The Learning Imperative was not only an enjoyable read, which is quite an accolade for a performance management book, it was also like leafing through an instructional manual. The authors recognise that raising performance is a long game, which requires regular, supported and sustained effort or habits to make improvements in a multitude of areas. They identify techniques for opening up closed mindsets and building relational trust. They also highlight routes to closing perception gaps. Their reference to organisational research and case studies illustrates what can be achieved against a backdrop of market volatility, uncertain budgets and complex ways of measuring performance. Each chapter contains real takeaway activities that can be put into practice immediately, with proven positive outcomes.