What's Holding You Back? 10 Bold Steps that Define Gutsy Leaders

by Herbold, Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9780470639016
• ISBN10: 0470639016
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-02-15
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

Quit hiding from tough decisions and learn to confront them head-onWhy do managers at all levels sacrifice corporate success by shying away from making the tough decisions? What's Holding You Back? reveals exactly why managers often hesitate to confront difficult issues-whether it's the absence of a perfect solution, the knowledge that no decision will please everyone, etc.-and, most importantly, how they can overcome these common managerial obstacles to maximize their company's success. What's Holding You Back? elucidates the ten core principles of confident leadership, outlining proven tactics by which managers can confront their inner wimp and highlight their inner courage. Features dynamic real-world examples from Apple, Microsoft, Porsche, IBM, Merck, Canon, Sony, Whirlpool, IDEO, Tesco, P&G, Target, 3M, and more Pinpoints the corporate failures that can result from hesitant or self-conscious organizations, and what managers can do to avoid them Clearly delineates how managers can cultivate and deliver accountable and decisive leadership, even during the toughest dilemmasWhat's Holding You Back? proves that practicing gutsy leadership is the key to operational and innovative excellence in the workplace

Author Biography

Robert J. Herbold is the managing director of the Herbold Group, LLC, a consulting business focused on profitability, strategic, and operational issues. He serves on the board of directors of Neptune Orient Shipping Lines and of Agilent Technologies. Formerly, Herbold was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Microsoft Corporation. He is the author of The Fiefdom Syndrome and Seduced by Success. He lives in Seattle and Phoenix.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
The Big Issue: Managers Lacking Courage to Make Tough Decisions	p. 5
Principle I: Devise a Demanding Game Plan to Confront Reality	p. 19
Principle II: Staff for Success	p. 37
Principle III: Clean Up the Sloppiness	p. 59
Principle IV: Institutionalize Tight-Fisted Cost Control	p. 79
Principle V: Insist on Functional Excellence	p. 95
Principle VI: Create a Culture of Innovation	p. 113
Principle VII: Demand Accountability and Decisiveness; Avoid Consensus	p. 127
Principle VIII: Exploit Inflection Points	p. 141
Principle IX: Value Ideas from Anywhere	p. 153
Principle X: Shake Up the Organization	p. 169
Conclusion	p. 185
Notes	p. 189
Acknowledgments	p. 203
About the Author	p. 205
Index	p. 207
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