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Straight-Line Leadership: Tools for Living with Velocity and Power in Turbulent Times
Straight-Line Tools for Living with Velocity and Power in Turbulent Times is Dusan Djukich's highly anticipated introduction to his potent world of straight-line coaching. Within these pages he dramatically unveils exactly what it takes to live a powerful and effective life both personally and professionally. Regardless if you are a CEO, small business owner, parent, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, you will learn to master powerful distinctions that you can apply immediately to resolve the challenges that you are presently up against. You will also become adept at assisting others in solving their most pressing problems with precision and grace.
"This book boldly demonstrates why Djukich is regarded as the ultimate performance catalyst to business. He simply kicks the hell out of the sacred cows that keep individuals and businesses stuck." Brandon Craig, CEO, BiltRite Corporation
"This book boldly demonstrates why Djukich is regarded as the ultimate performance catalyst to business. He simply kicks the hell out of the sacred cows that keep individuals and businesses stuck." Brandon Craig, CEO, BiltRite Corporation
248 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2011
142 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
About the author
Dusan Djukich
3 books15 followersDusan is co-founder and a Senior Partner for Corporate Reinvention Associates, a global coaching firm that specializes in individual and organizational performance. He is the creator and developer of Straight-Line Coaching technologies. For the last 24 years, Dusan has been privileged to work with more than 5,000 entrepreneurs, Senior-Level Executives and highly committed individuals from all walks of life in creating unreasonable results with his unconventional coaching style. "Straight-Line Leadership: Tools for Living with Velocity and Power in Turbulent Times" is Dusan's highly anticipated introduction to his potent world of straight-line coaching. Within these pages he dramatically unveils exactly what it takes to live a powerful and effective life both personally and professionally. Regardless if you are a CEO, small business owner, parent, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, you will learn to master powerful distinctions that you can apply immediately to resolve the challenges that you are presently up against. You will also become adept at assisting others in solving their most pressing problems with precision and grace.
"This book boldly demonstrates why Djukich is regarded as the ultimate performance catalyst to business. He simply kicks the hell out of the sacred cows that keep individuals and businesses stuck."
-Brandon Craig, CEO, BiltRite Corporation
"Anyone interested in becoming a great leader needs to read this book. Dusan's straight-forward approach will clarify your objectives, motivate you to succeed and encourage you to overcome the excuses that hold you back from being a world-class leader."
-Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft and New York Times Best-selling author of "Conquer the Chaos"
"Not some lame theory. Brutally direct and brilliant."
-Kent H. Hillhouse, Major General, US Army
"I've never read anything like it. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. It gets at the very nature of what it takes to live a powerful and effective life."
-Stephen Purvis, Executive Vice President, Trident Investments
"This book boldly demonstrates why Djukich is regarded as the ultimate performance catalyst to business. He simply kicks the hell out of the sacred cows that keep individuals and businesses stuck."
-Brandon Craig, CEO, BiltRite Corporation
"Anyone interested in becoming a great leader needs to read this book. Dusan's straight-forward approach will clarify your objectives, motivate you to succeed and encourage you to overcome the excuses that hold you back from being a world-class leader."
-Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft and New York Times Best-selling author of "Conquer the Chaos"
"Not some lame theory. Brutally direct and brilliant."
-Kent H. Hillhouse, Major General, US Army
"I've never read anything like it. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. It gets at the very nature of what it takes to live a powerful and effective life."
-Stephen Purvis, Executive Vice President, Trident Investments
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 1, 2017
I enjoyed this one on straight-line leadership, which I take down to one single word: ACTION. That matches my word for the year. This book was a little kick in the pants. It's time to take ACTION. Take responsibility. Make it happen.
I like how the book continues to refer to what Dusan calls the "inner stance", which relates to mindset and perception. This is a huge part of the ability to get things done, or to continue in circles. I totally related to the circle and zig zag analogies, the never-ending busyness, without ever getting things done, or getting pumped up about a new idea, to have it fizzle out a short time later.
The straight-line approach takes a step back with continual focus on how to get from point A to point B, and to take the proper action. "You can achieve anything when you stay focused on how it can be done."
I like how the book continues to refer to what Dusan calls the "inner stance", which relates to mindset and perception. This is a huge part of the ability to get things done, or to continue in circles. I totally related to the circle and zig zag analogies, the never-ending busyness, without ever getting things done, or getting pumped up about a new idea, to have it fizzle out a short time later.
The straight-line approach takes a step back with continual focus on how to get from point A to point B, and to take the proper action. "You can achieve anything when you stay focused on how it can be done."
December 23, 2023
I typically stay away from the self help genre largely because it’s 90% fluff that the author uses to vamp for ~200 pages in order to justify selling a book. I read this one because it was recommended by a YouTube channel I like, and the length isn’t bad from a time investment stand point. The first 1/2 of the book is actually not bad, there’s some decent advice that, while not being revolutionary, is put in a way that you may not have previously thought or considered. By the time you get past chapter 20 (very short chapters) it’s extremely repetitive and ends up being the usual masturbatory bleh that plagues most of this genre. Realistically you could watch a video summary about this book and probably end up with 85% of the same takeaways you’d get from reading it, which is more than enough.
September 21, 2019
Cuts Through Typical Success Literature Fluff & Makes a Real Difference
For me and our family, this book has become an instant classic. We've had more stimulating discussions, breakthroughs and powerful, fundamental shifts in the way we think about and do things in business, and our lives.
I would recommend it to anyone who who is actually ready for real change, and serious enough to take the steps recommended by the author.
So, so, so Good!!
For me and our family, this book has become an instant classic. We've had more stimulating discussions, breakthroughs and powerful, fundamental shifts in the way we think about and do things in business, and our lives.
I would recommend it to anyone who who is actually ready for real change, and serious enough to take the steps recommended by the author.
So, so, so Good!!
February 23, 2025
"Als je doet wat van belang is, bespaar je enorm veel tijd en energie"
Een super boek waarbij je op basis van verschillende distincties beter inzicht krijgt om in 1 rechte lijn van punt A naar punt B te gaan.
1 van de management boeken die daadwerkelijk toepasbare tips geeft om beter te worden.
Een super boek waarbij je op basis van verschillende distincties beter inzicht krijgt om in 1 rechte lijn van punt A naar punt B te gaan.
1 van de management boeken die daadwerkelijk toepasbare tips geeft om beter te worden.
March 6, 2019
One of the best books I have ever read.
Should be re-read on a daily/weekly basis.
Should be re-read on a daily/weekly basis.
April 13, 2021
Do the thing that you want to be done. Don't talk about it, don't think about it, don't strategize about it, just do it. Everything from business to learning to becoming stronger.
Decent book on this concept, and not a bad read.
Decent book on this concept, and not a bad read.
September 15, 2011
What a fantastic book. The concepts are simple but effective. I am going to recommend and share this book everyone I know. Thanks Dusan.
April 6, 2023
Some books are full of fluff. This book is not one of them. It is succinct and powerful and explains principles of self-leadership in short chapters and with clear distinctions.
In the world of self-help books filled with useless anecdotes and 30 pages chapters that could be condensed into 3, this book stands out as a breath of fresh air.
What I liked about it:
* Substance: information delivered in a clear way with no unnecessary language
* The distinction of straight line, circle and zigzag and starting vs. stopping alone are worth the price of the book.
Circle people are doing the same unworkable actions and hoping for their lives to improve
Zigzag people start and stop and go through the cycles of high productivity and no action like salesmen who hit their sales target in the first half of the month and then coast.
Straight line individuals learn to take control of their inner stance (another superb concept Djukich introduces) to achieve their goals.
* Inner stance is our state of being which determines the actions we take or don't take. It is in our control but we are usually not using it consciously.
* The book organized in a way where you can randomly pick a chapter, read it and apply it. You do not need to read the whole book in sequence.
What I didn't like about it:
Nothing. It is one of the top 20 books along with Tao Te Ching and 80/20 Principle that I will probably re-read my whole life.
Read it. You will not regret it.
Further reading:
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less
In the world of self-help books filled with useless anecdotes and 30 pages chapters that could be condensed into 3, this book stands out as a breath of fresh air.
What I liked about it:
* Substance: information delivered in a clear way with no unnecessary language
* The distinction of straight line, circle and zigzag and starting vs. stopping alone are worth the price of the book.
Circle people are doing the same unworkable actions and hoping for their lives to improve
Zigzag people start and stop and go through the cycles of high productivity and no action like salesmen who hit their sales target in the first half of the month and then coast.
Straight line individuals learn to take control of their inner stance (another superb concept Djukich introduces) to achieve their goals.
* Inner stance is our state of being which determines the actions we take or don't take. It is in our control but we are usually not using it consciously.
* The book organized in a way where you can randomly pick a chapter, read it and apply it. You do not need to read the whole book in sequence.
What I didn't like about it:
Nothing. It is one of the top 20 books along with Tao Te Ching and 80/20 Principle that I will probably re-read my whole life.
Read it. You will not regret it.
Further reading:
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less
November 6, 2021
**Summary:
Just as the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, the most direct way to reach a desired result is by taking the necessary required actions. The reason people don’t achieve their goals isn't lack of information. They simply haven’t taken the necessary required actions. In order to do what’s required, we must come from a powerful inner stance. For example, we must be focused on how something can be done versus why it can’t be done.
**How this relates to other things:
This relates to The Slight Edge because it emphasizes the importance of taking action over acquiring knowledge.
This relates to Don’t Let The Fear Win because it emphasizes productivity over busyness and reminds us that we often do useless “circle” tasks in order to avoid the direct action that would get us where we want to go but might be less comfortable.
**Actions:
When you find yourself seeking new systems in order to get a result, ask whether you are going in a “circle” to avoid doing what you already know would work. Write down what you want, write down what’s required to get there, decide if you are willing to pay that price, and then take the necessary required actions.
Just as the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, the most direct way to reach a desired result is by taking the necessary required actions. The reason people don’t achieve their goals isn't lack of information. They simply haven’t taken the necessary required actions. In order to do what’s required, we must come from a powerful inner stance. For example, we must be focused on how something can be done versus why it can’t be done.
**How this relates to other things:
This relates to The Slight Edge because it emphasizes the importance of taking action over acquiring knowledge.
This relates to Don’t Let The Fear Win because it emphasizes productivity over busyness and reminds us that we often do useless “circle” tasks in order to avoid the direct action that would get us where we want to go but might be less comfortable.
**Actions:
When you find yourself seeking new systems in order to get a result, ask whether you are going in a “circle” to avoid doing what you already know would work. Write down what you want, write down what’s required to get there, decide if you are willing to pay that price, and then take the necessary required actions.
April 14, 2019
I read the book Straight Line Leadership twice as an introduction to a seminar by the Straight Line Business School.
Similar books focus on the analysis, systematics and explanation of things.
This book is different. It’s a call for action.
Don’t over-analyse, don’t hesitate, but be the right person, decide, take responsibility and take action.
Make it happen. Get things done.
Especially the following key sentences capture a lot of the core message:
‘Be brutally honest with yourself’
‘The right time to make impact is now’.
‘Make every ceiling a new floor’.
As this book has 50 chapters, I’d title it “50 steps to action.”
TONY VYNCKIER
Similar books focus on the analysis, systematics and explanation of things.
This book is different. It’s a call for action.
Don’t over-analyse, don’t hesitate, but be the right person, decide, take responsibility and take action.
Make it happen. Get things done.
Especially the following key sentences capture a lot of the core message:
‘Be brutally honest with yourself’
‘The right time to make impact is now’.
‘Make every ceiling a new floor’.
As this book has 50 chapters, I’d title it “50 steps to action.”
TONY VYNCKIER
March 5, 2024
The best description for this book I could come up with is that it's like a glittery unicorn of the self-help realm. It's seems charming in theory, but ellusive when you're trying to saddle it for a practical application in real life.
It's crammed with bold statements about cutting through life's complexities with the precision of a laser beam, but it will leave you wandering in a maze of motivational fluff, searching for the bread crumbs of actionable advice that one could apply in his/her life.
In a world craving the meat and potatoes of tangible guidance, this book feels like a beautifully set table... minus the main course.
It's crammed with bold statements about cutting through life's complexities with the precision of a laser beam, but it will leave you wandering in a maze of motivational fluff, searching for the bread crumbs of actionable advice that one could apply in his/her life.
In a world craving the meat and potatoes of tangible guidance, this book feels like a beautifully set table... minus the main course.
June 18, 2021
I did not know or have any intention of reading this book. It was all a synchronicity.
I was listening to an old podcast that had Travis Sago. It mentioned this book. And then I saw Chris Daigle posted a link on FB for the free e-book from the author.
I believe this is a message from the universe.
This book is a very straightforward, no nonsense book.
Everything depends from your inner stance and how you operate.
You have a choice.
Do what is needed to be done.
Commit.
Be valuable and contribute.
I was listening to an old podcast that had Travis Sago. It mentioned this book. And then I saw Chris Daigle posted a link on FB for the free e-book from the author.
I believe this is a message from the universe.
This book is a very straightforward, no nonsense book.
Everything depends from your inner stance and how you operate.
You have a choice.
Do what is needed to be done.
Commit.
Be valuable and contribute.
Read
December 21, 2022A Must Read - I needed this book at this time in my life.
I need to be inspired and I am! As a 20 year retired First Sergeant, Army Combat Infantry Veteran, I have read many leadership books. The book was recommended reading. Recommended reading at the "Service Academies." At age 69,I needed this book to help me focus on what I need to do for my personal and professional career choices. I can use it help others and hope to also inspire like I am.
I need to be inspired and I am! As a 20 year retired First Sergeant, Army Combat Infantry Veteran, I have read many leadership books. The book was recommended reading. Recommended reading at the "Service Academies." At age 69,I needed this book to help me focus on what I need to do for my personal and professional career choices. I can use it help others and hope to also inspire like I am.
August 23, 2019
Like a positive punch in the face
A brilliant ruthlessly honest book for you to see your life through. Clearly see the things which have been stopping you get from a to b. Practical and useful with short chapters to snap you back into awareness of your ineffective patterns preventing you from living your best life.
A brilliant ruthlessly honest book for you to see your life through. Clearly see the things which have been stopping you get from a to b. Practical and useful with short chapters to snap you back into awareness of your ineffective patterns preventing you from living your best life.
January 12, 2020
One of the best leadership books I've read - it's a very simple principle this book is based on, and there a ton of actionable lessons as takeaways. This book doesn't contain any unnecessary stories or lessons, this is a very sharp and to the point book. I'd highly recommend this if you ever feel stuck and need a kick to get your life/ an area of your life moving.
May 10, 2020
Insanely good book
This book is a master piece it covers so much more than leadership, it bring into reality the key in how one lives and conducts themselves. By reframing inturnally, how we think, act, behave comes down to choices. With these productivity isnt the purpose, success is outcome there the sideffects.
This book is a master piece it covers so much more than leadership, it bring into reality the key in how one lives and conducts themselves. By reframing inturnally, how we think, act, behave comes down to choices. With these productivity isnt the purpose, success is outcome there the sideffects.
October 18, 2020
Good book, but why the 2 stars?? Because their program, that you would buy after having read the book is just a repetition of this book!! Don't get fooled, this is a real big rip-off, not at all authentic and working on your fear mindset, even if they claim they don't. The book itself is quite ok, but not the best I read on this matter either.
September 20, 2022
This is an excellent book for getting things done. Loads of examples of how to work through different scenarios.
Dusan puts everything in a 'no messing about' way. A few times through the book I related closely to the examples and have managed to dig myself out of a hole in my business.
Dusan puts everything in a 'no messing about' way. A few times through the book I related closely to the examples and have managed to dig myself out of a hole in my business.
November 21, 2023
Ever been coached by a book??
This book read like Dusan knew me. The simple and powerful realizations from this back will change the trajectory of my life when I apply them.
The tools in this book are simple to integrate into life. Phenomenal book.
This book read like Dusan knew me. The simple and powerful realizations from this back will change the trajectory of my life when I apply them.
The tools in this book are simple to integrate into life. Phenomenal book.
January 18, 2018
Excellent book!! I came across this books years ago and still use its contents on a daily base. Raw and straightforward.
January 20, 2020
No bullshit one hell of a book.
March 5, 2022
Interessante kijk. Laat me zeker nadenken over hoe ik zelf dingen bekijk/benader. Veel is ook wel al snel toe te passen.
June 24, 2023
DNF @ 30%. Awful writing with alot of repetition, vague nonsensical paragraphs of just fumbling and alot of short "heavy" statements stacked on top of each other trying to grasp at a deeper meaning.
October 24, 2023
What a book! In terms of a self help book for getting business results, I cannot think of a better one.
December 3, 2023
So many good principles
Read this if you need that extra kick in the rear. You probably already know most of this. But. It’s all here. In one place.
Read this if you need that extra kick in the rear. You probably already know most of this. But. It’s all here. In one place.
May 29, 2020
Good, easy read
Author makes it clear on each stance what we should be doing and why. There are no long stories about someone’s life.
Author makes it clear on each stance what we should be doing and why. There are no long stories about someone’s life.
October 25, 2024
I thought that the Dutch version was too heavy on the english words and too many empty concepts. The essence of the book is good tho and a great message
August 9, 2023
Dusan cuts through many concepts that we allow ourselves to slow down with. He has a very effective way to communication the useful and less useful concepts and beliefs that I leave this book empowered! Thank you for the recommendation Benjamin!
June 15, 2011
Refer to this book often and change your life:
Only a few pages into reading Straight-Line Leadership, I knew I had found the perfect textbook for my business class for women entrepreneurs. Finally, a book that pulls it all together and shares this life-changing information with clarity, strength, and power. If you are ready for straight talk, if you are ready to have some sacred cows challenged, if you are ready to be inspired, if you are ready to fully step into your life, then having this book on your shelf, for easy and frequent reference, is an absolute MUST. I go back this book again and again, always finding another powerful distinction that I can use in the moment to move my business and my life forward. I am truly grateful to Dusan Djukich for having gifted us with the incredible depth and breadth of his experience and sharing it with us in this accessible way.
Only a few pages into reading Straight-Line Leadership, I knew I had found the perfect textbook for my business class for women entrepreneurs. Finally, a book that pulls it all together and shares this life-changing information with clarity, strength, and power. If you are ready for straight talk, if you are ready to have some sacred cows challenged, if you are ready to be inspired, if you are ready to fully step into your life, then having this book on your shelf, for easy and frequent reference, is an absolute MUST. I go back this book again and again, always finding another powerful distinction that I can use in the moment to move my business and my life forward. I am truly grateful to Dusan Djukich for having gifted us with the incredible depth and breadth of his experience and sharing it with us in this accessible way.
November 8, 2014
I loved this book from go. At one point during my consumption of it, my teenager asked what was the point to highlight everything -- wasn't the purpose of highlighting for the most memorable parts so I would know what to come back to?
She's correct. The entire book is a come back to for me.
I've already been recommending to clients, particularly company presidents, managing directors, CEOs, anyone in a leadership position with direct reports.
If you're interested in a direct approach to your understanding and application of leadership, then this is your book. Because, yes, leadership is learned and relearned and practiced and learned anew.
She's correct. The entire book is a come back to for me.
I've already been recommending to clients, particularly company presidents, managing directors, CEOs, anyone in a leadership position with direct reports.
If you're interested in a direct approach to your understanding and application of leadership, then this is your book. Because, yes, leadership is learned and relearned and practiced and learned anew.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews