Credibility

August 8, 2011
This timely new edition of Kouzes and Posner's 1993 text incorporates research that reflects the increasing importance of credibility for effective leadership. The authors offer strategies to enhance credibility by reaffirming values and not promising results that can't be delivered, arguing that credibility and loyalty are inextricably linked. In their view, a leader lacking credibility suffers from diminished productivity and a lack of loyalty, creating constituents indifferent to outcomes and low morale. While Kouzes and Posner (The Leadership Challenge) offer useful advice for would-be leaders, as well as for a general business audience, they tend to repeat themselves and present an idealized view of the workplace. They offer very little advice about how to approach superiors who may not appreciate forthrightness, and in fact, the book's best advice is for leaders who already have the power to shape corporate culture. That said, the book is easy to follow and offers actionable advice, even if readers grow frustrated with its rose-tinted glasses.

August 1, 2011

The landmark meditation on true leadership, updated and streamlined for a troubled 21st-century world.

Few things could be as imperative right now or more elusive than effective leadership. Kouzes and Posner (The Truth About Leadership: The No-Fads, Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need To Know, 2010, etc.) update the 1993 edition of their essential guide to maintaining control and credibility in positions of power. Their well-paced, economically crafted and always thought-provoking exercise explores all the vital components of real leadership. These strictly defined and carefully categorized aspects of management are then further dissected and scrutinized for ready implementation. According to the authors, yes, leaders can be cultivated and created. Select case studies from the international community drive this point home. But those looking for a simple shortcut to success should take note: This isn't some formula for appearing more credible before the masses; it is a prescription for actually becoming more credible. This alone makes it an indispensable resource for anyone presuming to lead any group of people—be it a Cub Scout pack or a Fortune 500 company. Armed with the information contained here, toiling subordinates and wary constituents alike will instantly become better at recognizing bad leadership qualities and, as a consequence, more demanding of those of a higher caliber.

A profound exploration of credible leadership presented in a thoroughly engaging, accessible format.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

July 1, 2011
Kouzes and Posner update their 1993 book, confirming that credibility continues to be the foundation of leadership and that the key component of credibility is trust. The new edition reflects a changing landscape for a new generation of leaders and includes global research, new case studies, and acknowledgment of more open organizations, globalization, and increased social media. The authors' six disciplines for earning and sustaining credibility are to discover yourself, appreciate constituents, affirm shared values, offer continuous education for constituents to bring values and purpose to life, serve constituents, and personally support constituents through recognition and rewards. Kouzes and Posner conclude that what you do as a leader begins in your mind, gets expressed in your words, and then gets translated into your actions. Over time those actions become who you are, determine the credibility you earn, and shape the legacy you leave. This thought-provoking book offers an important perspective for current and aspiring leaders.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

January 4, 1993
Behavioral savants Kouzes and Posner ( The Leadership Challenge ) here provide philosophical and practical guidance for business executives at a time when computers, consultants, coproduction and ever-growing employee empowerment leave less for managers to do. Unsurprisingly, the authors place honesty, competence and a talent to inspire (``a set of values that can be learned'') at the core of effective leadership. From a penetrating survey of business methods and employee attitudes worldwide, Kouzes and Posner pinpoint future trends--e.g., more authority for customer contact personnel--in a logical, integrated and symbiotic organizational plan to replace a now-outdated omnipotent-boss system. Unfortunately, a hucksterish title and an introductory essay on ``credibility'' do a disservice to this broad and serious work's potential readership. 50,000 first printing; Executive Program book club selection; author tour.

August 1, 2011

The landmark meditation on true leadership, updated and streamlined for a troubled 21st-century world.

Few things could be as imperative right now or more elusive than effective leadership. Kouzes and Posner (The Truth About Leadership: The No-Fads, Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need To Know, 2010, etc.) update the 1993 edition of their essential guide to maintaining control and credibility in positions of power. Their well-paced, economically crafted and always thought-provoking exercise explores all the vital components of real leadership. These strictly defined and carefully categorized aspects of management are then further dissected and scrutinized for ready implementation. According to the authors, yes, leaders can be cultivated and created. Select case studies from the international community drive this point home. But those looking for a simple shortcut to success should take note: This isn't some formula for appearing more credible before the masses; it is a prescription for actually becoming more credible. This alone makes it an indispensable resource for anyone presuming to lead any group of people--be it a Cub Scout pack or a Fortune 500 company. Armed with the information contained here, toiling subordinates and wary constituents alike will instantly become better at recognizing bad leadership qualities and, as a consequence, more demanding of those of a higher caliber.

A profound exploration of credible leadership presented in a thoroughly engaging, accessible format.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)