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1-Page Summary of Leadership Is An Art

Overview

There are many leadership manuals out there, but Leadership Is an Art stands out. Here’s why:

This book doesn’t focus on short-term profits or manipulating employees. Instead, it presents leadership as something that’s more than just making money and getting people to work harder.

Here are some of the key points that will be presented in this book. The first one is that leaders should foster relationships between employees and create a company where they feel like they own it, not you. They need to feel motivated so that they act as if they’re part owners of the company.

Here are several key points about leadership, including what it takes to be an elegant leader; the benefits of listening to employees; and how swearing in the workplace is a problem.

Big Idea #1: A good leader guides employees toward pursuing a company’s shared mission.

The movies often portray a boss as someone who is intimidating and rude. However, the true nature of leadership is being helpful to employees and working together to achieve goals.

A leader should provide direction to employees. This includes three components: values, vision and goals. A leader should communicate a company’s values so that the employee knows what the firm stands for. Does it have family-friendly policies? Is it client-oriented? The employee needs to know these things in order to stay on track with work and goals.

Company leaders need to be clear about the company’s vision. They also have to consider which traditions should be preserved and what needs to change in order for the company to stay competitive.

Leaders have to outline a plan for achieving the company’s vision. This plan should include specific goals that employees can work towards.

A good leader also makes sure employees are personally invested in a company’s mission, and actively seeks out ideas on how to improve the company.

A great way to motivate employees is by giving them stock in the company. Not only does this provide a win-win situation for both parties, but it also motivates employees to do their best and make more money.

Leaders who create a climate in which employees can develop their skills and ideas are more successful. Herman Miller, the furniture company, has been doing this since 1950. The staff earns money based on any gains they generate for the company. From 1987 to 1988 alone, employee suggestions saved Herman Miller $12 million. This strategy pays off too: Herman Miller regularly appears on Fortune magazine’s list of “most admired companies.”

Big Idea #2: Healthy leader-employee relationships are based on respect and good communication.

Leadership is about developing healthy, positive relationships with employees. The best way to do that is through mutual respect and trust.

The first step in treating employees with respect is to remember that they’re humans, just like everyone else. It’s important to treat them well and not act superior because you have a position of power. This also reminds you to show kindness no matter where an employee is on the company ladder.

Every employee should be treated well, feel included and have a covenantal relationship with the company.

Managers should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their employees. They must focus on each employee’s unique skills to get them to work well together. Managers shouldn’t expect all employees to be like some ideal, but accept them for who they are.

If you want your employees to be more open with their ideas, then it’s important for them to feel comfortable in sharing those ideas. This will lead to a better team and company overall.