Success Tools for CEO Coaches: Be A Learner, Leader and Ladder

Success Tools for CEO Coaches: Be A Learner, Leader and Ladder

Article Type: Suggested reading From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 22, Issue 6

M.S. Rao, Shroff Publishers and Distributors, 2013, ISBN: 9789351102496

This inspirational book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. According to the author, continuous development is not a side-show but fundamental for creating value for others. The book recognizes the importance of constant feedback and humility.

It illustrates that great leadership and personal effectiveness are achieved through small steps. It believes in ascending the ladder to success with firm and slow steps and advises coaches to ensure that the ladder is leaning on the right wall to create effective leaders.

Professor Rao uses the examples of Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Jack Welch and Winston Churchill to explain the concept of leadership. “To change one’s perspective and to reflect on our past would add value in going forward,” says the author. The book begins by making the case for preparation as a foundation for practical leadership. The author then moves through various competencies needed for effective leadership.

Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of meticulously planning to achieve the desired outcome. The author discusses Mahatma Gandhi as a learner and leader who became a ladder for other leaders.

Chapter 2 highlights the importance of knowledge, which grows when it is shared. Chapter 3 shows how to avoid 12 mistakes that people make in the path to quick success.

Chapter 4 advises blending the conscious and subconscious minds to achieve success. Chapter 5 defines the concept of passionate leadership and exemplifies the concept through Mother Teresa, Steve Jobs and Henry Ford.

Chapter 6 differentiates at length between efficiency and effectiveness. Chapter 7 discusses emotional intelligence and outlines the need for, and ways of acquiring, professional etiquette.

Chapter 8 stresses the importance of increasing personal effectiveness and outlines tools for building professional image. Chapter 9 discusses the need to connect with others to be a successful leader and suggests some tips to achieve this. The author says that to connect with people, one must have an interest in them and must develop a mindset to associate with them.

Chapter 10 focuses on identifying opportunities out of threats and thus teaches the art of “locating fish.” Chapter 11 busts 21 myths about leadership and asserts that leadership is a learned ability and that therefore anybody can become a leader.

Chapter 12 proposes that people who listen actively can learn well and lead well. Chapter 13 elaborates the concept of executive presence and discusses ways to enhance it.

Chapter 14 highlights the roles of constant feedback and continuous learning in enhancing the personality. Chapter 15 illustrates the importance of knowledge workers to an organization.

Chapter 16 discusses how one can excel as a knowledge worker. Chapter 17 defines coaching and emphasizes that coaches are leaders as they groom others. The author draws out the similarities and differences between leaders and coaches and claims that the world needs a coaching mindset.

Chapter 18 underscores the importance of feedback as a leadership-development tool. It discusses dos and don’ts of giving and receiving feedback. Chapter 19 discusses the causes of, and ways to overcome, the leadership deficit.

Chapter 20 argues that true leaders act as ladders for others and discusses how to develop leaders. Chapter 21 underlines the importance of learning from one’s mistakes and moving on. It also highlights the importance of having a broad vision and choosing the right path to achieve it.

The book is a guide for anyone who is at any stage of their leadership journey. It is helpful for anyone who wants to be more effective in their work and relationships.

The author emphasizes the importance of coaching for career development. He uses several case studies, anecdotes and illustrations that add to understanding and generate interest.

Jaya Chitranshi, Assistant Professor, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, India