Be the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For

A Guide for New Leaders

Berrett-Koehler, 2016

15 min read

10 take-aways

Audio & text

What's inside?

Are you prepared to be a boss? Learn how to “flip your script” to succeed in your new role.

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Editorial Rating

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Recommendation

Most new leaders get almost no training. Psychologist William Gentry helps fill this void with tools, advice and guidance for “entry-level and first-level supervisors, managers and directors.” His goal is to help you “flip your script” – to invert “mind-set, skill set, relationships, attitude, perspective and focus” to become an effective leader. Though his tips may not be groundbreaking, Gentry draws from solid research and relevant personal experience. The book includes practical exercises for learning the leadership skills he discusses. getAbstract recommends the sensible guidebook to anyone newly promoted into a leadership position and to those who train leaders.

Summary

Your New Role Requires New Skills

Without proper training, first-time leaders often struggle as they discover how being a boss is different from being an employee. Within the first year and a half after a promotion, 40% of new bosses fail. Four out of five “frontline leaders” feel disappointed about their track record and 70% of senior managers think that new, young leaders suffer from poor job performance.

The transition to being a boss isn’t easy. You need to be willing to change. Don’t let initial successes or failures, or personal weaknesses or strengths that evolve into liabilities derail you. Embark on new leader education, using a blend of practical training, scientific research and artistic living to shape new approaches to your work.

True leadership yields three outcomes:

“Direction” – Leaders help their team identify and work toward the same goal.
“Alignment” – The leader makes sure that each team member is aware of what’s going on, knows his or her responsibilities, and understands the metrics that the team is using to evaluate its work.
“Commitment” – As a leader, you ...

About the Author

Industrial-organizational psychologist William Gentry, PhD, focuses on leader efficacy. A director and a senior research scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership, he provides additional resources at WilliamGentryLeads.com.

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E. C. 6 years ago

Has anyone read this book, or can recommend a book with a similar theme but a better version?
J. C. 6 years ago

I think is really important take the actitude with a leader for fix diferent troubles.

William Gentry PhD