by Deborah E. McGee
For the past 18 months, I have had the incredible honor of working on a leadership book with Forbes/Advantage Books, and I am thrilled to announce that it is finally coming to publication. You may be wondering what inspired me to write this book and why Forbes saw value in sharing my story with the world. The answer lies in the Attitude of Leaders, particularly my own attitude towards leadership.
As a baby boomer who began her professional career in the 80s and 90s, my experiences and training were vastly different from those in today’s workforce. I often joke that I am sure my staff is glad that I don’t use the tough love and no-nonsense approach that was the norm during my early days in the workforce. The Leadership Attitude chronicles my journey through the shifting landscapes of leadership, from the traditional expectations of decades past to the evolving demands of the present day.
One of the key themes of my book is the concept of losing oneself in the expectations of a role. Throughout my career, I found myself conforming to the expectations of others, suppressing aspects of my true self to fit in and succeed in the corporate world. The cover of my book features a faint image of a man in the background, whom I affectionately refer to as my “Business Jesus.” He represents the traditional ideals of leadership that I aspire to embody. I realized that true leadership is not about fitting into a predetermined mold, but rather about embracing one’s unique strengths and qualities and embracing the uniqueness of others. It wasn’t until I embraced my authentic self – flaws and all – and began to follow those standards of leadership displayed by Jesus, that I truly began to flourish as a leader.
Within the pages of my book, I explore defining moments throughout my career that shaped my leadership attitude. I delve into the 5 Ws (what, why, where, when, and who) that impacted my transformation from a conventional leader to an authentic, wholehearted one. I share personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and insights gained along the way, offering readers a glimpse into my evolution as a leader.
As I reflect on the process of writing this book, I am struck by the powerful influence that our attitudes as leaders can have on both ourselves and those around us. By cultivating a positive, authentic leadership attitude, we have the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower those under our guidance.
I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth, as we explore the transformative power of leadership attitudes. Whether you are a seasoned executive, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to enhance your leadership skills, I believe that my story will resonate with you and offer valuable insights into the art of leadership.
The Leadership Attitude is more than just a book – it is a testament to the enduring power of authenticity, resilience, and self-discovery in the realm of leadership. I am thrilled to share my story with the world, and I hope that it will inspire others to embrace their true selves and lead with passion and purpose.
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