Robertson Hunter Stewart
What's Inside?
While I don’t personally know Robertson Hunter Stewart, his book looked like one that was trying to make a difference in the world.
I love seeing books that really try to empower people and put them first as individuals, not just commodities.
Robertson Hunter Stewart is from France so that’s a cool twist to having a book interview posted on my site.
One thing that stuck out to me in the interview was that not only do his ideas come from his own experiences, but also those that are interested in management. His line here says so much: “I must say though that inspiration often comes when least expected!”
Personally I know I’ve worked for places where I was nothing more than a name on a list of project tasks to get completed. When I managed people, I tried hard to treat them as I would want to be treated. Sometimes with upper management, that goal was difficult to obtain.
Question 1: Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name’s Robertson Hunter STEWART born and bred in Scotland and now a management professor and consultant in Paris France. This is my first book with the second in the making. I believe quite firmly that the most important resource for any company is the people who work for it. What I try to get across in my writing is not only that people should have more autonomy and purpose in the workplace but also exactly how managers should go about making this happen.
Question 2: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called EMPLOYEE POWER. The full title of the book is The Incredible Value of EMPLOYEE POWER – Unleased – How to gain competitive advantage by treating your employees well.
It was inspired following a conversation where I disagreed with someone regarding the relative importance of treating employees well as compared to customers or consumers.
It also comes from a deep-seated belief based on my own personal experience at work that employees are far too often ill-treated. This often leads to problems such as lack of engagement, a lessening of motivation, mental health issues, depression, burnout and unfortunately even worse!
Question 3: What are you working on now, and what are you reading now?
I am now working on a book which talks about the importance for managers to communicate with people at work on an individual basis. I truly believe that this is becoming more and more important for today’s managers in the workplace.
I am re-reading some of Ken Blanchard’s work at the moment: The One Minute Manager, Who Stole my Cheese and Raving Fans. Leisure reading includes The Old Man and the Sea of Hemingway or “Les Mots” de Jean Paul Sartre.
Question 4: Where do you get your ideas?
My ideas come mainly from my own experience and from interacting with others who are also interested in management. I must say though that inspiration often comes when least expected!
Often when doing something that is not connected to writing at all such as swimming or taking a shower. When this happens it’s always a rush to write down the idea before it’s forgotten. I do however also “bounce ideas off of others” and often and use mind maps and other brainstorming techniques.
Recently I have noticed that “sparks” of inspiration often come following discussions with my students.
Question 5: What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have ever heard was given to me when I was a young and inexperienced manager in France. I had asked a senior colleague where he thought I could improve my people skills? His reply was: “Nous sommes prisonniers de nos paroles et maîtres de nos silences” which translated means “we are all prisoners of what we have said but masters of our own silence”. Thus underlining for me the huge importance of attentive listening skills and the fact that I really needed to work on my “soft skills”.
If I could choose a famous author as a mentor I would have to say that it would be very hard for me to choose between Simon Sinek and Ken Blanchard. If really pushed though I think I would opt for Ken.
Question 7: What’s next for you as a writer?
In the immediate future, it will be to finish off my work in progress which I spoke of earlier. Following on from that I have been talking to an associate and colleague about the possibility of co-writing some articles and perhaps a book project together.
Question 8: Where can someone purchase your books, and how can they reach you?
My books can be purchased on Amazon, I-tunes and Kobo (fnac) as for the electronic versions. For the paperback version on Amazon. The easiest way to reach me is to join me on Linkedin where I am easily visible (no one with the same name Robertson Hunter Stewart) or twitter (@stewartwrites). On either of these platforms no problem for people to DM me.
Buy Books By Robertson Hunter Stewart
On Amazon US
Also Available On Amazon France
Contact Robertson Hunter Stewart
Facebook: Robertson.Stewart.792
Twitter: @StewartWrites
LinkedIn: Roberston-Hunter-Stewart
Would You Like To Be Interviewed?
If you would like to be one of the authors interviewed, please check out the page and more information at Intriguing Author Interviews.
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