Michael Barber draws on his global experience advising governments to offer a practical and detailed playbook for improving public sector performance. He argues that while many governments excel at making promises, they often fail to deliver meaningful results. The solution, Barber contends, lies in disciplined execution, clear goals, constant measurement and the political will to persist with difficult reforms.
He introduces concepts such as ‘deliverology’, a structured approach he helped pioneer under Tony Blair, which focuses on setting priorities, tracking progress and holding leaders to account. Case studies from countries including the UK, Pakistan and Rwanda demonstrate how this method can lead to improvements in areas such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Barber also emphasises the importance of leadership, data and citizen trust, warning that over-centralisation, poor feedback loops and siloed departments often hinder effective action. The book balances optimism with realism, offering both philosophical insights and practical tools for public leaders.
Ultimately, Barber makes the case that better government is not only possible but essential for addressing the challenges of the twenty-first century.