Excerpt

Prologue

“When we are no longer able to change a situation,

we are challenged to change ourselves.”

—VICTOR FRANKL

FOR SOME TIME READERS HAVE BEEN ASKING ME if I would

consider putting my thoughts on coaching in book form. While

the idea has always intrigued me, I wanted the opportunity to

do more than collect advice. I have taken the time to read and

sift through well over a hundred articles and pieces I have

written and distilled them into single-thought concepts that

are designed to help leaders both emerging and veteran find

insight, comfort, and inspiration.

The Leader’s Pocket Guide reflects the issues that develop

in the careers and lives of executives, and the short, to-the-

point ideas followed by self-reflection mimic what I do in my

leadership consulting. Interwoven into these ideas is a rich

texture of practical and tactical advice.

Experienced leaders will find surprises that will stimulate

them to think about issues differently and refine their leadership

capabilities. New leaders will likely find this book to be

fresh and lively. I hope so, but I would also remind them that

those in leadership positions know far more than they give

themselves credit for, and therefore this book will also provide

the reassurance they are seeking.

Augmenting this book is some up-to-date research

focused on the role of leaders and the expectations that fol-

lowers have for them. Recall the words of Theodor Geisel,

who as Dr. Seuss wrote, “Today is your day! Your mountain is

waiting. So . . . get on your way.”

Enjoy the book and lead on!