A Leader Worth Following: How to Master Yourself, Influence Others, and Create Exceptional Experiences - Hardcover

by Benjamin Granger (Author)

An exciting new approach to leadership grounded in proven experience management techniques and the latest research in human psychology

In A Leader Worth Following, Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics and expert in experience management, Dr. Benjamin Granger, offers a transformative and exciting new approach to business leadership. Dr. Granger combines proven experience management principles with cutting-edge human psychology research to create a framework in which soft skills, characterized by emotional intelligence, human-centered behavior, and clear, compassionate communication, anchor your leadership style and help you earn followership.

The book provides new and experienced leaders with a holistic blueprint for modern leadership. You'll find practical strategies that spur a powerful mindset shift that generates exceptional performance amongst your team members, even when facing rapid and unpredictable change. You'll also discover specific tactics you can implement immediately to master your mind and body and dramatically upgrade your communication skills and influence.

Inside the book:

• Evidence- and research-based instructions to build your capacities for effective communication, empathy, listening, and body language
• Techniques to understand the world through the eyes of your collaborators, helping you internalize their perspectives and form genuine personal connections
• Mind-expanding thought experiments and explanations of the brain science that underpin the tactics discussed in the book

Perfect for managers, executives, directors, and other business leaders, A Leader Worth Following is also a must-read for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone with an interest in helping those around them achieve their full potential.

Front Jacket

Contemporary leaders must answer countless questions as they navigate markets that refuse to stay the same one day to the next. How do you inspire your team when economic uncertainty looms? How do you maintain trust and engagement during rapid organizational change? Why do traditional leadership approaches seem increasingly ineffective when employees expect more humanity, authenticity, and purpose from their leaders?

In A Leader Worth Following, Dr. Benjamin Granger, Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics, delivers a transformative approach to leadership. Drawing on proven Experience Management principles and cutting-edge human psychology research, Dr. Granger demonstrates why so-called "soft skills"--communication, empathy, listening, and emotional intelligence--are the core competencies that separate exceptional leaders from the rest. This book provides the science-backed framework leaders need to earn genuine followership and drive exceptional performance in an environment of constant disruption.

A Leader Worth Following takes readers on a journey through the human mind, exploring the neuroscientific and psychological underpinnings of effective leadership. Rather than offering superficial best practices, Dr. Granger reveals the foundational psychological principles that drive lasting behavioral change. Each chapter focuses on a key dimension of leadership and self-mastery. The author introduces mind-expanding thought experiments, body language tactics, and research-backed strategies for spurring powerful mindset shifts that generate exceptional performance.

Perfect for managers, executives, directors, and other business leaders at every level, A Leader Worth Following is essential reading for anyone in a position to influence others. Whether you're a new manager learning to lead for the first time, a seasoned executive navigating unprecedented change, or an entrepreneur building a high-performing team, this book provides the blueprint you need to become a leader people genuinely want to follow.

Back Jacket

PRAISE FOR A Leader Worth Following

"It is extremely rare to find a leadership book that takes a holistic perspective to success and thriving. This book is just that--its thoughtful and grounded content spans the mind, the body, and behavior, all designed to maximize positive impact. This is a must-read book for all leaders, but especially first-time managers."
--STEVEN G. ROGELBERG, PhD, Chancellor's Professor, UNC Charlotte and Co-Editor, Journal of Business and Psychology and author of Glad We Met and The Surprising Science of Meetings

"Dr. Granger has written a rare kind of leadership book; scientifically rigorous, heartfelt, and highly practical. He draws on disciplines as diverse as organizational psychology, neuroscience and quantum physics, weaving them into familiar corporate challenges with warmth and clarity. I found myself fully immersed, gaining new perspectives that will stay with me long after reading. This is a must-read for anyone who believes leadership skills matter more now than ever."
--SARAH MARRS, Center of Excellence Global Lead, Awardco

"In this highly practical book, Ben Granger weaves together business case studies, scientific research, humorous anecdotes, and homespun wisdom into an enlightening and engaging guide on how to be a leader who not only brings out the best in those they lead, but also in themselves."
--STEVEN T. HUNT, PhD, i3 Talent LLC; Former Chief Expert, Workplace & Technology, SAP; and author of Talent Tectonics, Common Sense Talent Management, and Hiring Success

"What sets this book apart is Ben's ability to pull insights from diverse areas--evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, physics, leadership studies--and combine these into unique frameworks for your own leadership. Ben writes with humor, humility, and authenticity, peppering his lessons with some good ole Cajun seasoning that makes the book feel like a lively conversation. He can make you laugh one moment and rethink your leadership philosophy the next."
--ANDY BIGA, PhD, Chief People Officer, GoHealth Urgent Care

Author Biography

Benjamin Granger, PhD, is Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics and has over fifteen years' experience building, running, and optimizing Experience Management programs across hundreds of global organizations. His research has been published in academic and business media, including CNBC, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. He earned his doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of South Florida.