The Heart of Leadership: Becoming a Leader People Want to Follow Author: | Language: English | ISBN:
B00FBPIL1E | Format: PDF
The Heart of Leadership: Becoming a Leader People Want to Follow Description
In this short, easy-to-listen fable, best-selling author Mark Miller reveals five habits that underlie leadership character and that determine a leader's success - and he teaches leaders how to develop these habits.
Like Miller's previous books, this one follows the life, learning, and influence of Debbie Bruster. Here she finds herself mentoring Blake Brown, the son of her former mentor. Rather than answer Blake's questions about leadership directly, Debbie introduces him to other leaders, each of whom shares a unique perspective on what really makes a leader successful. As Blake puts the pieces together, he discovers his problem is not one of skills but of character - that leadership is more about the heart of the leader than the head or hands. In fact, Miller summarized these traits with the acronym HEART: Hunger for Wisdom, Expect the Best, Accept Responsibility, Respond with Courage, and Think Others First.
With the help of his new friends and mentors, Blake is able to build a plan to transform his heart. The good news is that leadership is not just the purview of the few - it is within reach for millions of aspiring leaders around the world.
This book is the road map they need to get their lives and careers on track.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
- Audible.com Release Date: October 7, 2013
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00FBPIL1E
Those who have read one of more of Mark Miller's previously published books already know that he has superb reasoning and writing skills in combination with the talents of a raconteur. What we have in this volume is a fable about today's business world. There are a setting, a cast of characters, themes, a plot, conflicts and tensions, and eventually resolution. The focus is on Blake Brown (age 28) whose career and personal life currently consist of frustrated aspirations, self-doubt, and - thus far - unfulfilled potentialities. His future at Dynastar is uncertain. He sets out on a quest to find out why "leaders are different." His mentor (Debbie Brewster) and five of his late father's associates are involved in the process. Details are best revealed within the narrative, in context. However, I am comfortable sharing a few of what I consider to be Miller's most important insights.
First, Miller is convinced - and I agree - that leaders have a certain presence that attracts interest and, over time, helps them to earn respect and trust. Call it "it," call it whatever you like. For whatever reasons, we feel something special in their presence. Now I am not talking about charisma. My own opinion (perhaps Miller agrees) is that charisma resembles an expensive fragrance. It has a pleasing aroma but should not be consumed. The leaders Miller has in mind are genuine, authentic, and consistent in terms of their affirmations and, especially, their behavior.
Also, I agree with Miller that all organizations need effective leadership at all levels and in all areas of the given enterprise.
I have long been a fan of Mark Miller`s work and when I found out I had the opportunity to be on the launch team for his new book "The Heart of Leadership" I couldn't wait to write this review.
If you have read any of Miller's recent work, you know that he has a unique way of building a story around the premise of the book and in effect, brings the lessons and the story itself to life. The Heart of Leadership is a follow up, at least as the story goes, to "Great Leaders Grow" (read my review of Great Leaders Grow).
Blake, who got off to a great start as a young leader now finds himself stuck. Stuck in his job and stuck as a leader. He turns back to his mentor Debbie, who had previously been mentored by Blake's father before he passed away.
Debbie introduces Blake to 5 professionals that take Blake on a journey to find what he has been missing to take his leadership to the next level. He has been missing The HEART of Leadership. So let's take a look at just what it is that makes up The Heart of Leadership.
HUNGER FOR WISDOM
Leaders recognize that if they want to be effective over the long haul, they need to be life long learners. They need to commit to not only increasing their knowledge but their relational skills as well. Be self confident and consistent in your beliefs and values but always be open to input, new ideas and the views and opinions of others. We can always learn, even in our failures and difficult times.
EXPECT THE BEST
Miller states it very well; "To expect the best is an attitude, a belief, a choice, a lifestyle and a trait that virtually every successful leader possesses. We believe the best about others and about ourselves." What a powerful statement.
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