Leadership on the Line, With a New Preface: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Change

One of the most practical and best books on leadership I’ve ever read. Wish I’d read it 20 years ago.

If you're a leader, you know the difficulties associated with "moving people" in the right direction. You know the frustrations - both practical and emotional - that occur when people aren't moving together and you need them to. Maybe you've pondered how effective leaders do their thing. If you're like me, leadership is an important duty - and any information on the subject is worth exploring. This book will surely not disappoint. In fact, I found it to be very impactful in my own abilities in leadership. This book discusses the reality of human nature in regards to decision making and leadership. Most importantly, Heifetz doesn't shy away from the reality of leadership - it is a painful experience. Though many of us find great joy and accomplishment in being a leader, we are also not shy to say that the role is challenging at times. It is challenging because we are trying to help move people into unknown waters - whether it be perceptual or truly unknown. Yet that's what a leader does, and needs to do, in order to lead an organization or group of individuals to a certain standard. What you'll find in this book is an honest analysis, including insight, into what Heifetz has learned over the years as a consultant and collaborator. You will learn of some disappointing truths - including the reality that, if not handled correctly, people will find ways to eliminate your leadership rather than embrace it. You will also be able to identify and name some of the things you're experiencing as a leader. Overall, it is a nice read into the challenges of being a leader with some possible solutions to help remedy or mitigate those challenges. What I found beneficial from this book is similar to when a person with a chronic illness finally finds a doctor or specialist that can name it and provide some form of concreteness to the once "ambiguous thorn." For years I've struggled understanding why leaders do the things they do, or why I've experienced certain things when all I tried to do was "give my best." I've experienced being devalued, manipulated, and even scorned in the workplace for things I couldn't understand were bad. This book helped me name those things and helped me understand why they occurred. It was a great relief, one where I could objectively evaluate my previous experiences and confidently reflect on where I screwed up and where I was marginalized due to poor leadership. Some of you may get that same benefit if you read or listen to this text.

Excellent

If you are thinking about becoming a leader then read this book. Leadership is dangerous and taking on a problem, and leading change, can result in you being singled out, isolated, and eventually sent packing. Trust me, it happens. Politics. This book recognised that and provides good advice on how to survive. It's a good book.

Listened to this on the Libby app and decided I needed my own hard copy. Excellent, thoughtful and evidence-based advice.