Lead-Manager

I was favorably disposed toward Conger's compelling analysis in "Learning to Lead" before I began reading his book. I've been thoroughly impressed by his work thru' several articles he's written (one of which synthesizes the highlights of this book-length exposition in a shorter essay form). "L to L" is essentially a "connoisseurship study," with Conger himself in the primary role of scholarly expert/participant-observer. He writes parts of "L to L" in the first person, as he relates his experiences in several of the most popular leadership training programs available on the market today. But he supplements these more subjective impressions w/ more objective critiques of these programs in light of his more scholarly knowledge re: leadership education, as well. The result is a highly engaging, rewarding reflection that blends the immediacy of a compelling autobiography with the longer view and broader perspective of a savvy social-scientific treatise. Conger has mastered all the salient leadership literature during his long academic career. He thus knows extremely well the subject(s) he writes about here. Yet he complements this professorial persona in "L to L" with his more human, accessible side, too. His readers are thus treated to a very balanced, nuanced appraisal of the major pros & cons of most of the most popular leadership-training approaches one finds being practiced today. Conger uses the direct personal experience of training participants (plenty of others that he and his staff have interviewed, as well as his own) to ground the theory that informs his analysis. He understands the premises that undergird the various approaches he writes about, so he is able to illuminate the limitations as well as the inherent potential of each. I understand that Dr. Conger twice rec'd McGill University's Distinguished Teacher Award. It isn't hard to see from reading this volume why he is such an incisive and gifted educator. Although few of us may still be able to take graduate or undergraduate courses from Conger today, anyone who peruses his "Learning to Lead" will be richly rewarded by his trenchant insights about which combinations of leadership training programs might be most effective--and WHY. I recommend this book MOST ENTHUSIASTICALLY to leadership novices as well as more seasoned educators, trainers, and students in this crucially important and rapidly burgeoning field.

it's very easy to recognize about leadership. i read more books about leadership more than 20 books. you know what? this books has importants keys of leadership on techinical side.

Well, that is what someone in my life always says.

Leading is not always easy. Being aware of problem solving and how to support the endeavors of others is very important.

In this tiny book you will find practical techniques that will show you how to use your initiative to inspire excellence. The clear text and illustrations cover most aspects of supporting, empowering and motivating staff.

Robert Heller has written many books and is the leading authority on management consultancy. He was the founding editor of Management t Today magazine and has supervised the launch of a number of successful business journals.

He seeks to make you a dynamic and inspirational leader. Power tips show you how to handle real-life situations and develop first-class leadership skills. Yellow numbered boxes include phrases such as:

"Take into account the feelings of staff when promoting internally."

"Actively seek the views of your team members."

Fun Do and Don't lists are also included.

Do: Do try to create a positive atmosphere, free from rigidity.
Don't: Don't ask people to do things that you wouldn't do yourself.

Chapters Include:

Learning to Lead: Focusing on quality, learning from others, gaining experience, mastering roles, developing strengths, assessing your leadership potential.

Leading Others: Preparing to lead, forming a team, exercising authority, delegating tasks, communicating clearly, dynamizing groups, collegiate leadership.

Improving Your Effectiveness: Making decisions, setting goals, developing a team, leading discussions, using meetings, analyzing problems, giving support, assessing your leadership skills.

Inspiring Excellence: Motivating others, establishing a vision, generating ideas, managing openly, boosting achievement, being adventurous.

A handy index "leads" you to topics of interest. A few case studies make the topics seem more down-to-earth and helpful. The "Giving Support" chapter was something you could use in any situation. People will bring their personal difficulties to a good leader and they may not even be work related. It is important to show sympathy.

"Trust can be difficult to build, but it is easy to lose."

The aspect of a promise made is a promise kept is very important. Being loyal to your people, praising success and only criticizing in private will show others you are someone they can trust and that you have their best interests at heart.

Compact and essential!

I read this book years ago, before the Enneagram became so popular as a model for personal and leadership development. Kaplan only refers to the Enneagram in one footnote, but his in-depth case studies are the best examplars available of Enneagram Types One, Three, and Eight in business settings (he refers to them as "expansive leadership" styles). This book should be competing for attention from Enneagram enthusiasts with Goldberg's Getting Your Boss's Number. I've used both as resources in my work as an executive coach. I would give Beyond Ambition 5 stars if it were a little more accessible to the busy executive, but as a consultant I find his in-depth treatment to be top-notch.