Dear Colleague:

Are great leaders made or born? That’s a question people have asked for centuries. And while there’s no consensus on the answer, most leadership experts agree that there are several key traits most great leaders share.

As the publishers of Executive Leadership – the leading newsletter on developing leadership skills – we’re often asked what makes great leaders great. And over the years, we’ve observed that certain qualities stand out that spell the difference between true leaders and the rest of the pack.

Through our research, we’ve identified what we call The Seven Pillars of Great Leadership. And we’ve compiled them in a single resource for you: one that separates battle-tested techniques and strategies from speculation and folklore.

Successful leaders combine many unique skills. And that’s why The Truth About Leadership is a unique combination of step-by-step processes, case studies and inspiring quotes from some of America’s top executives.

The Truth About Leadership does more than help you develop the skills that make good executives great, and great executives legendary. This concise, 65-page volume also shows you the best way to communicate your vision and strategy with everyone, from the loading dock to the executive suite.

You’ll discover:

• Words that explain AND inspire
• Keys to successful delegation
• The value of role-playing
• How to become a “knower-learner”
• Techniques to push your managers toward innovating
• Six principles to boost your persuasive powers
• The three fatal networking mistakes
• Tricks to turn the tables during a negotiation
• Motivating tactics to avoid like the plague
• Warning signs of change at the top
• And much more!

Armed with The Truth About Leadership, you’ll hone your strengths, reduce your weaknesses and propel yourself (and your career) to heights you’ve only dreamed of before.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: What It Takes to Lead New challenges for leaders: Faster change, volatility 1. Communicating: Promote an Open, Candid Culture ‘Coaching up’ to create a candid culture Talk like a leader Choose words that inspire Image- vs. concept-based words How leaders get the scoop Boost your confidence Wield influence fore and aft To promote cooperation, rein in your ego In a crisis, don’t just manage—lead through it Ways to communicate new strategies 2. Decision-Making: Follow the Process, Step by Step Ask questions first Beware of overconfidence Balance speed with quality Don’t overdo on analysis Think, see or do? When delay is desirable Role-play toward more accurate predictions Use scenario planning to combat uncertainty When delay is desirable Consider business-intelligence tools 3. Envisioning: Focus on Strategy, Analysis Back to basics Convey organization’s essence with ‘strategic principles’ Competitive intelligence pays – when you get it right Become a knower-learner Leading through change and loss Delegate to maintain your vision Quiz: Are you ready to delegate? Try a ‘don’t’ list 4. Innovating: A Matter of Survival in Good Times and Bad Beef up brainstorming sessions

Push hard for innovation to overcome managers’ doubts Don’t be a slave to originality Fill in the blanks to test product viability How to spot trends Adapt marketing strategies to create opportunities It’s up to the leader to create the right team Let employees help find solutions Consider AI tools to spur innovation Ways to take on a titan 5. Motivating: Refine Your Style to Inspire Trust Power up your persuasive skills Avoid these tactics Apply 6 principles to boost your persuasive powers Track the success of incentive programs Spend your time where it counts Celebrate big ideas – even when they flop Increase visibility to show you care Simplify meetings to stir creativity Burn bridges to get buy-in 6. Negotiating: Use Your Wits, Not Your Authority Top 20 do’s and don’ts of negotiating Take control before negotiation begins Slice and dice your way to a deal Admit your weaknesses to overcome them Be wary of e-mail negotiations Playing hardball Know when to walk away ... 7. Advancing Your Career: Network and Play ‘What If?’ 3 networking mistakes to avoid Target companies for networking contacts Play ‘what if?’ to assess your career Look to nonprofits for board experience Stay alert to signs of corporate dysfunction Consider strategic alternatives Avoid these career-killer moves Learn how to be prudently paranoid Your boss is dumped. Now what?

There may not be agreement on whether great leaders are made or born. But you can discover – and gain – the traits that make great leaders great. Stay ahead of your competition with The Seven Pillars of Great Leadership. Order The Truth About Leadership today!


Sincerely,



Phillip A. Ash
Publisher

P.S. Remember, there’s absolutely no risk. If you don’t see how you can discover the keys to improving your leadership skills, we’ll refund your entire purchase price – no questions asked – and you’ll have no further obligation.

P.P.S. The steps to becoming a successful leader are within your reach. When you know what they are, you’ll go further in your career than you ever imagined. Get your copy now!