Best Leadership book?
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Anonymous
| I am most likely getting a promotion (out of the blue but not unwelcome) that will seriously catapult me into an office wide leadership position. I have been mainly a project manager up until this point. I am having a confidence crisis right now. Are there any books on leadership that are legitimately helpful and not excessively long to read. Im just trying to prep myself as much as possible for a lot of learning as I go. |
Anonymous
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I'm in the same boat, op. Our entire team was interviewed for a newly created leadership position. I had to interview for it (everyone did), and I assumed one of three other people would get it given their seniority and skill set. Surprise---I got it. I couldn't decline, so I guess I will fake it till I make it.
Hoping someone has a tip on books or resources. I'm also curious how to navigate the fact that several well-liked people didn't get the job. Hoping I don't face a mutiny. FWIW, I'm reaching out to peers at other orgs who have similar management positions to get advice. Good luck, OP! |
Anonymous
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Can you narrow your focus so people can give you specific recommendations?
Have you managed people before? Do you feel comfortable with checking in and building relationships? Do you need help with agenda setting? Will you be responsible for vision setting and large scale change management? Book recommendations will change based on those |
Anonymous
| OP here-the job will be a lot of working on office wide strategies and priority setting, some office wide perfomrance management. Getting other division managers on board with office wide policy changes. |
Anonymous
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In preparation for your new position, I would highly recommend “The First 90 Days.” You get one chance to make first impression as a leader, and you want to maximize it. This book helps you think about what most important in those first 3 months regardless of what industry you’re in.
https://www.amazon.com/First-90-Days-Strategies-Expanded/dp/1422188612 |
Anonymous
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^^^sorry for the missed words/typos. Typing on a phone
Good luck OP! |
Anonymous
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This isn't a leadership book, but I found it helpful in dealing with a lack of confidence/"impostor syndrome" as I advanced:
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Thoughts-Successful-Women-Impostor/dp/0307452719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530800811&sr=8-1&keywords=imposter+syndrome+women |
Anonymous
This is what I came to recommend as well. It really helped me establish my new role. |
Anonymous
| Try "Beating will Continue until Morale Improves" by DT, WhiteHouse Publishing (2016) |
Anonymous
Who was the decisionmaker on the promotion? Why did they pick you? You should figure this out because it will matter to your ability to be successful. Worst case is that you were chosen because you will not threaten the position of someone higher up in the chain, whereas one of the three passed over would have. |
Anonymous
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I have found the book “managing to change the world” very concretely helpful. The focus is on management more than leadership, per se, but it’s all about getting results as an organizational leader. Target audience is non-profits but again, everything in there is really broadly applicable.
(And thanks to whoever on DCUM recommended it to me! It’s well dog-eared at this point) |
Anonymous
No, there isn't anyone to threaten. Reporting to ED. I think I was selected because they don't think I need hand-holding. And because I produce. |
Anonymous
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Read "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Start Up."
Don't be like founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes or her boyfriend Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Sunny Balwani. |
Anonymous
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I really liked “Shakelton’s Way”. It’s a quick read, and not a typical “leadership” book.
I know you didn’t ask, OP, but the thing about every leader is that you will have your own style. Some of these books may help you, but without knowing your own personal style, they’re never going to be super helpful. And withthat, I’d also recommend the very old, but fascinating, Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence people”. It’s a ridiculous read, but I think perennially valuable. It’s not about leadership, but I think it often applies. |
Anonymous
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I remember a time when I was struggling to balance my career and personal life, feeling like I was constantly falling short in both areas. That's when I came across a book that shifted my perspective. "The Dichotomy of Leadership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin taught me the importance of finding balance and making tough decisions to achieve success in all aspects of life. This book, along with others I found at https://echelonfront.com/books/, has been instrumental in helping me improve my time management and prioritize what truly matters. If you're facing similar challenges, I highly recommend exploring these resources for valuable insights.
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