Why Should the Boss Listen to You: The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor [Hardcover]

James E. Lukaszewski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0787996181 | ISBN-13: 978-0787996185 | Edition: 1

This is a book about gaining influence and becoming a key trusted advisor. It is for everyone who advises leaders and senior managers (accounting, finance, human resources, IT, law, marketing, public relations, security, and strategic planning) and for outside consultants in these functional staff areas. It’s also for operations people yearning to finally be heard and heeded by their boss.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"the book offers smart and practical advice that will help advisors who want to have a real impact on their boss and the organization they work for." (About.com, January 14, 2008)

"James E. Lukaszewski provides information explaining systematic processes for getting to and working at the highest levels and having maximum impact as a trusted adviser. Readers will find out how chief executives and other top executives think, understand what matters to them, and how they operate. The book's easy-to-digest lists, worksheets, and charts help readers understand how successful strategic advisers encourage operational people to do what it takes to be heard."--The Boston Globe, boston.com, April 20, 2008

Review

"Leaders must have trusted advisors.  This book shows you how to be one and stay one."
—Harvey B. Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive

"Jim Lukaszewski has personally helped resolve more corporate crises than anyone I know of.  His experience “in the trenches” equals the high quality of his judgment."
—Chester Burger, American Public Relations Leader Emeritus and PRSA Gold Anvil Winner

"This book is all muscle.  It will challenge even the most trusted advisors to improve their skills.  Hats off to Jim Lukaszewski for an actionable playbook and a good read."
—Lynn Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.

"One of the most common complaints of managers and functional experts inside organizations is that their leaders don’t listen to them and heed their advice enough.  And they’re right.  The result is a huge waste of time, expertise, morale, and money.  Part of the answer is leaders becoming better, wiser advice takers…the other part is better advice giving on the part of advisers.  In this important book, Jim Lukaszewski lays out with great clarity and practicality what anyone must know who wants to have more influence on a boss and more impact on organizational success."
—Dan Ciampa, Author of Taking Advice, How Leaders Get Good Counsel and Use it Wisely

"I have both worked with Jim and learned from him.  He is focused and consistent in his approach to providing strategic advice.  He combines those immeasurable qualities of experience, intelligence and grit that allow him to say what the client needs to hear in the way it needs to be heard.  Attorneys are in the unique position of both advocating for a client.  There is a delicate balance to be drawn between advising a client as to a business aspect of a particular matter and advising the client in regard to a matter which has become contentious.  Jim has a powerful sense of the nuanced tones and content of the advice that must be given.  Reading this book provides valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the often treacherous waters swirling around management."
—Douglas Cooper, Co-Managing Partner, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

"Lukaszewski, a brilliant strategic advisor, gives the secrets that can mean success for you."
—Robert L. Dilenschneider, Author of Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed

"If you want to be in your organization’s inner circle or if you and want to stay there, this book is a must read.  Jim Lukaszewski is hands down one of the brightest business strategists on the scene today.  This is the handbook to your career success."
—Bob Frause, Chairman CEO, The Frause Group

"Jim Lukaszewski is a master both at giving advice to leaders and coaching others to become trusted advisors.  This book provides valuable tools and techniques to help enhance anyone's advisory skills, and to help earn the trust and confidence of those at the top."
—Helio Fred Garcia, Executive Director, Logos Institute for Crisis Management & Executive Leadership

"Jim Lukaszewski is widely regarded as one of the country’s preeminent authorities in crisis communications and issues management.  I have been privileged to work with Jim and to benefit from his wise counsel for many years.  What I admire most is Jim’s innate desire to teach others.  Through his professional practice and his writings, Jim relentlessly challenges us to elevate our thinking and our skills in order to drive strategic thinking throughout our respective organizations."
—Karen Muldoon Geus, Former Vice President Communications, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Primestar Partners

"Jim Lukaszewski is the best strategic thinker I know. But what makes him even more valuable to clients is his ability to sell his recommendations to CEOs and senior management. That combination of talents is exceedingly rare."
—Robert E. Gorman, Robert E. Gorman Communication

"I’ve been a communication consultant to all types of organizations for more than 30 years, and I thought I knew all there was to know about offering advice to my clients  until I read Jim Lukaszewski’s book.  What a treasure trove of insights, experiences, and practical advice on how to become and remain a valued advisor.  Read it and learn."
—Carole M. Gorney Director, Center for Crisis Public Relations & Litigation Studies, Lehigh University

"When your company is faced with a dire situation, there is great comfort in picking up the phone and hearing Jim Lukaszewski’s voice.  When we get in a tight spot we rely on his wisdom and advice."
—Deborah L. Grant, Vice President of University Communications, Tulane University

"In Why Should the Boss Listen to You: The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor, Jim Lukaszewski draws on his long and successful career as a counselor to senior management, in a clear and straightforward way.  No matter what your profession, the Disciplines will help you see higher and further."
—Stephanie Harwood, S.M. Harwood Consulting

"One of the most ‘trusted strategic advisors’ I know is Jim Lukaszewski.  So, if you want your boss to listen to you, read this book . . .  and everything else Jim writes."
—Richard Jernstedt, Chief Marketing Officer, EVP, Senior Partner, Fleishman-Hillard

"In this book the magician reveals his secrets. And guess what.  Some of it is magic but most of it is integrity in action.  You can do it too."
—George Kroloff, George Kroloff & Associates

"Jim's diverse background, depth of experience, and hands-on battle skills in the trenches deliver superior results; his strategic advice and counsel made the difference."
—Seth Kursman, Vice President, Government Affairs & Communications, AbitibiBowater Inc.

"As Founder and CEO of the world’s favorite florist, I have gotten advice from many thoughtful strategic advisors.  None are more capable than Jim.  This book provides the blueprint to become a Trusted Advisor."
—Jim McCann, Chief Executive Officer , 1-800-Flowers.com

"As the CEO of my own firm today, and as Jim’s mentor and college advisor years ago, I am reminded of the depth of perspective Jim has always displayed in operating as a trusted advisor to so many, even as he completed his education.  This book will open up his wise and inventive approaches to guiding and advising to a much wider business audience.  I encourage you to read this book and be inspired by it."
—Judith Pendergrass, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Consulting Psychologists, Inc.

"Jim is well known for helping those in the C-suite deal with crises.  With his new book, Why Should the Boss Listen to You:  The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor, he teaches us how to build the kind of trusting relationship needed to be the first person the CEO calls when there's a situation brewing.  Or when he or she just wants to hear some straight talk."
—Mela Sera, Account Supervisor, IMRE Communications

"Jim's ability to quickly assess issues and offer pragmatic solutions, in a clear, understandable fashion makes him a valuable partner in running a business in these fast and turbulent times where employees are looking for direction and leadership they can trust more than ever before.  Over the years, many of my line managers still comment on how his counsel helped them and how they use his tenets of communication every day."
—Robert M. Sherwood, Division Human Resources Lead, Givaudan Schweiz AG

"Jim Lukaszewski is a premier counselor to CEOs for one simple reason:  he knows how they think, what matters to them . . .  and what does not matter to them.  Too many who contend for influence in the executive suite do not know these basics.  They attempt to impose their notions of what the boss should know about their functional area.  Far better that they forget their own job title, put themselves in the boss’s shoes, and bring useful insight that helps the leader move the organization forward.  Jim's book shows aspiring counselors exactly how to do this."
—David J. Therkelsen, Executive Director, Crisis Connection

"Jim often is at the table with spot-on counsel, laser-focused strategy that CEOs and other experts and advisors can quickly embrace, and an intensity that makes the difference in the final outcome."
—Marilyn Waters, Director of Media Relations, Fortune 100 Company

"Every senior leader worth his or her salt should listen to what Jim Lukaszewski has to say. The record is clear. Often it has been Jim’s unique experience, insight, and counsel that made the difference between success and failure for leaders facing the most challenging problems and issues of their careers."
—Richard J. White, Vice President-Corporate Communications, Wisconsin Energy Corporation/We Energies

"I've worked side-by-side with Jim Lukaszewski. He brings enormous credibility to high pressure situations. Clients listen because they sense immediately that he is a trusted advisor. I’ve read every word of his book.  If you want to add new value in your organization and be viewed as a trusted advisor, you should, too."
—Davis Young, Author of Building Your Company's Good Name

"An exciting and practical book about how to become a 'strategic trusted advisor' to CEOs and other leaders.This book serves as a road map for anyone who aspires to become a 'strategic personal counselor' for a boss or client. The way to manage your own destiny, says Lukaszewski, is by helping leaders realize theirs."
—Otto Lerbinger, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus, Boston University, College of Communication

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (February 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787996181
• ISBN-13: 978-0787996185
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #360,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm James E. Lukaszewski (loo ka SHEV skee), an expert in managing and counteracting tough, touchy, sensitive corporate communications issues. I counsel companies facing serious internal and external problems involving: activist counteraction; community relations and grassroots campaigns; corporate relations failures; reputational threats; crisis communication management; employee relationship building; ethics/integrity/compliance; litigation visibility management; management communication strategies; media relations strategy and analysis; public affairs/exposure management; strategic Web site construction; Web-based attacks; and corporate survival strategies. I'm frequently retained by senior management to directly intervene and manage the resolution of corporate problems and bad news. The situations I help resolve often involve conflict, controversy, community action or activist opposition. The fastest growing portion of his practice involves civil and criminal litigation.

I'm an author (several books, more than 130 articles) and a member of the editorial board for Ragan's Public Relations Journal, a contributing editor to Public Relations Quarterly, a contributing columnist to pr reporter and PR News, a member of InfoCom's Media Relations Insider editorial advisory board, and was the first crisis columnist for the PRSA's member publication, PR Tactics. I'm an internationally recognized speaker on crisis communications management, ethics, media relations, public affairs, and reputation preservation and restoration.

An accredited member of the International Association of Business Communicators (ABC) and the Public Relations Society of America (APR), I'm a member of the PRSA's College of Fellows (Fellow PRSA); Board of Ethics & Professional Standards. I'm recognized by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics as a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP). I served as a crisis communications advisor to the International Disaster Advisory Committee, Agency for International Development, Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance from 1989 to 1992, and is a civilian advisor to several other federal agencies including the United States Marine Corps. I lecture annually at the U.S. Marine Corp's East Coast Commander's Media Training Symposium and was the second recipient of its Drew Middleton Award. I am the recipient of Ball State University's 2004 National Public Relations Achievement Award, the 2004 Patrick Jackson Award for Distinguished Service to PRSA, the 2005 PR News Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2006 Lloyd B. Dennis Distinguished Leadership Award.

I received my BA in 1974 from Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. I'm a former deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Economic Development and assistant press secretary to former Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson. I founded Minnesota-based Media Information Systems Corporation in 1978. Prior to founding The Lukaszewski Group Inc. in 1989 I was senior vice president and director of Executive Communication Programs for Georgeson & Company and a partner with Chester Burger Company, both in New York City. My name also appeared in Corporate Legal Times as one of '28 Experts to Call When All Hell Breaks Loose,' and in PR Week as one of 22 'crunch-time counselors who should be on the speed dial in a crisis.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than it first appears, January 2, 2009

By 

Dr. Don Malnati (LBK, Florida 34228) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Why Should the Boss Listen to You: The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor (Hardcover)

Why should the boss listen to you? Sweet book. A sophisticated analysis. The top is fast and complex. You read him think and analyze through issues with a decision maker.

Far more than first appears. A real look at the soul of what good business can be. Everything could be like this, health care, politics.... James Lukaszewski (Loo ka SHEV skee) (szew=SHEV am I the only one that didn't know that?) sketches the boss, inner circle, advisor and staff. Explains each player. How they fit together, where they are coming from and how you contribute. The big picture is there when you finish. He has some good visuals and many lists.
7 Discipilines
5 Imparatives
4 Things to do
5 Flawed Strategies
9 Things a leader expects
11 Things you need to know to work with a boss
3 Lists of questions to consider. Nice learning device.
Leaders get an unfair beating, especially from the corrupt drive-by-media. Humans like to work, leaders like to lead. Lawyers and media egos like to screw things up.

Too many books could be a pamphlet, not this one. "Managers test before they trust.", a nice thought I liked in the section on trust. Something like that on every page. On half the pages I wrote a comment. An enjoyable read of deep material. His thoughts reveal a life that works. This body of work is a protein meal.

I Love this book.

The CD is like an outline, How to develop a mind of a strategist. $10
Get comfortable, close your eyes, listen. Or go to the seminar.
My favorite on the CD is not in the book. It is a seven word summary of everything you need to know about unions. It is NOT negative. The 7 words will make your company better. Or The 7 words will make your union better. Get the CD, find the 7 words. You will remember them. You will use them. You will appreciate Jim, say more with less.

The book is very, very good. You will not be able to read it only once.
You will listen to the CD once, but the one phrase is worth $100+.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally -- An Engaging & Thoroughly Valuable Book for Business and PR Folks Regardless of Rank, August 5, 2008

By 

Catherine A. Huggins (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Should the Boss Listen to You: The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor (Hardcover)

For anyone who strives to add value and contribute at a high level in the executive arena or just embark upon a highly successful career, this is a "must read" book. Jim Lukaszewski truly captures the inner-workings of an executive mindset. You do not have to be a public relations practitioner to benefit from the wisdom and stories shared within this quick and informative read.

Personally, I have read Jim's books throughout the past two decades and this one is the best yet. I highly recommend it and have purchased multiple copies to share with colleagues and team members.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for professionals in today's economy, May 11, 2009

By 

J. Pollock - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Should the Boss Listen to You: The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor (Hardcover)

Why do some professionals enjoy long and prosperous careers in business and nonprofit, thriving even during challenging economic periods?

According to James Lukaszewski, one of the world's master strategic advisers to CEOs, because they've achieved the most valuable role possible in their field - key trusted advisor to leaders.

In his latest book, Jim provides an extraordinary insider look at this coveted role, revealing what it is and, equally important, is not. Whether in a staff position (Marketing, PR, Finance, IT, Legal, Accounting, HR, Security, etc.), consulting in one of these fields, or in operations middle management and determined to be heard at the top, professionals must realize that serious expertise in their field is, surprisingly, only the first step towards achieving this desirable and exciting position of influence.

Strategic advising to CEOS and other top management is by definition a highly complex business, and Jim strongly recommends learning seven critical disciplines. For example, many staff professionals, wrapped up in their own territory and jargon (and attitude), rarely acquire any significant understanding of general management, and yet a working knowledge is essential to becoming a trusted advisor who "must use management terms and actually execute in the management environment."

Having spent his professional life performing in the line of fire, Jim generously shares his well-marked road map to the war zone that is today's executive suite. Working through his guidelines for each compelling discipline, professionals will learn how to increase their ability to contribute significantly to the leadership under a wide range of circumstances. This in turn increases the possibility they'll be called in at 'the 11th hour' when strategic advising is most needed, appreciated, and rewarded. Fascinating case 'snapshots' illustrate and underscore his recommendations and insights.

Whatever your current professional level, you'll most certainly benefit from studying this exceptional handbook designed to help you learn how to "manage your own destiny by helping leaders achieve theirs." A remarkable real-world resource for today's volatile marketplace that belongs in every professional's library. Also highly recommended to business and communications faculty.