The Will to Lead: Running a Business with a Network of Leaders by Marvin Bower

From the Publisher

The Will to Lead draws on Bower's years of experience to present his highly personal vision of what it takes to lead people to work together effectively. Rejecting the command-and-control style of managing that has built so many great companies, Bower argues that in today's intensely competitive global marketplace, it is no longer the best way to run most businesses. Instead, he urges senior executives to turn their firms into true leadership companies by replacing bosses with a network of leaders and leadership teams placed strategically throughout the company. Bower describes how such a flexible leadership network will help companies improve performance dramatically by enabling people to learn leadership on the job; develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem; work together more effectively, efficiently, and creatively; and speak freely and candidly with their leaders without fear of sanction even when they openly disagree. Weaving in stories and lessons from his own journey as advisor, mentor, and colleague, Bower outlines steps for creating a leadership company and addresses one of the most pressing problems that today's corporate leaders face: attracting talented people.

Library Journal

At least since World War II, "command and control" has been the dominant model for running organizations, but this concept is being seriously reconsidered today. Bower sums up over 60 years of experience with McKinsey & Co.an international management consulting firmwith personal advice on how to run a business built on a network of leaders. His background qualifies him to comment on such business strategies as leading vs. commanding, developing leaders and leadership teams, and leading governing boards. The author is a straight shooter, offering a legitimate alternative to the massive leadership hype that fills the shelves these days. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.Dale F. Farris, Groves, Tex.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents