Leadership DNA, Book Two
Recognizing Good and Poor Leadership in the Real World
by
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The seven words that will make any good leader cringe are “But we’ve always done it that way.” These words are especially debilitating to an organization, because they sap the innovation and initiative out of a workforce. But what’s most important and disturbing is that the people who say these words are actually mirroring the attitude of their leaders. A workforce is a reflection of its leadership, or, put another way, leadership gets the workforce it deserves.
Consequently, when a good leader takes over an organization and hears these dreadful seven words emanating from the workforce, he or she will recognize that the people are simply parroting the words, actions, and inactions of the previous leadership. Such organizations and workforces have been mired in a poor leadership–induced, static environment where innovation and initiative are often discouraged or at the very least ignored. Maintaining the status quo, whether consciously or unconsciously, is the standard of poor leadership. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is typically the mantra of poor leaders.
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About the Book
The first book, Leadership DNA examined the false premise that anyone can be a leader. Paul Okum, a former US Army officer who has held numerous executive positions with the federal government, builds upon those insights in this second book, sharing techniques to identify, select, and help born leaders enhance their skills. He explores how good leaders effectively overcome forty different types of challenges through short essays. Learn how to • avoid one-size-fits-all formulas; • use innate talents to deal with and solve challenges; • embrace the art of leadership over the science of leadership; and • weave a message of hope and confidence that others can embrace. Okum also explains what leadership isn’t—toppling the arguments of leadership gurus who argue that leadership can be managed. The problem with that approach, he says, is that you cannot choreograph a leader’s response to a wide range of human activity and organizational change. You cannot view leadership like a scientific calculation where adherence to formulas equals good leadership. Whether you’re a politician, business executive, or concerned citizen, you’ll be empowered to accomplish objectives with the insights in the second book of Leadership DNA.
About the Author
Paul Okum graduated from Temple University with a degree in business administration. A former U.S. Army officer, he has been an executive with the federal government in the Departments of Transportation, Interior, and Army, and was a human resources director with the Defense Department. He received six commendation medals for superior service. Visit his website at www.PaulOkum.com.