Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage: Five Keys to Becoming a More Effective Leader

Citation

Bullock, J. (2005), "Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage: Five Keys to Becoming a More Effective Leader", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 26 No. 8, pp. 689-691. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730510633746

Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage allows readers to observe the inner workings of executive coaching in action as a successful executive is transformed from a hard‐charging, inwardly‐focused individual into a more effective leader. In keeping with the old adage, “Never judge a book by its cover”, readers should not equate the size of this book (12.7 × 19.05 cm) with the importance of the information contained within its small covers. Indeed, the format and fresh approach help make it easy to pick up this interesting and enlightening book whilst quickly drawing the reader into the unfolding story, narrated by the coach. Max Sinclair, a tough and determined executive in the technology industry, represents a composite of the author's executive coaching clients in the US. Although the main character is “semifictional” the process and recommendations provide salient advice for today's fast‐paced, high performance executives often tasked with overwhelming workloads and encountering a corresponding increase in pressure and stress.

A primer for those new to executive coaching, this book demystifies the process by explaining the roles of the coach and executive. In addition to insightful glimpses into the thoughts and rationale of the coach during the planning and delivery of coaching sessions, readers witness first‐hand the interaction and dialogue that takes place to support learning and change behaviors that previously led to success but are now holding the executive back from achieving his full potential. The author skillfully presents the essence of each coaching session in the context of key lessons that can be readily applied by executives aspiring to become better leaders. Through the process of utilising executive coaching to develop essential attributes and gain leadership wisdom, readers learn, in turn, how to coach and retain their best employees to increase overall organisational effectiveness.

Solano Technologies arranges for coaching after concluding that Max Sinclair's inability to effectively develop subordinates, delegate tasks, and consistently demonstrate leadership maturity detracted from his problem solving abilities and results‐oriented performance that earned him recognition as a high potential executive. He is characterised as a “brain trust” that the company could afford to lose. Even so, he is noted for being critical – of himself and others – and intense. The book is structured as a series of vignettes, each illuminating the highlights of a coaching session focused on a specific leadership role or skill. The incremental sessions take place over a six month period and entail advice and counsel from the coach, as well as homework and contemplation on the part of the executive. Readers watch the progression from initial resistance and reluctance to engage in one‐on‐one coaching, through active involvement in the process, and eventually to the development of valuable new leadership qualities. These attributes include emotional intelligence, networking and influencing skills, a long‐lasting vision, the ability to coach others, and embracing a global vision. They parallel five key roles of leadership essential to increase organisational performance and productivity: learner; relationship‐builder; visionary; coach; and globalist. The central premise of the book is that how one goes about leadership is as important as the actual results delivered since today's success may become tomorrow's stumbling block if left unchecked. The book concludes with a metta meditation suitable for those times when executives experience moments of frustration. Appendices provide a quick summary, containing a skills and tools reference list and skills questions pertaining to the five leadership roles.

Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage is well suited for aspiring executives and successful leaders across all industries, in addition to coaches working to make these individuals more effective. It is also helpful for readers interested in exploring executive coaching as it provides an overview of the entire process while helping set reasonable expectations of the effort involved on the part of both parties to achieve success. Written in an easily accessible and refreshing style, this text provides timely and substantive guidance for leadership development designed to help today's high performance and oftentimes stressed executives achieve success as they climb the corporate ladder. The dialogues and probing questions afford readers opportunities for self‐reflection as they consider the implications of the key lessons explored in the unfolding story to their unique situation. “By cultivating foundational skills, working on real‐time issues that are relevant to business results, and improving your ability to connect with others, you'll develop the visibility and leadership competency that will prepare you for the next stage in your career and also benefit your company.” The book does not address ways to assess leadership potential or execute and implement strategy, but rather focuses on helping today's fast‐paced business executives become more well‐rounded by slowing down enough to build solid relationships.

Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage is a crisp, fresh book that imparts valuable nuggets of wisdom for individuals aspiring to become a corporate sage to guide their organisations to long‐term, lasting success. It contains tools and techniques that can be quickly applied, as well as provides information regarding additional resources for those seeking more information on executive coaching. Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage is an enjoyable book to read and share with others aspiring to becoming more effective leaders.