Contents
THE TRUTH ABOUT ASSUMING A LEADERSHIP POSITION
More-Responsible Roles Require More Mental “Bandwidth”
Inheriting an Assistant Requires Reeducation
Staffing Your Leadership Office: Your Assistant Plays a Vital Role
The Gaps in Your Work Habits Show Up When You Move Up
A Resource-Based View of Your Organization Goes Beyond the Numbers
THE TRUTH ABOUT EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP STYLES
Soft-Spoken Leadership Requires Stamina
Bullshit Makes Good Fertilizer—Just Watch Your Step
Player/Coach Is a Tricky Role, So Make Sure That You Do Both Well
Caring Leaders Treat Their Teams Like Family
Innovation Requires Preparation
THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY AS A LEADER
Match Your Leadership Message to Your Audience
Impactful Leaders Speak Simply
Your Tone of Voice Should Command Attention
Names Matter to People, So Get Them Right
“Coming Attractions” Get Others Tuned in to Your Message
THE TRUTH ABOUT LEADERSHIP VISION
What’s the Big Idea? Bring Your Guiding Rules into Everyday Organizational Life
Stories Help Make Change Clear
Playing Out the Tape Helps Others Prepare for the Future
THE TRUTH ABOUT LEADERSHIP PRESENCE AND POWER
Your Stress Ripples Across the Organization
Let Your Energy Be Like Fine Champagne—Not Too Bubbly or Flat
You Need to “Read” Like a Leader in the Blink of an Eye
Good Leadership Is the Wise Use of Power
THE TRUTH ABOUT GETTING THINGS DONE
Often the Best Decision Is Empowering Someone Else to Decide
Adjust Your Leadership Style to Fit the Employee
The Structure Is Not the Organization, Just as the Map Is Not the Territory
Coming in from the Outside? Pay Your Dues!
Delegation Is a Confidence Game
THE TRUTH ABOUT MOTIVATING AND INSPIRING YOUR TEAM
Questions Unite; Answers Divide
Feedback Is the Best Kind of Criticism
You Have More Than the Carrot and the Stick
Quick Coaching Keeps Your Team on Course
THE TRUTH ABOUT MOLDING YOUR TEAM
A Leader Cares Passionately About Developing People
Succession Planning Ensures Your Bench Strength
Your Team Is Key to Your Success, So Vet Them Well
Dedicate Your Coaching Time Where It Does the Most Good
Awkward Discussions Are Tough; Play Offense, Not Defense
THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP REPUTATION
Ideas Come Across Differently with Different Media
You Can’t Hide the Sun with Your Hand: Be Honest
Spouses and Partners Must Be on Their Best Behavior
You Don’t Get Your Meat Where You Get Your Potatoes
Don’t Get Tangled in the Grapevine
THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS
You Can’t Microwave Your Leadership Relationships
Your Network Is Your Lifeline to Influence and Information
Peers and Power Are a Potent Mix
It’s Lonely at the Top; Keep It That Way