Nigel Nicholson of London Business School, Series Editor of Decision Makers, shares his thoughts on the present and future of the series with Format's Lin Robinson

What's occupying your thoughts right now?

A current and an abiding concern is with how to help people feel empowered to find themselves, be themselves and make a difference. This always involves problem-solving with other people, and my current main focus of research, family business, shows this is often quite tricky, but potentially richly rewarding.

Why did you get involved in Decision Makers?

I started my career as a journalist, so I know how important it is to get ideas across effectively. Many academics seem unable to do this, and as a result strong ideas don't get heard. I saw Decision Makers as a way to build a bridge between the experts and business people.

So what's the secret?

The trick is that the academics closely monitor the structure and material, but the text is created by professional writers. It's a truly winning combination. So far it's worked like a dream.

Why do another business series?

Well, we don't see it as 'just another series'. It's different from the competition in lots of ways.

First, the content is clearer, better and more up-to-date. Then there's the design - you'd be proud to be seen reading them.

The real-world examples add a lot of value. And finally, we're not trying to pretend that they are comprehensive. They get you interested so you want to learn more.

So although we're at the same price point as some other guides, the value we offer is completely different. There's a lot of stuff out there, but most of it is either dumbed-down or just too indigestibly academic. Decision Makers strikes the right balance between accessibility and authority.

What do your academic friends think?

They're impressed. They know that a book on an MBA course at London Business School needn't be a long, heavy read. Even the most advanced student, or experienced professional, likes ideas to be explained simply. And Decision Makers point you forward to those other books where you can find out more.

How do you see the audience for Decision Makers?

MBA students, as I've said, but also students at earlier stages - undergraduates and bright A-level students will also get loads of value from them.

Business people love them too, because they're pocket-sized and you can read them on the train or plane. At £8.99 you can buy a Decision Maker and a newspaper and have change from £10!

Which book is your favourite?

I don't have a favourite topic. I think they're all indispensable, covering the really hot topics for managers today. But as a psychologist I suppose my favourite parts of each book are those dealing with people - the way their relationships, feelings and instincts shape the world of business.

For me, managing people is the heart of good management. Get that right, and everything else follows. Get it wrong, and no amount of technical, practical or even commercial knowledge can compensate.

These books are built on the concept of the business as a living thing, made of people, rather than a machine.

What's in the pipeline?

We're just getting started. There are so many areas where business people need a route to learning that fits with the way they live and work.

At the moment we're considering a range of subjects from human resources to strategic accounting and managing growth.

How's life outside work?

I guess I'm very lucky - very happy being an older dad of a young son, who is helping keep my life in balance. Though I have to say I also feel blessed that my work flows through my life at all levels.

I actually think that anyone who deals with ideas and with people professionally can achieve fulfilment by having values and passions that cross the boundaries of life.

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