There's a lot of hot air in the world of business. Wouldn't it be nice just to hear some common sense? That's exactly what John Timpson has got. After four decades running his family business and turning it into one of the high street's biggest success stories, he really knows what works and what doesn't.

About the Author ii Acknowledgements vii Preface ix Chapter 1: The Timpson Experience 1 Chapter 2: Upside Down Management 49 Chapter 3: Be the CEO 73 Chapter 4: Do the Deals 107 Chapter 5: Make Mistakes 155 Chapter 6: Challenge the Rules 183 Chapter 7: Survive the Stress 219 Chapter 8: Let Your Conscience be Your Guide 241 Chapter 9: Ideas that Work 281 Conclusion 299 Index 305 Final Thought 315

"A refreshing, no-nonsense business book – a must read" —Charles Dunstone, CEO, Carphone Warehouse There's a lot of hot air in the world of business. Wouldn't it be nice just to hear some common sense? That's exactly what John Timpson has got. After four decades running his family business and turning it into one of the high street's biggest success stories, he really knows what works and what doesn't. Upside Down Management shares with you how he has turned the way the business is run on its head, and the lessons he has learned in the process. From being the CEO to dealing with stress, and from breaking the rules to following your conscience, this book tells it like it is. Forget management models and best-practice guidelines; here are genuine pearls of wisdom.