Leading professionals: a science, a philosophy and a way of working

This paper argues that complexity theory provides some unique insights into the management and leadership of professionals and other knowledge workers. It explains how the philosophy of servant-leadership, based on the writing of Robert K. Greenleaf, is particularly appropriate in the context of professional services firms. It considers some of the practical tools for managers and leaders found in the work of Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. Finally, it examines how a number of these principles have been applied in one part of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the author's own firm.