From the Inside Flap
An organization's fate is determined by the quality of its leadership. Good leaders can take a faltering business and turn it into an innovative powerhouse. By the same token, mediocre leaders can run even world-class brands into the ground. We've seen enough examples of both scenarios to know that they really happen, but, despite an avalanche of business books, many leaders still don't understand how to emulate the success stories and avoid the cautionary tales. Seven Disciplines of a Leader is a different kind of leadership book, thanks to one crucial point: author Jeff Wolf has the hands-on experience necessary to know what works and what doesn't.
Global firms have been able to remain on top because their executives, managers, and supervisors have developed the leadership skills that make businesses succeed. Jeff Wolf has provided leadership coaching for these global business leaders, and the Seven Disciplines and Eleven Practices in this book come from his direct experience. True leadership excellence is tested during economic downturns and times of strategic change, and the real-world examples in Seven Disciplines of a Leader show how to apply the same methods that have brought successful companies through the difficult last decade.
Transformative leaders did not get to where they are today just by reading books. They worked to put the knowledge they gained into practice every day. In Seven Disciplines of a Leader, each chapter ends with a takeaway section that includes a thought-provoking exercise to help readers actualize what they've learned. The Seven Disciplines--including Initiative and Influence, Social/Emotional/Political Intelligence, and Renewal and Sustainability--extend through every level of an organization, and even into personal life. For leaders who are serious about honing their skills and companies that want to bring out the leadership potential in employees, Seven Disciplines of a Leader provides an invaluable big-picture perspective.
Jeff Wolf has seen outstanding leadership successes and just as many cautionary tales. These examples, drawn from real companies will show you what excellent leadership looks like on a daily basis. With advice from the trenches, Seven Disciplines of a Leader provides the practical perspective that so many theoretical business books lack. Read this book to learn not only what great leaders do, but also how they do it.
JEFF WOLF is recognized as one of the top executive coaches in the country and is a dynamic and engaging speaker. A highly sought-after business consultant, his strategic focus in solving corporate and human issues has earned him continuing raves from global firms.
Leadership Excellence magazine named him one of America's Top 100 Thought Lead- ers for his accomplishments in leadership development, managerial effectiveness, and organizational productivity.
He is currently president of Wolf Management Consultants, LLC, one of the most comprehensive consulting, coaching and training firms in the world. The firm specializes in helping people, teams, and organizations achieve maximum effectiveness.
Throughout the years, he has been a recognized authority on leadership, and his principles, strategies, and inspiration have influenced dramatic growth and changes in countless organizations.
He may be reached at www.wolfmotivation.com
KEN SHELTON is CEO of Authentic Leadership and founding editor/publisher of Leadership Excellence magazine. He collaborated with Stephen R. Covey on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and is editor/ publisher of 128 other books on personal and leadership development.
