Making Sense of Management

Formally trained in the then-new field of public administration, John Stanford went into State government in California as a civil servant amid the energy and growth of the post-war boom, and worked his way to the upper tier of public service, and beyond. Curiosity and drive for new challenges led him through two decades of wide-ranging management roles. Whether fostering architectural innovation on state construction projects, immersing himself in the state's budget process, skillfully defusing outrage over a public art project, or organizing a statewide program on Good Design, each expanded his understanding of management.

Teaching at night helped him to examine and update his ideas. These real-life adventures in problem-solving, deeply understood, and artfully told, chronicle the evolution of a manager. A combination of textbook and autobiography, this is also an inspiring lesson in how to learn one's way into, an rewarding career.

JOHN STANFORD was born in Illinois, and grew up in Ontario, California. After graduating from UC Berkeley he got his masters in Public Administration at Syracuse University, then served during WWII in the Air Transport Command. He began a twenty-year career in California State government as an analyst in the Finance Department, and served in a variety of roles in Highways, Public Works, and General Services, where he served as Deputy Director. In 1967 he moved to statewide administration of the University of California, serving as Assistant Vice President and Controller. Throughout his career he also taught management and administration, and after retiring he taught and served as Dean of the JFK School of Management in Orinda. He and his wife Betty live in Berkeley, California. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.