Having led change successfully at three sprawling, monumental organizations—the CIA, Texas A&M University, and the Department of Defense—Robert M. Gates offers the ultimate insider's look at how leaders can transform large organizations and companies. For many Americans, bureaucracy and corporate structure are code words for inertia. Gates knows that it doesn't have to be that way. With stunning clarity, he shares how simple plans, faithfully executed, can cut through the mire of bureaucracy to reform organizational culture. And he shows that great leaders listen and respond to their teams and embrace the power of compromise. Using the full weight of his wisdom, candor, and devotion to duty, he empowers leaders at any level to effectively implement his leadership strategies.

From the former secretary of defense and author of the acclaimed #1 best-selling memoir Duty, a characteristically direct, informed, and urgent assessment of why big institutions are failing us and how smart, committed leadership can effect real improvement regardless of scale. Across the realms of civic and private enterprise alike, bureaucracies vitally impact our security, freedoms, and everyday life. With so much at stake, competence, efficiency, and fiscal prudence are essential, yet Americans know these institutions fall short. Many despair that they are too big and too hard to reform. Robert Gates disagrees. Having led change successfully at three monumental organizations—the CIA, Texas A&M University, and the Department of Defense—he offers us the ultimate insider’s look at how major bureaus, organizations, and companies can be transformed, which is by turns heartening and inspiring and always instructive. With practical, nuanced advice on tailoring reform to the operative culture (we see how Gates worked within the system to increase diversity at Texas A&M); effecting change within committees; engaging the power of compromise (“In the real world of bureaucratic institutions, you almost never get all you want when you want it”); and listening and responding to your team, Gates brings the full weight of his wisdom, candor, and devotion to civic duty to inspire others to lead desperately needed change.

From the former secretary of defense and author of the acclaimed #1 best-selling memoir Duty, a characteristically direct, informed, and urgent assessment of why big institutions are failing us and how smart, committed leadership can effect real improvement regardless of scale. Across the realms of civic and private enterprise alike, bureaucracies vitally impact our security, freedoms, and everyday life. With so much at stake, competence, efficiency, and fiscal prudence are essential, yet Americans know these institutions fall short. Many despair that they are too big and too hard to reform. Robert Gates disagrees. Having led change successfully at three monumental organizations—the CIA, Texas A&M University, and the Department of Defense—he offers us the ultimate insider’s look at how major bureaus, organizations, and companies can be transformed, which is by turns heartening and inspiring and always instructive. With practical, nuanced advice on tailoring reform to the operative culture (we see how Gates worked within the system to increase diversity at Texas A&M); effecting change within committees; engaging the power of compromise (“In the real world of bureaucratic institutions, you almost never get all you want when you want it”); and listening and responding to your team, Gates brings the full weight of his wisdom, candor, and devotion to civic duty to inspire others to lead desperately needed change.

How policymakers use the power of their convictions to lead in international relations

Provides an overview of the big issues in the business world today, with firsthand accounts from young leaders tasked with tackling these issues head on.

In this internationally bestselling sequel to the classic business book In Search of Excellence, Tom Peters and Nancy Austin reveal the secrets of a management revolution. The authors show how by mixing attention to detail with values, vision and integrity, you can achieve long-term excellence. The heart and soul of the management revolution is leadership which mixes tough-mindedness with tenderness, enabling every employee to take possession of their own achievements, and which demands that each person becomes an innovative contributor to the company's success. Dedicated to imaginative leaders everywhere, this book is for all concerned about the pursuit of excellence in the business world and in public service.

This study tells the tale of two retirement organizations that reflect common leadership issues throughout the western world, issues that are emerging in many developing countries and have yet to be experienced in others. Wherever rapid population ageing is coupled with a view of old people as useless and a burden, challenging questions arise: how do we develop the resources and leadership potential of our ageing population? How do we turn old age from an expensive wasteland into a fertile period of growth and development?

Afrika Mhlophe tackles the timely issue of leadership and how it can be misused in today’s society. He turns us back to the true definition of godly leadership, as defined by the Lord, reminding leaders that their purpose is to serve.

A roadmap to success for tomorrow's leaders The EQ Leader provides an evidence-based model for exceptional leadership, and a four-pillar roadmap for real-world practice. Data collected from thousands of the world's best leaders—and their subordinates—reveals the keys to success: authenticity, coaching, insight, and innovation. By incorporating these methods into their everyday workflow, these leaders have propelled their teams to heights great enough to highlight the divide between successful and not-so-successful leadership. This book shows you how to put these key factors to work in your own practice, with clear examples and concrete steps for improving skills and competencies. New data from the author's own research into executive functioning describes the neurological aspects of leadership, and a deep look at the leaders of tomorrow delves into the fundamental differences that set them apart—and fuel their achievement. Leadership is changing, both in look and practice; strictly authoritative approaches are quickly losing ground as today's workers discover the power of collaboration and the importance of interpersonal awareness. This book provides step-by-step guidance for leading from within this space, with evidence-based approaches for success. Lead authentically to inspire and motivate others Support employee's needs and nurture development Communicate with purpose, meaning, and vision Foster ingenuity, imagination, and autonomous thinking An organization's success rests on the backs of its leadership. At all levels, true leadership is about much more than management and task distribution—it's about commitment, collaboration, nurturing talent, developing skills, fostering relationships, and so much more. The EQ Leader integrates the essential factors of successful leadership into a concrete blueprint for the future's leaders.

Truly engaging people is not about commanding them to do something; it is about getting them to command themselves to do it. West Point distinguished graduate Gary Morton knows how to deliver exceptional results while doing just that. As a platoon leader and tank commander in Army Task Force 4-68 and, later, as a young vice president at medical device manufacturer Stryker, Morton learned under two legendary leaders who, despite different styles, followed nearly the same steps to achieve results most considered unattainable. In only a year, Task Force 4-68’s commander, Lt. Colonel Alfred L. Dibella, turned one of the Army’s poorest performing units into the most lethal, combat-ready task force in the US Army. In simulated-combat missions at the grueling National Training Center, Dibella’s task force defeated the constantly triumphant OPFOR in every battle. This feat has never been repeated. Generals and commanders at every level sought to understand how this unit did the impossible. When John W. Brown became CEO of Stryker, it was a boutique medical device firm with a few innovative products and $17 million in sales. Under Brown’s extraordinary leadership it evolved into a $4 billion market leader feared by competitors and highly regarded by healthcare professionals. Stryker accomplished this remarkable run by securing 20-percent earnings growth every quarter, every year—for twenty-eight years. Again, this is a feat experts believed unachievable. ​By explaining the ingredients of these two leaders' secret sauce, Morton lays the foundation for current and future leaders to ensure their own teams excellence.

In the world of work, the single greatest asset of successful individuals, teams, and organizations is their mindset—what happens in between their ears. It’s not the corporate strategy, the sales compensation plan, or the market segments they’re pursuing. It is what each leader, team member, and employee chooses to focus on, believe, and create for themselves and others. 7 Principles of Transformational Leadership presents the fundamental concepts whose implementation will result in dramatic revenue, performance, and relationship growth. Specifically, leaders will learn to: Live their professional and personal lives with unbridled purpose and passion. Execute strategic priorities more effectively and with accelerated results. Retain the brightest and best talent. Have employees, key stakeholders, and managers enthusiastically follow them. Be exemplars of innovation, growth, and positive mindsets. Cascade excellence throughout their organizations. You may have employees with all the talent in the world, but you’ll never achieve remarkable results until you change your employees’ mindset. 7 Principles of Transformational Leadership will help you convert your human potential into accelerated business results.

Ignite the Passion is not your ordinary business guide. There are no theories or doctrines to learn. There are no boring graphs that make no sense. It is not written by a disconnected corporate icon or a professor of sociology. Ignite the Passion is written by a leader, for a leader. Peter A. LaPorta is a twenty year veteran of leadership, having personally motivated thousands of employees to reach new heights. He has been a beacon of light to many, clearing the fog for a path towards their destinations. Ignite the Passion is filled with practical knowledge you can apply today. Sharing his many years of experience, Peter brings it all together with real examples of applied usage. Story after story will keep you turning the page as your motivation builds. Peter takes you on a journey from manager to leader, dull interest to full passion. From the moment you open the book, you will open your mind to endless possibilities. Come along for the ride and you won't be disappointed. Ignite the passion today.

Do you do what you love and love what you do? How many of us are stuck in day jobs that really don't suit us? Has our heart left the building? It is so easy to go through the motions in leadership and management and lead with our heads, while our hearts long to be elsewhere. In this short new passion-packed book by Dr. Hans Finzel, you will learn what it means to work in your "passion zone." Hans explains from his own journey, how to find your passion zone and what action steps to take if you are far from that place of fulfillment. Specifically you will learn about how to match up your profile and wiring to just the right assignment. People love following leaders whose hearts are fueled by passion. This book will help you uncover what passion in your work really is, and how to find it, no matter what stage you are at in your career. The advice in this book is especially powerful for anyone in a role of leadership that is experiencing boredom or burn out. Life is too short to settle for less than the best-especially if we are called to lead other people. Leading from the heart is working and leading from your passion zone. Why does leading from the heart really matter? It can be natural to think, "If I am smart enough, gifted enough and work hard enough, of course people will respond to my leadership." The more gifted you are, and the smarter you are, the more that this can be a temptation and the easy default. The problem is, that kind of leadership does not inspire people and build deep loyalty. The opposite is often true. People follow people who they know, trust and believe. That trust is built between leader and follower within their hearts. People follow leaders who are operating in their "passion zone." There is some sort of a magnetic loyalty that grows in followers who respond to leaders who lead with passion out front. It seems that in today's fast paced always on digital world, less is more. So that is what the author is offering up this first in a series of mini books on big leadership topics.

"Using personal stories, humor, and brutal honesty to demonstrate the power of leadership, Andres shares his journey from adopted, living in a factory, overcoming family tragedies, and arrested- to Ivy League graduate, diplomat, international leadership speaker & now author." --from back cover.

An ordinary leader is someone who leads a small organization or team that is doing great things. They manage the majority of the world’s workforce, but they don’t lead large corporations or big government agencies. Ordinary leaders are rarely written about in books or quoted in magazines. They are, however, important. Maybe not globally, but in their own realm of influence, their leadership makes a difference. The term “ordinary” is also used to highlight the belief that no one ever arrives as a leader. In fact, if someone thinks of themselves as extraordinary, they will not be a very effective leader. Author Randy Grieser presents 10 key insights for building and leading a thriving organization. These are the principles he identifies as instrumental to success as a leader. Writing for leaders everywhere, he inspires, motivates, and explains how to make each insight a reality in your organization. Become a more passionate, productive, and visionary leader by exploring and embracing these 10 insights: Motivation and Employee Engagement: Organizations flourish when employees go beyond what is expected of them. Passion: A passionate, inspired workforce begins with the leader. Vision: Visionary leaders energize and inspire people to work towards a future goal. Self-Awareness: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is vital for leading any organization. Talent and Team Selection: The right employees must, first and foremost, fit the workplace culture. Organizational Health: Employees are most engaged when leaders are committed to the emotional well-being of everyone. Productivity: Focusing on how and what things get done increases efficiency. Creativity and Innovation: Building processes for innovation puts creativity to work. Delegation: As you free up your time, you will also increase employee engagement. Self-Improvement: Personal development makes all the other principles easier to achieve. Also included are the perspectives of 10 ordinary leaders from a range of professions, survey feedback from over 1,700 leaders and employees, and a resource section that provides detailed guidance and examples for putting these ideas into action.

Leadership drives purpose, culture drives passion, and strategy drives performance. Together, the 3Ps - purpose, passion and performance - equal profit. And profit is the life-giving blood keeping the economy flowing and growing. How do I maximise the performance and engagement of my people? How do I create a business where people are motivated to achieve and passionate about what they do? How do I build my business to be resilient and adaptive in dynamic and volatile markets? If you are a CEO, founder, director or leader, you can't control what happens in the broader social, environmental or economic context. What you can influence is the way your organisation is set up to respond. What you can do is create the conditions for performance in your business by focusing on the systems that connect, align and inspire your people. This book is about how you can build a high-performance system which enables your business to adapt to any market condition and weather any storm. It describes and explains how to implement three key systems that enable high performance: - A leadership system. - A culture system. - A strategy system. If you want to lead a high-performing team, this is your guide to building high-performance systems.

Become the “head learner” in your school by engaging in action research! Action research can serve as a critical element in the professional development of principals, administrators, and school leaders. Award-winning author Nancy Fichtman Dana guides leaders in identifying and exploring areas of interest for principal research, including staff development, curriculum development, individual teachers, community/culture building, leadership skills, building management, and school performance. With a step-by-step approach, this resource: Helps principals develop a question, collect and analyze data, and share the results of their inquiry Includes numerous examples of actual principal inquiry Provides exercises to guide principals through their own inquiry projects

I’ve long believed that market need and competency must have the catalyst of passion if a company is to have a competitive advantage. Omar Khan and Paul B. Brown practice what they preach and tear into the liberation of passion with raw gusto and exhilarating energy. Reading this book gives leaders the opportunity to improve the power of their assets several-fold without a penny of capital investment. If that doesn't impassion you, nothing will. Alan Weiss, Ph.D. Author, Million Dollar Consulting Finally, a solid business book with practical advice to produce life-changing and profit-making results. Liberating passion by strengthening relationships throughout an organization has been one of the most neglected areas in business literature. But no more! As the authors state, passion IS natural and when it is liberated, outstanding results soon follow. The business world today is so thoroughly global, you need ideas and inspiration from vast global experience. Omar Khan and Sensei International are world-class in helping leaders and teams emotionally engage each other, releasing productive passion and focusing it for powerful results. If you want to upgrade your leadership and uplift your team, this is the book to show you how. Ron Kaufman Author, UP Your Service! Chairman, UP Your Service! College Omar Khan and Paul B. Brown bring clarity and focus to the issue that many businesses overlook—people. Any business without its people would cease to exist. Time and again, I have seen otherwise great leaders brought down by poor leadership development skills. Here Omar draws on his experience in engaging leaders and teams across the world and in collaboration with the ever insightful Paul Brown distills the essence of the real value behind great teams, great talent and great leadership. In an otherwise abstract genre, they bring transformative and skillfully applicable ideas straight into the executive and management suite. Sam Moon CEO, DNMstrategies Limited Managing Director, Asia Pacific, BusinessWeek Events The tools described in this timely book create powerful impact for global teams. You’ll read here about fostering appropriate intimacy and emotional maturity through removing unhelpful defensiveness, about the creative capacity of dialogues conducted in a World Cafe format, of brave conversations, of creating “bold courageous steps” to bring strategy vividly to life, and to giving future-based requests to each other that simultaneously affirm and challenge our potential as leaders. I heartily recommend that you not only read about these methodologies, but then passionately apply them. You’ll be very glad you did! Shonaid Jemmett-Page Global Senior Vice-President, Home and Personal Care, Finance and Information Unilever People and organizations can be dramatically transformed by authentic conversations, a true sense of common purpose and community and removing the “masks” that hide real feelings and beliefs. If the leader can show the courage to liberate the suppressed passion of his team and unleash the often hidden energy, it can deliver incredibly powerful results. It is only through genuine engagement with all stakeholders that this process can start. Removing the “passion killers” is a great beginning. I hope that reading Liberating Passion will be a catalyst for many of you to move your teams from first into fifth gear. Fred Combe Managing Director, NATUS

Shaya Fogel has advised, as well as learned from, many business leaders. This book, Passion Principle Purpose, is a compilation of practical lessons extracted from spending valuable time with successful business leaders throughout the world of business and politics. The information shared in this book focuses on instilling and implementing a winning culture, but at the same time, driving objectives that are crucial to building and sustaining a successful organization. This is not a book of shortcuts; it is merely great thoughts geared to spark and motivate energetic leaders to tap into their inner greatness and lead their organizations to new heights. The philosophies shared are all based on honesty, integrity, and a futuristic approach to building success. Profits are important, but how do they add to your brand? How can organizations align the various layers of personnel to deliver one cohesive message? Is there a more sustainable profit model that does more to solidify your image? These are just some of the questions that are discussed inside this book. Passion Principle Purpose binds hundreds of years of business savvy techniques condensed into one easy to read book.

Effective, passionate leadership requires many things. In Leading With Passion,/i>, John Murphy outlines ten elite leadership essentials. Combine these key factors and you have a means to inspire and lead with passion. Soon you'll find that not only are you performing better as a leader, but your team is sharing your vision and following your lead to ultimate success. A must have for leaders.