Book Title: “The Extraordinary power of leader humility”
Author: Marilyn Gist, PhD
+Author: Alan Mulally(Former CEO of Ford Motor Company and Boeing commercial airplanes) with a foreword and guest chapter.
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. (BK)
Edition: First edition.
***
‘Book Notes’: aren’t book reviews, summaries, or recommendations. They’re closer to a “reading diary”: one’s personal experience of what a book stirs up in them as they move through it. Book Notes’ sometimes include a few favorite lines or small extracts – not to “capture the book,” but to capture the moment. Occasionally, a passage lights something up inside the reader that’s unrelated (or only loosely related) to the book’s main subject. These notes also attempt to put that spark into words.
***
The font size is not small, decent and good for faster read and reading in non-cozy settings like travelling.
***
With change in technology the expectations and core qualities of a successful leader are changing. This book focuses on how ‘Humility’ is now one of these core qualities – from something of a guarded embarrassing or detested character, this ‘Humility’ is now much needed ingredient of a successful leader. In other words, as per author Humility is now a strength no longer a weakness.
***
Leadership is an Alchemy. It is neither science nor art, but sometimes neither and again sometimes it is both. The scientist (academicians) probes this thing called leadership and follow the path of a leader to improve our understanding of what it means to be a successful good leader and aim to move little more weight from art side to science side. More importantly scientists aim to repeat the magic of success.
Personally, I think – it’s all about balance, it’s all about using right medicine at right time. It’s all about being passionate about surroundings and keep moving on.
***
Quote:
Leaders are typically high achievers. (Good quotation, inspiring one)
***
Quote:
Humility defined as “A tendency to feel & display a deep regard for others dignity”
***
We need to be reminded of what it means to have our feet firmly on ground.
***
Is this book simply trying to prepare leaders to changed circumstances?
***
Quote:
“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
– Sally Jewell
***
Quote:
To show genuine interest in others’ ideas and opinions, we need to really listen, something many action-oriented leaders fail to do. When mindshare is divided between the person in front of us and other tasks or concerns, listening is compromised, and people sense our distraction. Genuine listening begins with devoted attention. And once our attention is focused only on the conversation at hand, it is important to stay open to what we are hearing. ….
***
The book reemphasizes and strengthens those leaders who are more or less following this playbook.
***
Quote:
As CEO, you’re not entitled to an opinion or to express it. [Smiles] If you say one thing, the conversation is over. People think, “That’s what Jeff thinks, so let’s do it.” ….
– Jeff Musser.
(This is not the first time I am reading this, not sure where I read similar advice few years back. But so true and so difficult to put it in action, especially for those who can see end of tunnel, at least their version – keeping it under control is important but tricky.)
***
Quote:
“You synthesizes fast. You often get to the right answer quickly. The problem is you just say it. … Instead, why not ask questions? Nudge a little bit until they suggest it.”
– Sally Jewell.
***
Quote:
and the principles, practices, and behaviors will be seen as sham.
***
Quote:
Because you have power, people generally tell you what they think you want to hear. If they don’t feel safe revealing problems, they usually won’t. A lot of times, leaders will say they are open but will criticize someone when problems show up, and that quickly cuts down on the upward flow of information.
***
Quote:
I am going to refer to leaders who combine strong drive with humility as the “Total Leader”
***
Overall, I liked this book. Worth all the time I spent reading these pages.