Reality-Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama, Restore Sanity to the Workplace, and Turn Excuses Into Results - Hardcover

by Cy Wakeman (Author), Larry Winget (Foreword by)

Leadership strategies grounded in reality and focused on results

Recent polls show that 71% of workers think about quitting their jobs every day. That number would be shocking-if people actually were quitting. Worse, they go to work, punching time clocks and collecting pay checks, while completely checked out emotionally. In Reality-Based Leadership, expert Fast Company blogger Cy Wakeman reveals how to be the kind of leader who changes the way people think about and perceive their circumstances-one who deals with the facts, clarifies roles, gives clear and direct feedback, and insists that everyone do the same-without drama or defensiveness. Filled with dynamic examples, innovative tools, and diagnostic tests, this book shows you how to become a Reality-Based Leader, revealing how to:

• Uncover destructive thought patterns with yourself and others
• Diffuse drama and lead the person in front of you
• Stop managing and start leading, empowering others to focus on facts and think for themselves

Equipped with a facts-based, confident approach, you will free yourself from the frustrations you face at work and transform yourself into a Reality-Based Leader, with the ability to liberate and inspire others.

Front Jacket

Recent polls show that 71% of workers think aboutquitting their jobs every day.

That number would be shocking--if people actually were quitting. Worse, they continue to go to work every day, punching time clocks and collecting paychecks, while completely checked out emotionally.

In Reality-Based Leadership, Cy Wakeman reveals how to be the kind of leader who changes the way people think about and perceive their circumstances--one who deals with the facts, clarifies roles, gives clear and direct feedback, and insists that everyone do the same, without drama or defensiveness.

Filled with dynamic examples, innovative tools, sample dialogues, and diagnostic tests, Reality-Based Leadership shows how to:

• Uncover destructive thought patterns within yourself and others

• Diffuse drama and lead the personin front of you

• Stop managing and start leading, empowering others to focus on facts and think for themselves

Reality-Based Leadership also offers specific strategies to apply when working with teams, to break through resistance, conflicts, and excuses and solve long?standing problems.

Equipped with a facts-based, confident approach, you will free yourself from the frustrations you face at work and transform yourself into a Reality-Based Leader, with the ability to liberate and inspire others.

Back Jacket

Praise for Reality-Based Leadership

"Cy Wakeman deftly shows how Reality-Based Leaders embrace personal accountability--and empower others to do the same. This is a dynamic, winning book that all leaders and managers looking to make their organizations outstanding should read!"--John G. Miller, author, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question and Outstanding!

"I haven't been so moved by a business thinker and visionary in years. Cy Wakeman's message has been heard before--that to truly succeed and grow, we have to check our egos at the door. But never has this counterintuitive insight been so compellingly argued as in this terrific book."--Doug Smith, CEO, Ervin and Smith Advertising and Public Relations

"Cy Wakeman's approach to Reality-Based Leadership is practical, relevant, and exactly what today's leaders really need. This is definitely a must-read for every success-oriented leader and manager."--Jeff A. Hurt, CEO, Southwest Credit

"Cy Wakeman is a brilliant storyteller and coach. She has a profound ability to tell a story that makes you laugh while at the same time cutting through your defenses to help you recognize your need to change. I have worked with Cy for years, and the lessons in this book have helped me create better organizations and a better me."--Jason Lauritsen, vice president, human resources, Union Bank and Trust Company

"You can't afford to lead your organization without this book in hand! Cy Wakeman writes with candor, humor, and unconventional wisdom about how we can be wildly successful."--Amy Dorn Kopelan, president, Bedlam Entertainment Inc., and coauthor, I Didn't See It Coming!

"Cy Wakeman's book delivers a powerful message. The bottom line--this is required reading for all leaders!"--Russ Olson, president and CEO, Liberty Bank

Author Biography

Cy Wakeman is a dynamic, well-respected, national keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and trainer who helps individuals and organizations achieve stellarresults. Cy's background combines four successfulbusiness start-ups with 18 years working and consulting in manufacturing, banking, government, high-tech, and healthcare. She is also an expert blogger forFastCompany.com.