Synopses & Reviews
Why 'inspired' Leadership?Most of the leadership around at the moment is insipid, self-serving, ego-driven stuff. It's more David Brent from BBC TV's The Office than Nelson Mandela. Nine out of Ten employees report no sign of inspiration in their leaders - not a jot, not a glimmer.
The single most important factor that the majority of employees would like to see in their leader is 'inspiration'. However, only One in Ten respondents felt that they witnessed this elusive quality at work. The Guardian, October 2004
So, 90% of leaders and would-be leaders urgently need a dose of inspiration. Which, luckily, is exactly what we've crammed into this book. It contains the concentrated leadership juice of 80 or so inspired leaders from the private and public sectors, from the UK, US and mainland Europe - just some of the members of the Inspired Leaders Network. It's our first pressing. Sip it slowly; it's strong stuff.
A useful and readable account of how some extraordinary leaders operate outside 'leadership as usual'." Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Management, University of Southern California, and author of On Becoming a Leader and Geeks and Geezers.
Review
"...written in clear and readable English..." (EasyJet magazine, June 2005)
"...corporate leadership is in need of a serious makeover...this bold new book argues for the real issue..." (Online Recruitment, June 05)
"...must-read book.." (The Hindu Online, July 05)
"...Seven Secrets attempts to distil the essence of inspiring leadership for those of us still struggling...this book could radically change your leadership style..." (Reading Chronicle, 28th July 05)
"...The book not only provides light entertainment but is also a serious read full of fresh ideas and practical advice that should sit on the bookshelf of all managers." (Professional Manager, September 05)
"...a thought provoking and fun read...very practical and includes plenty of easy-to-read advice and examples...this book will teach you a great deal about business and management..." (The Times, 22nd September 2005)
"a thought provoking look at leadership" (Management Services, September 2006)
Synopsis
Simon Woodroffe, founder, YO! Sushi and a growing empire of YO"These guys really are the best at what they do: homing in on inspired leaders and coaxing them into sharing how they achieve extraordinary results. Sit up and take notice: There's some powerful mojo at work in this book. And it's a cracking read, too."
Dame Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop
‘Business has the power to change the world for the better. But we urgently need more maverick leaders to shake up complacent practices. ‘Seven Secrets...’ is for maverick leaders who want to shake things up. It’s an inspiring read.’
Rene Carayol, co-author, Corporate Voodoo
"This book is not just for reading; it's for living by, thinking by and doing by - it's not for the faint of heart; it’s for those who are prepared to lead."
Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Management, University of Southern California, author of On Becoming A Leader and Geeks and Geezers
"A useful and readable account of how some extraordinary business leaders operate outside 'leadership as usual'".
Extraordinary leaders share innovative ideas for achieving extraordinary results. In the face of dramatic change, traditional forms of leadership have become obsolete. Phil Blackburn-cofounder of the Inspired Leaders Network-and business writer Phil Dourado distil the insights of innovative business leaders on their new responses to today's challenges. They show readers how to develop trust and build relationships; create a "Thank God It's Monday!" work culture; focus on distinction rather than competition; deliver a superior customer experience; and lead effectively through change. Full of fresh ideas and practical advice, Seven Secrets of Inspired Leaders will help leaders motivate and align any organization to achieve success.
Synopsis
About the Inspired Leaders NetworkThe Inspired Leaders Network was fpunded in 1999 to bleuprint the kind of leadership that will define business in the 21st Century, just as Fordism, Taylorism and Scientific management came to define 20th Century ways of doing business. It's founders, Meenu Bachan and Dr. Phil Blackburn, started the network because most existing organisational leadership was simply failing to inspire people. So they set out to indentify individual and organisations who are doing something exstraudinary, maybe even shaking up their sector, and get them to share their sectrets.
Members get together to exchange inspired leadership practices - what they are doing differently - in critical areas like:
- how to lead for innovation
- how to create a TGIM culture and
- how to lead in a connected world
The results are then shared witht the rest of the network.
Network participants featured in this book range from mould-breaking entrepreneurs like pret-a-manger founder Sinclair Beecham, to radical bankers ike Mike Harris, foundong GEO of First Direct, to leaders of global giants like Ford Motor Company COO and president Sir Nick Scheele, to path finders such as Don Peppers of 1to1 fame, Warren Bennis, the Dean of Leadership, according to Forbes, Seth Godin, author of permission marketing, digital guru Don Tapscott, and many more.
Phil Dourado & Phil Blackburn have captured and distilled some of the most potent inspired leadership juice to flow from the network so far, dipped their pens in it, and used it to wrirte this book.
An inspiring and entertaining read that will help you take leadership in your organisation to the next level. Don Peppers, Partner, Peppers & Rogers Group
About the Author
Dr. Phil Blackburn is the the co-author of two books on innovation and economic growth. He is the Inspired Leaders Network’s co-founder. Phil was CEO of the government agency in charge of economic development for a large part of London, the UK's capital. He was a judge of the Millennium Design Awards and helps judge the National Business Awards. He is Chairman of Inspired Movies, a feature film production company.
Phil Dourado is a writer, editor & business analyst. He specializes in emerging forms of leadership and in business, consumer and social trends. He has written for a wide range of national newspapers and magazines on both sides of the Atlantic, from New Scientistto GQ. He has also edited two B2B magazines, one in the US, the other in the UK. Phil is the Inspired Leaders Network’s Chief Story Teller.
Table of Contents
The Seven Secrets (plus one).
Preface.
Introduction.
Secret 1. Leadership is Viral: Pass it on.
Secret 2. You’re not fooling anyone.
Secret 3. They have to want to follow you.
Secret 4. Make a difference.
Secret 5. Lead from the edge.
Secret 6. There’s nothing out there.
Secret 7. The impossible isn’t.
Conclusion and Bonus Secret 8: Get an NBA, not an MBA.
Afterword: Who Inspires us?.
Notes.
Index.