Customer Reviews

Due North

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found the book to be extemely useful in communicating the 12 Leadership techniques and stressing the importance of each individual becoming a coach.
I was familiar with a lot of the recommendations so I was able to glean additional insight on the subject of leadership by reading the perspective of this author.
I found the assessment checklists found throughout the book to be helpful in reviewing my individual status concerning leadership.
I would highly recommend this book to any individual seeking to improve their visibility in their chosen field.

Due North encourages CEOs and any Executive level professional to share problems and concerns by providing an opportunity for its readers to hear from an internationally known executive.
Due North provides the formula that allow a leader to examine how their values and visions may influence the way they lead their company, organization or association.
I strongly recommend readers to utilize this high level blueprint that will enable you to explore your strategies and change the way you think and feel about your role as an executive leader.

As a current participate in Leadership21, in Southeastern Butler County in Ohio, I have found that Due North captures the true essence of what leadership is and should be today. It is amazing how Ms. Foster is able to zero on the qualities and characterizations of true Leadership. Her words are heartfelt and inspirational. I have already recommended Due North as to the 30 participate of SEBC Leadership21. I hope that it will offer them the encouragement that we sometimes needs as our community strives to develop responsive productive leaders with the abilities to make true contributions. I would also recommend it personally to anyone that is interested in continual personal growth.

Outside of the reminder about the important role of coaching, I got nothing from this book, reading it all in one sitting just to be done with it (it was a class assignment). This book is so poorly written that I found myself wondering if it was chosen solely for the purpose of having an author on the syllabus who is not a white male. I have to assume the author wants to direct everyone to the assessments she provides and supposedly keep it "practical," because the book itself is sorely lacking in content. Just as you think she is going to say something substantive, she refers the reader to "Appendix B." For example: "There are five listening styles: Appreciative, Empathetic, Comprehensive, Discerning and Evaluative. For more information, see Appendix B for information about the Personal Listening Profile" (52). The book is all about "personal achievement" and relies heavily on what Stephen R. Covey calls the "personality ethic." Whenever Foster gives "personal examples" to illustrate a concept, the stories are always fairly abstract and never stray from her own climb up a corporate latter. One gets the sense that upward movement, for the sake of upward movement, is all she knows. For example: "From the beginning of my career, I always have made every effort to be prepared or to find ways to develop necessary skills or expertise (necessary for what?)...Later, when I had the opportunity to establish quotas for my own teams..." (79, parenthetical note mine).

Foster is spoiled, self-absorbed and egotistical, and puts forth no effort to hide this. It starts with the front cover, which features a big picture of her in sparkly, expensive clothes. In her chapter on dealing with change, her personal story reveals that she actually has not truly had to experience hardship because she always had several good outs available to her. "Did I want to continue `doing' the jobs that would eventually include the possibility of my `retiring on the job,' or did I want to find and pursue an opportunity that rallied my spirits and renewed my passion for `being' my life's work?" (45). From these life circumstances, the reader is somehow supposed to glean insight on "dealing with change." She tells the story of her exit from IBM. She had a high-ranking, high-paid position there, but she opted out because "I wanted it done `my way'" (Foster 2002, 46). She held down her next management job for 45 days. Why? "I quickly learned that the title really didn't give me the option to call the shots. Once again, I opted out" (46). What she wanted, and what she achieved in starting her own business and leadership network, is what any real leader would recognize as over-functioning: "...becoming CEO, better known as the `Chief Everything Officer,' in my own entrepreneurial adventure" (47). Foster's tables and assessments are of her own creation with little to no formal training or research behind them, other than what she draws from similar self-help and self-improvement books like Empower Yourself by Harvey Coleman.

Zero stars. Two thumbs down. This book holds little value for leaders of any kind - other than to be a shining example of how NOT to lead and live. Foster is not leading anyone but herself. One of the best things that could happen to Foster to improve her character and perspective is to go bankrupt and have to work as a cashier at McDonalds. After that happens, I'll be the first to buy her next book.

I borrowed this book from a colleague, who had it sitting in her library. What intrigued me about Due North were the words The Crystal Stairs Leadership Journey on the cover. I somehow immediately connected those five words with God.

Ms. Foster has put together a comprehensive guide that will help some with self-awareness, being a coach, time management and many other skills to help you excel in leadership positions in Corporate America.

The book is set up in two parts, the first is almost an introduction to her journey. Throughout each chapter you will find activities to help you maintain the information offered in the chapter.

Once you have completed part 1, your journey has truly began.
I enjoyed reading "Due North" it gives us the tools we need to go straight to the top, while making sound decisions.

Due North encourages CEOs and any Executive level professional to share problems and concerns by providing an opportunity for its readers to hear from an internationally known executive.
Due North provides the formula that will allow a leader to examine how their values and visions may influence the way they lead their company, organization or association.
I strongly recommend readers to utilize this high level blueprint that enables you to explore your strategies and change the way that you think and feel about your role as an executive leader.

Excellent, excellent book!! The 12 Leadership Assets will help any individual succeed in their individual and business lives. If you are in need of techniques to help you get ahead, this is the book for you. I truly enjoyed reading it.

My situation is not very unique, in fact it's the story of millions of people these days. Our faith in Corporate America has been shaken, our 401K's are dwindling (even though our holdings are diversified), we're working harder and longer, and for some reason we're unfullfilled in our occupations. This book by Jylla Moore Foster enabled me to take inventory of my life and chart a new course upward and onward "Due North."

Thanks, Jylla!