Introduction

This introduction provides an overview of the focus and content of the manual and explains that it is for anyone whose success at work relies on relating effectively to people, especially in the human services and in management across all sectors. It clarifies that the aim of the manual is to: Introduce you to some of the key issues in the debate; Provide you with an opportunity to explore these issues in your own time and at your own pace; and Provide material that could be used in small group discussion as well as in individual study; and, most importantly, engage with you, and encourage you to work at this all-important set of issues that underpin practice. It also highlights why the book is in the form of a manual and how it should be used.