The Little Book Of Leadership Development

The Little Book of Leadership Development, by Scott J. Allen and Mitchell Kusy, is a very compelling read, packed with practical tips and techniques for both leading and helping others to learn how to lead effectively.

What you'll find is basically 50 one- to two-page chapters, each highlighting a leadership tip.  Some tips seem easy and no-brainers. Others are more difficult to implement.  But, even the "easy" ones are surprisingly absent from many organizations, so they are well worth a reminder of what to do and how to do it correctly.

Here are some of my favorite parts of the book that highlight the keen observations by the authors:

• As a leader, if you are active, involved, and perceived by members of your team as an individual who care about their development and growth, you will increase your chances of success and theirs.
• Your team needs to know your expectations, goals, vision, and, most important, how each individual adds value.
• Rewards and recognition are particularly effective when the award was developed by team members and represent peer-to-peer recognition.
• Nothing is more frustrating than working for a manager who does not communicate organizational or community information.
• When you have no new news, letting your team know that you have nothing to report lets the team know you haven't forgotten about them.
• Coaching works best when you set clear expectations and stretch goals; challenge and support; monitor performance; provide feedback in small, concrete chunks; follow up consistently.
• At all times, everyone on your team should be working on a least one project that is taking their skills to the next level.
• Adults learn best through reflection. 
• Encourage team members to debate all sides of an issue intellectually and they will be more apt to think more innovatively than those who view an issue in a dualistic--absolute right or wrong -- manner.
• The more often your team members hear a consistent message, the more likely they will understand that what you are saying is important and credible.
• Create a culture where, if someone complains, they know that they will be expected to be part of the solution.
• Great leaders are great teachers.

This book seems ideal for busy managers who don't have lots of time to read leadership books.  It's only 132 pages. And, it would be a great first book to share with managers new to their leadership role.