Eric Jacobson On Management And Leadership

Spring break is just around the corner for many people. When you have some downtime to relax and ready, I recommend these compelling books about leadership:

In his book,  Education is Freedom , author James W. Keyes recaps his learned business lessons for top management and CEOs at companies of all sizes. He covers: Discovering what customers truly care about. It’s convenience, not products. Leading during times of turmoil. Developing the confidence to try again after a failure, and to maintain composure in the face of critical media coverage. Forming strategic collaborations to rescue a dying company. Plus, Keyes states that Education Is Freedom  provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. He outlines the importance of education  for   all  humankind and the power of education to change our world. Because of his lifelong commitment to education, Keyes founded the Education is Freedom Foundation , which provides college scholarships for hard-working young students. In over 20 years since its inception, the foundation has helped nearly hundreds of thousands of students find their path to hig...

"Today’s business leaders are faced with many challenges: intense competition, increased regulation, and the need for constant innovation. Therefore, it’s imperative that as a business leader you have the essential meta-skill to navigate your business with a thorough understanding of your current situation, vision to see the future destination, and the ability to create the path to reach it,” explains  Rich Horwath , author of the book,  Strategic .  He says that being strategic is to possess insight that leads to advantage. Strategic is the  opposite of unstrategic  that includes:  Wondering aimlessly , lacking direction, getting lost in the weeds.  Doing everything , lacking the discipline to say no, and trying to be all things to all customers, both internally and externally.  Conducting meetings that take conversations down rabbit holes  that cause widespread frustration amongst the members of your group.  Fortunately, the book provi...

  Today brings the new and inspiring book, Making Waves , by Lisa Lutof-Perlo . You will follow the impressive career journey of Lutoff-Perlo, from her stories as an ambitious young woman to first women President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises to Vice Chairman for External Affairs at Royal Caribbean Group.   In the book, she reveals how she navigated an extraordinary four-decade journey with boundless energy, quick wit, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.   At the heart of her vivid stories of triumphs, hardships, and never letting the word “no” dictate her destiny are  essential lessons such as:   The importance of caring deeply for people and putting others first. How to use your superpowers to set yourself apart from other leaders. Why you don’t always need a linear plan—sometimes it can be a long and winding journey. The value of looking at failure and setbacks as success in progress....

“Experiential Intelligence provides a new lens from which to view what makes you, you—and what makes your team and organization unique,” says Soren Kaplan , author of the book, Experiential Intelligence . Kaplan explains that over 100 years ago, we established IQ (Intelligence Quotient) to predict success. Then we explored Emotional Intelligence (EQ), the theory of multiple intelligences, and mindsets that broaden the definition of smarts.   “Today,  Experiential Intelligence  ( XQ ) expands our understanding of what's needed to thrive in a disruptive world. While you can't change the past, your unique experiences and stories contain hidden strengths and untapped potential for the future,” explains Kaplan.   Experiential Intelligence is the combination of mindsets, abilities, and know-how  gained from your unique life experiences that empowers you to achieve your goals. It allows you to get in touch with the accumulated wisdom and talents you have gained over ti...

Edward M. Marshall 's book,  Transforming The Way We Work -- The Power Of The Collaborative Workplace , remains relevant today, more than a decade after Marshall wrote it. Particularly useful is the book's section that teaches readers how to be a collaborative leader . Marshall says that there are  seven different, important roles and responsibilities of collaborative leaders when leading teams , and those leaders should select the appropriate style to meet the team's needs. The seven roles are : The leader as sponsor  -- You provide strategic direction, boundaries and coaching for the team. You also monitor progress and ensure integrity in the team's operating processes. The leader as facilitator  -- You ensure that meetings, team dynamics, and interpersonal relationships function effectively. You also ensure internal coordination of activities among team members. The leader as coach  -- You provide support and guidance and you serve as a sounding board. The le...

Follow this advice, from the authors ( Ron Ricci  and  Carl Wiese ) of the,  Collaboration Imperative , book for  how to create a great vision statement for your team (or company) :  A vivid, idealized and memorable description of a desired outcome. Inspiring, energizing and helpful in creating a mental picture of your target. Based on an “outside-in” perspective—focused on evolving customer needs rather than an insular, status quo mentality. An enduring idea that galvanizes people to get behind something. Compatible with the team’s agreed-upon goals and direction. Something that every team member should be able to recite. Broad enough to be meaningful for the entire duration of the team’s existence.