Why Should Anyone be Led by You?

More about the book

Are you an authentic leader? Many organizations are led by role players and bureaucrats rather than true leaders. What would it take to replace these empty suits with genuine leaders who inspire extraordinary results? Goffee and Jones argue that greatness in leadership isn't about adhering to a list of universal traits; instead, it stems from authenticity. Effective leaders leverage their individual strengths to engage the hearts, minds, and souls of their followers. They skillfully remain true to themselves while adapting their behavior to different contexts. The authors present a compelling case that successful leadership requires "being yourself, in context, with skill," and they provide guidance on how to achieve this. Drawing from extensive research, they reveal how to refine and utilize your unique leadership assets while navigating the inherent tensions of leadership. This includes knowing when to express emotion versus when to hold back, balancing closeness with followers while maintaining appropriate distance, and preserving individuality while conforming enough to lead change. Emphasizing the social nature of leadership, the book also examines how leaders can remain attuned to the needs and expectations of their followers. This insightful work will transform our understanding and practice of leadership in any setting.