I recently reviewed a book titled The Absolutes of Leadership. The book was written by Philip Crosby, one of the world’s leading consultants in his prime. The book is recommended by Warren Bennis, the world renowned leadership thinker, author and teacher. Suffice it to say that the book contains plenty of excellent food for personal and professional thought and action!
Crosby identifies and discusses what he believes are The Four Absolutes of Leadership, which he describes as:
- A clear agenda
- A personal philosophy
- Enduring relationships
- Worldliness (thinking, seeing, leading from a global perspective)
Crosby also identifies and discusses what he believes are the Five Styles of Leadership, which he describes as:
- The Destructor
- The Procrastinator
- The Caretaker
- The Preparer
- The Accomplisher
The author then lays out what he calls The Leadership – Personality Grid. This grid describes how each leadership style operates relative to each of the Four Absolutes of Leadership. For example, not surprisingly the procrastinator’s reaction to a clear agenda is “I’ll get back to you later on this.” The accomplisher’s reaction to a clear agenda is “we will review milestones each month.”
The caretaker’s reaction to a clear philosophy is “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” The accomplisher’s reaction to a clear philosophy is “I want everyone to know our philosophy.”
The grid, as well as the entire book, provides excellent food for thought… and opportunities for personal and professional improvement. Carefully think through the effectiveness of your leadership style(s) in all kinds of different situations. Carefully examine your day-to-day leadership compared to The Four Absolutes of Leadership. Better yet, ask subordinates and colleagues to use these tools to provide constructive feedback regarding your leadership effectiveness and how you might improve.
We all have multiple blinders and blind spots, many of which we are not aware. This book contains highly relevant information and multiple tools for personal and professional improvement. The book is available via all major book sellers.
“If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” And now it’s up to you!
