Exceeding Expectations: Reflections on Leadership [Paperback]

General Bill Looney (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Over the years, I've learned that people at every level of experience and responsibility learn about leadership best from stories which resonate with their own lives. Through a variety of stories, Bill Looney has captured the importance leaders play in creating the right environment to allow organizations to exceed expectations. His reflections on leadership provide a wealth of lessons learned. Well done!
Richard B. Myers, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Whether you are leading military forces or a corporate entity, success is all about exceeding expectations. Bill Looney has it right, and his leadership approach works--I use it in my company! This is a must read for all leaders and those who aspire to leadership positions.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

There is a dire need for effective leadership in American enterprise today and General Bill Looney's book offers an excellent how-to perspective. As you read it, ask yourself, How can I apply these common sense techniques to exceed expectations? Believe me, they will work for you!
Bob Gaylor, 5th Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force

Product Description

In an increasingly dynamic and competitive world, organizations of all kinds are continually looking for leaders who can most effectively inspire others to improve productivity and performance. Yet, meeting goals and objectives is no longer enough. Leaders who exceed expectations will be in the best position to emerge as the superstars of their generation. General Looney reflects upon his most formidable experiences during a 40-year career and articulates his leadership philosophy, which is built around a very simple notion -- the greatest leaders are those who not only exceed expectations, but also inspire others to do the same.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Enso Books; First edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982018517
• ISBN-13: 978-0982018514
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #210,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book on Leadership, September 2, 2009

By	T. Cross - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Exceeding Expectations: Reflections on Leadership (Paperback)

This is a must read book for all leaders. It is an outstanding book with a wealth of practical tips on leadership at every level in any organization. Each chapter begins with a leadership principle followed by a vivid example of that principle in action. The principles are simple yet often overlooked by leaders - humility, lead from the front, risk and return, creating the reality, decide to decide, power of empathy, being inclusive, enforcing the standards, integrity, professional courage and importance of balance.

What I really like about this book is that it is written by an exceptional leader with 40-years of hands-on leadership experience rising to the highest rank in the U.S. Air Force. After my own 31 years of personal experience rising to senior leader positions in major corporations, I am a big fan of leadership lessons from successful leaders rather than from academics who study leadership and have never been high level leaders.

Best of all, I have had the pleasure of meeting General Bill Looney. He is the real deal, a genuinely nice person who lives the life he writes about. In this age of outsized senior leader egos, General Looney stands out as an example for all leaders to follow.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Read on Leadership, November 5, 2009

By	D. Stiffler (Pensacola, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Exceeding Expectations: Reflections on Leadership (Kindle Edition)

This is an invaluable read for the aspiring leader. General Looney mentors his readers by presenting principles important to the successful leader, following each by examples from his own successful career to illustrate. It's the personal examples following each principle that make this book so easy to read and the principles easy to grasp. Reading the book is like sitting on the front porch with the family patriarch, listening to vignettes about how a man ought to act.

I worked for the General early in his career, and can verify that he is the kind of person who should be giving advice on how to be a good leader. This book is well-written and down-to-earth. I highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Leadership Primer that is On Target!!, August 15, 2010

By	Ray Shulstad (Land O Lakes FL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Exceeding Expectations: Reflections on Leadership (Paperback)

General Looney is one of the most inspiring, people oriented and effective leaders that I have ever had the privledge of working with or for.I know first hand that he practices what he preaches. General Looney's "Exceeding Expectations" is a terrific book which should be on the mandatory reading list for all aspiring leaders at every level.His premise that its all about followers, not leaders is right on target. And, he really nailed it with his concept that that the key to personal and organizational success is inspiring others to exceed expectations while exceeding their expectations. Finally, his approach of illustrating the essence of great leadership with his personal stories was unique and very effective and makes his book a special treasure. As I hope others will do, I have personally thanked General Looney for taking the time to write down his perspectives on leadership.

Ray Shulstad, Brig Gen (Ret), USAF