What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should

Leadership is not just for CEOs--we all find ourselves in leadership positions at one time or another, whether in meetings and classes or at social events and family gatherings. And yet, even though leadership is the single most studied aspect of all human behavior, there remains a scarcity of qualified leaders to step into critical positions. This deficit is laid bare in the gulf between what leaders are trained to do and how they actually act.

In What You Don't Know About Leadership, but Probably Should, Jeffrey A. Kottler translates the latest research, theory, and skills into practical strategies for everyday and professional situations. He presents the wisdom and successful strategies of an array of renowned leaders--from Steve Jobs to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, George Lucas to Admiral Horatio Nelson--while citing the challenges they faced and lessons they learned in their respective roles. The book focuses on key attributes such as self-confidence, flexibility, charisma, and humility, while noting the serious pitfalls associated with traits such as hubris, immodesty, and narcissism. Kottler's writing is candid and realistic; though there are no easy rules or programs that instantly lead to success, there are steps you can take to make a difference in others' lives, better manage conflict and stress, and ultimately serve as an effective leader.

"We live in a world of groups. Almost every facet of daily existence, whether sitting in meetings, collaborating with coworkers, attending classes or programs, contributing to community or social events, participating in family gatherings, even enjoying coffee or meals with friends, takes place in group contexts. In addition, everyone finds themselves in leadership positions at one time or another, responsible for the welfare of others. It is curious, but nevertheless commonplace, that counselors, therapists, teachers, business leaders, executives, coaches, and other helping professionals, who have been specifically trained in group leadership, often fail to apply their knowledge and skills to settings in which they might matter most. The same practitioners who guide others may not be able-or willing-to put that background to work when they find themselves supervising peers, leading meetings, or even managing conflict at the dinner table. Many, if not most, people experience required meetings and mandated group collaborations as tedious, repetitive, and often a waste of time that could be spent doing other things that feel far more productive"--