Rules & Tools for Leaders: From Developing Your Own Skills to Running Organizations of Any Size, Practical Advice for Leaders at All Levels

by Perry M. Smith, Jeffrey W. Foley

Overview

Rules and Tools for Leaders offers insightful and useful advice that avoids the flavor-of-the-month management theories that are long on speculation and short on practical application.

This is a fully revised, updated, and reorganized edition of a classic management handbook. It never loses sight of the big picture of how any company should operate. It provides useful and time-tested advice that can be implemented immediately to the benefit of the entire organization. From defining the qualities of outstanding leaders to putting good leadership skills into practice, from managing yourself and others to handling the difficult tests that leadership brings, this book includes valuable checklists and reviews. In addition, it highlights some of the best leadership programs and presents a host of compelling and instructive anecdotes that illustrate the ideas throughout.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399163517
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/06/2013
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 5.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Major General Perry M. Smith, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, holds a PhD in international relations from Columbia University. During his thirty years in the Air Force, Smith commanded an F-15 fighter wing in Germany, served as the Air Force’s top planner, and was the Commandant of the National War College. He has served in leadership positions in four nonprofits, including as secretary of the board of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. He has had extensive experience as a motivational speaker, workshop leader, and military analyst for both national and local media.

Brigadier General Jeffrey W. Foley, U.S. Army (Ret.), a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, holds a master’s degree in computer systems from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in national security policy from the National Defense University. Having served for more than thirty-two years in the Army, he is now an independent consultant and frequently requested motivational speaker and leadership development facilitator. In addition, he has become an active member of boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, both local and national.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Preface xiii

Introduction xv

Part I Developing Yourself as a Leader 1

1 Becoming Self-Aware: The Importance of Introspection 3

2 Being a Leader of Character: Integrity and More 19

3 Learning Self-Discipline: Taking Control of Your Time and Your Calendar 29

4 Managing the Electronic World: The Latest Challenge to Today's Leaders 37

5 Working for the Boss: The Trials and Opportunities of Subordinates 47

Part II Leading Others 55

6 Teaching, Coaching, Mentoring, and Counseling: Growing Leaders Through New Ideas and Feedback 57

7 Building Your Leadership Model: A Framework for Yon and Your Associates 75

8 Hiring: Putting the Right People in the Right Jobs in the Right Way 81

9 Inspiring Your People: Establishing and Maintaining Joy 91

10 Firing: The Role of the Leader 103

Part III Leading Organizations 109

11 Taking Over: The Vital Nature of the Transition 111

12 Mission, Vision, and Values: Establishing the Foundation for Successful Organizations 121

13 Creating a Strategic Plan: A Road Map to Success 131

14 Decentralizing and Getting Feedback: A Twin Dilemma 143

15 Reaching Out in All Directions: Building Bridges and Brain Trusts 149

16 Making the Tough Decisions: Eight Useful Checks 155

17 Leading During Crises and Change: Keeping Cool and Flexible 161

18 Dealing with the Downside: Failures, Rumors, and Criticisms 171

19 Handling the Media: Building Important Partnerships 181

20 Leading Nonprofits: The Unique Challenges and Opportunities 189

Part IV Bringing It All Together 197

21 Final Thoughts: Thirty Fundamentals of Leadership 199

Suggested Reading 215

Leadership Education Programs 219

Acknowledgments 223

Index 225

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Perry Smith and Jeff Foley have it right when it comes to effective leadership.  It is all about a transformational journey that begins with understanding yourself that gives you perspective, which then leads to one on one leadership and developing trust.   Then you’re ready for team leadership and building community.  The final step is organizational leadership with a focus on creating a performance culture.  Read Rules & Tools for Leaders and begin your journey to effective leadership.”—Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Leading at a Higher Level

"This is simply one of the most thoughtful and practical leadership guides you will find anywhere. It is packed with actionable tips on everything from transitions, integrity and strategic planning, to hiring, counseling and rewarding associates. Also includes several checklists that leaders can use periodically to make sure they are on-track. Indeed, this is a book you may decide to keep close at hand for many years."—GovLeaders.org

Editorial Reviews

Perry Smith and Jeff Foley have it right when it comes to effective leadership.  It is all about a transformational journey that begins with understanding yourself that gives you perspective, which then leads to one on one leadership and developing trust.   Then you’re ready for team leadership and building community.  The final step is organizational leadership with a focus on creating a performance culture.  Read Rules & Tools for Leaders and begin your journey to effective leadership.”—Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Leading at a Higher Level

"This is simply one of the most thoughtful and practical leadership guides you will find anywhere. It is packed with actionable tips on everything from transitions, integrity and strategic planning, to hiring, counseling and rewarding associates. Also includes several checklists that leaders can use periodically to make sure they are on-track. Indeed, this is a book you may decide to keep close at hand for many years."—GovLeaders.org

From the Publisher