In his first book,
The Leadership Moment (1998), Useem used stories to provide examples of leadership in extreme situations. He does it again, now using diverse stories from throughout the ages to show both good and bad examples of "leading up." Useem includes leadership lessons to reinforce the value of the stories and highlight particular points. An integral ingredient throughout the leadership lessons is communications. Providing accurate data, not withholding information or being afraid to speak up to a superior, is part of what he perceives as essential. He realizes that there can be risk associated for the person trying to lead up, especially in a business that doesn't foster managers communicating risks, strategies, and values up to CEOs. In the last chapter, he ties all this together in a formula for managers to use to lead up. Useem does provide insightful information for thoughtful consideration by managers and reinforces the importance of feedback and long-range thinking as necessary to keep the organization moving forward.
Eileen HardyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
“Often the best coaching a leader can receive is directly from the team he/she leads. Openness to their feedback is critical, and Professor Useem’s new book provides many dramatic examples of successes and failures in this important dimension.”
—Arthur Martinez, former chief executive officer of Sears, Roebuck & Co.
“Teaching your boss is the most important thing that anyone in business, government, or the nonprofit world needs to know.
Leading Up is a must-read for everyone.”
—Leonard A. Lauder, chairman, the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.
“Professor Michael Useem has shown himself a master in the use of vignettes to teach us about leadership. In his latest book,
Leading Up, he has again used reality, this time to discuss ‘those who would dare to lead their leaders.’ In today’s fast-moving and often chaotic world, this book is a must-read. It will help you help your boss be the best he can be and in doing so, build a better organization and increase your value to that organization.”
—General Charles C. Krulak, former commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior vice chairman, MBNA Corporation
“Leadership is not just about telling people what to do. It is about building a common purpose—a goal—that everyone on the team works hard to achieve. To do that, leaders must understand that it is not just about them and their goals. It is about creating a group where voices are heard and help offered is help received.
Leading Up shows how great leaders create groups that win.”
—Joel Kurtzman, Global Lead Partner, Thought Leadership, PricewaterhouseCoopers
“The message afforded by
Leading Up is powerful and germane as we continue to decentralize and empower our organizations. As Mike Useem says, ‘If we expect our subordinates to furnish us with unvarnished, unbiased advice and unswerving support at times when it really counts, we need to have cultivated a culture that encourages and rewards them to do so.’ His diverse selection of historical examples and his storytelling ability bring the concepts alive.”
—Charles O. Holliday, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, DuPont
From the Hardcover edition.
