief Scientist, State Government of Western Australia
"A nice piece of valuable thinking! This book should reach all leaders and managers in academia!"
Dr Erkki Leppavuori, President and CEO, VTT Technical Research Centre, Finland
" ...[I look forward to applying] your ideas to the management of my team ...[who have] all the qualities of intelligence, creativity and yes, ego, that often comes with smart people. On top of that we have selected for strong personalities that can compete in the commercial world. You can imagine that sometimes they behave not like nice cuddly domestic cats but more like feral cats! I love them but they can be a challenge!"
Bren Collinson, Managing Director. Millennium Science Pty Ltd, Australia
"Well done... superb! I love the [bit about] getting out of the way! Very glad somebody who knows how to do these things has written them down in what seems to be a very accessible way."
Professor Renfrew Christie, Dean of Research, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
"I have just finished reading 'Herding Cats'- it's a masterpiece! I think the lessons are applicable to our day-to-day life as well and I must say that this book is the mantra for ' the way of life'!
"I also absolutely enjoyed the innovation in the structure of the book. It is very refreshing and unique."
Sushil Borde, research engineer, Pune, India
"What a beautiful thing to do, to sit down and actually answer that most marvelous of questions. I certainly see that fun was had. I love [the comment about it being] the Strunk and White of academic administration. That should bring you worldwide sales over decades."
Denis Beckett, author and political commentator, South Africa
"I will certainly request my institutional heads to read this and acquire not only the book but also the skills, if possible. I really wish that I had this book in '96 when I was appointed as the Director, CLRI. Frankly, I remain puzzled as to how I survived in the kind of jobs that I have been doing for the past 14 years..."
Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, India
"I am not sure if 'Herding Cats' has gone to a second edition yet but we have decided to make a bulk purchase of 50 in the first instance with the idea of giving a copy to new VCs when they take up the post or for visitors."
Professor John Wood, Secretary General, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK
"I have just spent an unusually pleasant time waiting for a delayed plane at Amsterdam - because I was armed with, and read from cover to cover 'Herding Cats'. As suggested, I have underlined much and folded corners a plenty!"
Professor Quintin McKellar, Principal, Royal Veterinary College and Vice-Chancellor-elect, University of Hertfordshire, UK
"I read 'Herding Cats' last night and think it is terrific - well done! Keen insights in a very accessible, enjoyable, often jaunty format. Your voices come through loudly. You ought to be feeling very pleased."
Rosemary Grieve, Rosemary A Grieve & Associates P/L, Management Consultants, Melbourne, Australia
"This delightful volume on 'herding cats' provided wonderfully diverting reading (not least on some travels) and I have gone back to some of its playful but shrewd comments several times. Congratulations on the style and the wisdom!"
Professor Deryck Schreuder, formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Western Australia, and President of the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee
"I enjoyed reading 'Herding Cats'. It is a stimulating, engaging, and insightful narration of many years of diverse experience by the authors. I have bought another copy for my son back in India... We talk much about management and we often find much in common between managing science (my experience) and his challenge as a young CEO managing a big international business (Conventions and Hotels). The style used in constructing and narrating the book is novel and brave. The size of the book helps to deal with this; if the book was twice the present size, this may have become more challenging to some readers - the book, although small in size, provides plenty to think about. Congratulations!"
Dr Sadanandan Nambiar, former senior Research Group Leader, CSIRO, Australia
" 'Herding Cats' certainly rings true! I'm sure many people will find this a helpful and entertaining book to read and I am happy to recommend it."
Sheena Thomas, Senior Search Consultant (Academic), Heidrich & Struggles, New Zealand
" 'Herding Cats' is absolutely well done. This was no minor undertaking... the focus of the book is quite obviously very practical and down to earth."
Dr Rich Adams, Senior Vice President, Battelle, USA
"'Herding Cats' is absolutely terrific."
Claudio Fernández-Aráoz Egon Zehnder International, Buenos Aires, Argentina
I enjoyed reading it... It made me think of the different collective purposes of education / research organisations across centuries... [and] what will be the next focus? By all means, there will be more & more cats to herd and your book will serve as a reference and a testimony for a long time.Congratulations!!"
Jean-Paul Raoul, Brennus Consulting, France
"Great little book! It's doing the rounds here. You've pitched it just right, I reckon. If one day you wish to 'update' it, I'm sure my current boss will be able to contribute some gems from his experience of the past five years managing our unruly lot!"
Jeremy Evans, Head of Business Development, Macauley Land Use Reseach Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland
"Garrett and Davies have done a great job pulling together insightful anecdotes and quotes within an interesting and original framework. This must be first in terms about giving practical tips about managing in an academic/scientific environment. I am sure this book will become a handy companion to scientific texts on the bookshelves of senior managers in our learned institutions. It will definitely be on mine."
Dr Alex Zelinsky, Group Executive, CSIRO, Australia
"This book makes for a splendid read... and a wonderful and timely reminder of the sorts of people that I deal with. What I found interesting was the consistency of so many of the quotes... as a leader of an institution, one sometimes mistakenly gets the impression that what one is doing is somewhat unique. The answer would appear to be 'take heart - there are actually quite a few cat herders out there'."
Dr Robin Batterham, President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and formerly Chief Scientist, Government of Australia
"This book contains a mountain of telling quotes applicable to the task of leading innovative organizations."
Professor David Penington, formerly Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne, Australia