
Against the Storm
Description
An original framework for leadership in uncertainty and crises
Against the Storm: How Leaders Prevail When the World Shakes delivers exclusive insights on leading during extreme uncertainty, the threat of chaos where life or livelihood hangs in the balance. Written by retired Brigadier General, accomplished social psychologist, and strategic leader, Tom Kolditz, and highly professional Ukrainian leader developer, Mariana Khomitska, this book draws upon a wealth of real-world experiences to show readers how to lead throughmarket collapses, prioritize employee wellbeing while making necessary strategic pivots, and communicate transparently to maintain stakeholder confidence, such as during a company's response to a sudden and unexpected supply chain disruption.
Using a practical framework that can be applied across industries and roles, this book discusses how to:
- Lead in uncertain times, when followers are driven solely by trust
- Adeptly control dialogue in meetings when the pressures of crisis are apparent
- See ahead and prevent unanticipated catastrophic failures
- Prevent the adoption of flawed plans
- Empower others while maintaining the necessary control over outcomes
- Navigate the nature of guilt and shame in crisis leadership
- Leading through medical uncertainty that emerges in family lifeWork through tragedies in crisis, such as bankruptcies, collapsing relationships, and deaths
Revealing a completely original approach to crisis leadership that other, less-experienced authors simply do not have the experience to formulate, Against the Storm is an eye-opening book for all executives and business leaders seeking true wisdom on how to handle the hardest challenges that will come their way.
More details
Content
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Part I: Understanding the Crucible
Chapter 1. The Nature of Uncertainty
Chapter 2. Crisis as the Leadership Crucible
Chapter 3. The Psychology of Leading in Chaos
Part II: Mindsets for Effective Leadership
Chapter 4. The Leadership Mindset Shift
Chapter 5. The Human Side of Crisis
Part III: Specific Techniques for Leading in Uncertainty
Chapter 6: Creating Constructive Dialogue as a Leader
Chapter 7: Predicting When Your Organization Is Vulnerable
Chapter 8: Fostering Initiative and Empowerment as a Leader
Chapter 9: Avoiding Accepting a Flawed Plan
Chapter 10: Ensuring the Effective Execution of a Plan
Chapter 11: Growing and Maintaining a Learning Organization
Chapter 12: Managing Failure in Crisis
Chapter 13: Leading Through Medical Uncertainty
Chapter 14: Avoiding Political Takedown
Chapter 15: What Does the Future Hold?
Appendixes
Appendix A: Interviewee Biographies
Appendix B: General Interview Questions
References
Acknowledgments
About the Authors