Leaders of the African liberation movements proclaimed ambitious objectives and promised swift dismantling of colonial policies and practices. It was believed that poverty and underdevelopment were consequences of the exploitative policies of the colonial masters, who
had no interest in improving living conditions for local communities.

Independence and freedom were anticipated to eradicate poverty, ignorance and disease, and the new leadership would accelerate economic development and prosperity.

However, after more than 50 years of independence, most African countries are still poor and underdeveloped and this poses a few questions:

• Have African leaders abandoned their ambitions?
• Are African challenges more complex than in other regions?
• Has the political leadership failed to rise to the challenge?

The New York Times bestselling author of Multipliers investigates the Most Valuable Players of the workplace and explains what makes them so extraordinary, how others can think and act like MVPs, and how leaders can build an entire team of top contributors.

In every organization there are MVPs— those indispensable colleagues who can be counted on in critical situations and who consistently receive high-profile assignments and new opportunities. Whether they are on center stage or work behind the scenes, Managers know who these top players are, understand their worth, and want more of them on their team. But not everyone understands what makes these professionals different from their peers.

In Impact Players, researcher and bestselling author Liz Wiseman reveals the secrets of these stellar professionals who play the game at a higher level. Drawing on insights from managers at top companies, Wiseman explains what the most valuable players are doing differently and why some people get tapped for the most important assignments while other equally smart, capable people struggle to be seen.

Based on a study of 170 top contributors, she identifies five practices that differentiate MVPs:

• Do What’s Useful: MVPs tackle the real problems that need to be solved.
• Take the Lead: When it's unclear who's in charge, MVPs assert themselves.
• Finish Strong: MVPs stick with projects through completion, despite obstacles..
• Ask and Adjust: When the situation changes, MVPs learn and adapt rapidly.
• Make Work Light: MVPs make difficult situations easier for the whole team.

Wiseman makes clear that these practices—and the right mindset—can help any employee contribute at their fullest and shows leaders how they can raise the level of play for everyone on the team and succeed in a fast-paced, competitive world.

THE MULTIMILLION COPY BESTSELLER THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SURVIVING ANYWHERE The Collins Gem SAS Survival Guide is the pocket companion for adventurers everywhere. From making camp and finding food in the wild to security and self-defence in the streets, be prepared on land or sea. SAS legend John 'Lofty' Wiseman's unrivalled guide will teach you: Preparation - Understanding and assembling latest, most resilient, kit. Navigation - Skills, technologies and techniques to get you through unfamiliar terrain. Food and Health - Finding resources in your environment, feeding yourself, healing yourself and avoiding disease. Safety and Security - Recognising dangerous situations, defending yourself and saving others. Disaster Survival - Dealing with unstable environmental conditions: what to do in the face of flash flooding or fast-spreading fire.

Secret Service agent James Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to Jamaica to investigate the murder of one of his colleagues. It transpires that the island is being used as a base for the terrorist organisation SPECTRE, who, under the guidance of the despotic Dr No (Joseph Wiseman), have developed technology to divert rockets launched from Cape Canaveral. The first big-screen outing for 007 features original Bond Girl Ursula Andress emerging from the ocean in memorably revealing swimwear.