Continuing education and personal betterment are two of the more popular goals set for 2016. What better way to learn than by some of the noted authors, such as Tommy Spaulding, in his book The Heart-Led Leader.
In Spaulding’s book, The Heart-Led Leader, he explains what is needed to be a better leader, with each attribute illustrated as one of 18 inches – the distance from your heart to your brain.
Spaulding starts out by saying that the top three questions a heart-led leader ask are:
- How can I serve today?
- How can I make someone smile?
- How can I do right?
One of the first tasks to complete is change the way of thinking from a “what”-driven society to a “who”-driven society. From “What do I want to be when I grow up?” to “Who do I want to be when I grow up?” The journey to becoming a heart-led leader is to start with the “who” – by taking the 19-inch journey from the head to the heart.
A heart led leader. One does not have to be an overly touchy person to lead with the heart, but to be understanding, compassionate and empathetic is most important.
The 18 inches were not surprising, but the manner in which Spaulding explained each of them via true stories from businesses big and small, helped to drive in the reasoning behind each of them. All inches won’t be detailed here, as reading the book is much more beneficial, but some of the more poignant stories are mentioned below.
INCH #6 – AUTHENTICITY: Spaulding explains that respect is given once people acknowledge that you are authentic. As illustrated in the Graebal example, to be a Who Leader, people need to respect the person they work for and not just the position.
INCH #15 – GENEROSITY: Spaulding’s example that we can list Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, etc. because they all accomplished amazing results while facing challenges.
…it takes more than a title to create a legacy. Titles mean little unless they are accompanied by ideas and actions that make a difference in people’s lives.
Generosity is made up of two parts: compassion and commitment.
INCH #16 – HONESTY: How frustrating is it to reach out to someone and not receive a response? It is so important to respond, and do so honestly.
No is an acceptable answer, but no answer at all is not acceptable.
These are just three of the 18 inches, or attributes, that describe how one can become a heart-led leader.
This book is highly recommended for managers and business owners with 2 or 2,000 employees. The attributes make total sense and the stories illustrate how realistic this form of leadership can be.
Christine Goulbourne says
I truly enjoyed reading your review of this seemingly great read. I think the book would also benefit advocates, support group organizers, or other members of the community who often times take the leadership role. Thanks for posting this.
Dana says
I am so glad that you enjoyed the review, Christine! I agree with you about the other leaders that would benefit from reading The Heart Led Leader. It doesn’t only apply to people in the traditional management role.
Natalie says
I’m usually not much into self-help, but this book sounds like something I might enjoy. I like the way that the author frames it around the inches!
Dana says
Spaulding was very creative in how he pointed out the traits one needs by inches, which made it feel less “self help” and more “continuing education-ish”.
Latonya says
I love #16. This is a conversation that I have been having over and over again. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who believes responses are necessary. I may have to check out this book. Thanks for sharing!
Dana says
I agree 100% with you Latonya, I wish more people would just respond. I think you may enjoy this book 🙂
Matt says
Awesome review!
Great timing too as I was just looking for something for my mom’s birthday next week.
Keep up the great work.