Scaling Pyramids

Rezensionen / Stimmen

In "Scaling Pyramids," Chris offers a candid and insightful exploration of the often-misunderstood world of bureaucracy. As his friend, I've had the privilege of witnessing his dedication and thoughtful approach to leadership. This book is a testament to his journey through the "Department of Pyramids," where he navigated the complexities of hierarchical structures while fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency.

Chris's experiences, from his early days as an entry-level employee to his mid-level management roles, are filled with valuable lessons on leadership and personal growth. He shares practical advice on understanding your values, managing your strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of self-care. His stories about leading others are equally compelling, offering strategies for building alliances, motivating employees, and developing leadership character.

What sets this book apart is Chris's ability to relate his experiences to broader organizational principles. Whether you're an entry-level employee or a mid-level manager, you'll find his insights on communicating vision, navigating the pyramid, and leveraging project teams incredibly useful. Chris's approach to leadership is both practical and inspiring, making this book a must-read for anyone in a leadership role, and those endeavoring to someday be.

Nick Anderson, CEO OneAccord

In my executive coaching work, I frequently encounter new professionals trying to understand how to manage teams and navigate a bureaucracy. Too often leadership books target senior level leaders managing down, but there is not enough support for the entry- or mid- level manager trying to manage up. In Scaling Pyramids, Chris dives into this conundrum with a practical guide containing real life lessons on how to navigate an organization and maximize influence.

Grounding his readers in tried and tested values, Chris balances his actual experience in crisis management with immediately applicable lessons on how to gain traction with fresh ideas, deal with the Alpha in an office, and stand out from the group while keeping the team in front. Whether it's responding to 9/11 while overseas or revamping an entirely new Department as a low level manager, Chris guides his readers with a fresh approach in how to apply leadership principles he has personally learned regardless of the complexity of the situation. Professionals will come away better equipped to manage their teams, navigate their bureaucracies, and find upward success while holding true to their values. A book not to be missed.

Stephanie Mikulasek, ServantEDGE Coaching
Former U.S. Diplomat

"I am a mid-level bureaucrat." Christopher Stitt begins this book Scaling Pyramids with a startling statement given the socio-political environment we live in. What can I possibly learn from being stuck in the swamp? But what he discovers is that this is every man's journey, every organization's journey. And there is a way to navigate this human organizational construct that delivers purpose, dignity, and value.

Ron Worman, The Sage Group (R)

Chris' portrayal of his lived experience as a mid-level government bureaucrat is a masterclass in navigating leadership challenges in both government and corporate settings. Leaders in the industry will identify with the challenges he describes and will take note of the best practices and solutions. This book is a simple to digest and good read for anyone embarking on their first leadership position in government or the private sector.

Brian Cooke, DSS Special Agent - Retired,
Fortune 25 company security leader,
Security & Intelligence Consultant

Who knew you could learn about leadership from a long-time mid-level government employee? You can when he's Christopher Stitt, a self-described bureaucrat who navigated his way to leadership--in practice and influence if not in title--during an impressive career at the Department of State.

To generalize his experiences, Stitt uses the playful "Department of Pyramids" as a stand-in for his actual employer. He mines his globetrotting governmental career to provide unexpected insights into leadership, tying in lessons from his youth as an Eagle Scout and a Dungeons & Dragons devotee. Nuggets of wisdom emerge from such far-flung posts in Central America and Africa.

With wit and warmth, Chris describes his journey and leaves helpful breadcrumbs for fellow bureaucrats with leadership aspirations. It's a compelling read from a charmingly earnest guide.

Michael Gips, Managing Director for ESRM at Kroll
Former Chief Knowledge Officer at ASIS International
#1Globally Ranked thought leader in security