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Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes Everything
A guide to solving problems presents seven principles that enable individuals to be their own agents of change.
184 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2011
About the author
John B. Izzo
14 books18 followersJohn Izzo is the bestselling author of six books and has advised over 500 companies across the globe on creating high engagement, purpose-driven workplaces. He has personally spoken to over one million people and his work has been featured by the likes of Fast Company, Investor’s Business Daily, CNN, Inc. Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal.
He has been a pioneer in understanding the future of workplace trends and what companies must do to succeed in the rapidly shifting world of new expectations. Twice in his career he was a pioneer both in employee engagement and corporate social responsibility (Awakening Corporate Soul, 1994) and changing employee values (Values Shift, 2002/2005). His latest books, the Five Thieves of Happiness and Purpose Revolution will be released in 2017.
He has been a pioneer in understanding the future of workplace trends and what companies must do to succeed in the rapidly shifting world of new expectations. Twice in his career he was a pioneer both in employee engagement and corporate social responsibility (Awakening Corporate Soul, 1994) and changing employee values (Values Shift, 2002/2005). His latest books, the Five Thieves of Happiness and Purpose Revolution will be released in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 2, 2019
"You know people who accept responsibility — aren't they great to be around?" vii, from the forward.
The focus of this book is a worthy one. The author provides many real life examples of people stepping up and doing the right thing and how it has helped their lives and businesses.
Unfortunately, it just reads like one cliché after another and I had a difficult time connecting with it.
Stepping up is seeing a need and deciding YOU are the right person to do something about it." pg x.
I do agree that all of our power lies in ourselves. Blame doesn't fix problems. Waiting for someone else to do it doesn't do the trick either.
"The consequence of having a seismic shift towards victim thinking means more of us feel that the future is not in our hands but in the hands of forces outside ourselves. And since internal locus of control is positively correlated with happiness, success and initiative while external locus of control is related to anxiety and depression, it's pretty clear that most organizations and society as a whole would be better off if more of us believed we could change things." pg 21
What it comes down to is understanding that at the end of the day, the only person you can entirely control is yourself.
"Beginning where you are and doing what you can with your unique set of skills is critical." pg 80
What are some of the methods Izzo suggests for "stepping up"? He counsels focusing on what matters, challenging your internal assumptions and find one thing, anything, that you can do immediately to address how you may have contributed to the problem.
"Think about this for a moment: everything that has EVER been accomplished began with someone taking a single step." pg 71
It's common sense stuff. Which is fine, but not exactly what I was expecting from this one. I suppose I'll take responsibility for my internal assumptions about what I would learn from Stepping Up. It's not YOU, book, it's me.
"But here is the truth. There is a 100 percent guarantee that nothing will change if you don't step up." pg 33
What is my solution to this problem? On to the next book, my friends.
"Once you step up, somehow that act of taking initiative drives you to find the resources you need inside and outside yourself." pg 119
To the library! :)
The focus of this book is a worthy one. The author provides many real life examples of people stepping up and doing the right thing and how it has helped their lives and businesses.
Unfortunately, it just reads like one cliché after another and I had a difficult time connecting with it.
Stepping up is seeing a need and deciding YOU are the right person to do something about it." pg x.
I do agree that all of our power lies in ourselves. Blame doesn't fix problems. Waiting for someone else to do it doesn't do the trick either.
"The consequence of having a seismic shift towards victim thinking means more of us feel that the future is not in our hands but in the hands of forces outside ourselves. And since internal locus of control is positively correlated with happiness, success and initiative while external locus of control is related to anxiety and depression, it's pretty clear that most organizations and society as a whole would be better off if more of us believed we could change things." pg 21
What it comes down to is understanding that at the end of the day, the only person you can entirely control is yourself.
"Beginning where you are and doing what you can with your unique set of skills is critical." pg 80
What are some of the methods Izzo suggests for "stepping up"? He counsels focusing on what matters, challenging your internal assumptions and find one thing, anything, that you can do immediately to address how you may have contributed to the problem.
"Think about this for a moment: everything that has EVER been accomplished began with someone taking a single step." pg 71
It's common sense stuff. Which is fine, but not exactly what I was expecting from this one. I suppose I'll take responsibility for my internal assumptions about what I would learn from Stepping Up. It's not YOU, book, it's me.
"But here is the truth. There is a 100 percent guarantee that nothing will change if you don't step up." pg 33
What is my solution to this problem? On to the next book, my friends.
"Once you step up, somehow that act of taking initiative drives you to find the resources you need inside and outside yourself." pg 119
To the library! :)
September 20, 2019
Self-help and motivational books are only as good as the intentions of the reader to follow the advice they present. But having said that, there is still a wide range of usefulness in such works. I read Stepping Up because my department chair in the high school where I teach bought copies for the whole department (all four of us) and we are reading it as part of our periodic staff development. I mention this because I don't usually read motivational books. But even though I generally steer clear of books like this (Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life and The Book of Mormon being huge exceptions), I found Dr. Izzo's treatise interesting and useful, mainly because it identifies principles of which I am already aware and try to practice in my daily life. These principles include: take responsibility for improving the world around you, lift where you stand, believe that you can indeed affect the world positively, and do something rather than do nothing. If one tries to live these principles, one will not only be acting in a moral and positive way, but will influence others to do the same.
The reason I say Dr. Izzo's principles were not new to me is largely due to the influence of the church to which I belong, which stresses one of the main reasons we are on this earth is to give service to one another, that we might all return to our Heavenly Father. I don't think it's a coincidence that Dr. Izzo is an ordained Presbyterian minister. His book is mainly aimed at the business world, but it also pertains to all areas of human endeavor--that's why our small group of high school English teachers is reading it and finding it useful. And the principles are not "business principles" per se, but are principles for living a moral, productive life...which, if practiced by businesses, would help those businesses thrive and make a better world at the same time.
The reason I say Dr. Izzo's principles were not new to me is largely due to the influence of the church to which I belong, which stresses one of the main reasons we are on this earth is to give service to one another, that we might all return to our Heavenly Father. I don't think it's a coincidence that Dr. Izzo is an ordained Presbyterian minister. His book is mainly aimed at the business world, but it also pertains to all areas of human endeavor--that's why our small group of high school English teachers is reading it and finding it useful. And the principles are not "business principles" per se, but are principles for living a moral, productive life...which, if practiced by businesses, would help those businesses thrive and make a better world at the same time.
August 24, 2020
The book was alright and the message is very true. This is a topic that I have delved deeply into but for some reason, this book just felt repetitive. There are other books, such as Leadership and Self Deception or Seven Habits, that I felt went over this topic is a far better way. I am not suggesting to skip this book, though I am saying that if you are familiar with this topic already, you might not enjoy it as is.
June 7, 2020
My main take away from this was the power of one. Really good and interesting book talking about how to create change and how to help others create change.
September 17, 2021
Great listening with a lot of examples in how to stepping up in personal and work life
September 13, 2012
John sets the book up in the beginning with "If not me to step up, then who? If not now, then when?". He keeps to this theme throughout which gives the book a nice consistency. John does a great job of providing end result examples of how people have stepped up and made a difference. He tries throughout the book to explain how their success did not come overnight, but due to the examples the point of hard work and challenges get lost. Each chapter has practical tips on how anyone can step up to make a difference with a recap of all tips at the end of book. Because John wrote this book in layman's terms, anyone can read it and pick up a tip or two. Overall I am glad I read the book. I would recommend the book to anyone starting their journey in the workforce as it is a good starting point with sound practical advise.
August 1, 2025
Rating: 2.5/5
Rounded up because:
- The end of chapter summaries were clear and concise
- Actually heard Dr. John Izzo speak about it
- Additional practical tips/tools included
High-Level Summary:
Stepping Up is a personal development book centered around a simple yet resonant core message: taking ownership of your actions and responsibilities can significantly impact your life and those around you. Through anecdotal storytelling and real-world examples, Dr. John Izzo encourages readers to step up in both personal and professional arenas. The book offers frameworks and reflective tools designed to spark change, whether you're an individual contributor or a corporate leader.
My Take:
I read Stepping Up as part of a work assignment ahead of an executive conference where Dr. Izzo was speaking. From the outset, I approached it with a critical eye, and what struck me immediately was how elementary the main thesis felt—valuable, yes, but so foundational it almost didn't need stating. The early chapters are padded with story after story reiterating the same lesson, often leaving me feeling like I was being led around the same track in different shoes.
That said, Chapter 2 stood out. It dives into well-established psychological concepts—like locus of control, fixed vs. growth mindsets, and reinforcement theory. These ideas were grounded in research and presented accessibly, providing a more substantial intellectual backbone that I appreciated. Unfortunately, the rest of the book rarely reached that level of depth again.
A consistent issue was the overreliance on storytelling to communicate basic takeaways. Often, a single chapter would include five or six stories that all made the same point, which was then reduced to two bullet points at the end. It gave the book a “fluff to substance” ratio that leaned too heavily toward filler, particularly in the middle sections. While I understand the intent—to show application across contexts—after a while it felt repetitive and unnecessarily drawn out.
Meeting Dr. Izzo and hearing him speak at our off-site did add value; he’s a strong, articulate speaker, though much of what he said was lifted straight from the pages of the book. It reinforced the sense that Stepping Up is more a companion piece to a corporate seminar than a standalone powerhouse of insight.
The closing chapters managed to summarize the key points well. The ending “repeat-after-me” style call to action was a neat conclusion—simple, but fitting. The inclusion of a self-assessment and group discussion guide was thoughtful and would serve well in an academic or workshop setting, though personally I wouldn’t revisit those tools outside a professional requirement.
Strengths:
- Accessible, well-structured message on personal responsibility.
- Chapter 2 brings in strong psychological concepts that elevate the material.
- Suitable for team or leadership training sessions, especially when paired with a live speaker or group discussion.
- Good closing summary and actionable reflection tools.
Weaknesses:
- Heavy on anecdotal repetition—stories often outnumber actionable insights.
- Concepts are overly simplified and stretched thin across many pages.
- Feels more like a corporate training aid than a compelling personal read.
- Engagement tapers off due to pacing and predictability.
Final Thoughts:
This book didn’t challenge me, nor did it ignite a deep curiosity to keep reading—but it served its purpose for the context in which I read it. There are a few worthwhile insights tucked inside, especially for readers newer to self-development material. For more seasoned readers, however, the signal-to-noise ratio might be too low to warrant a full read.
A solid, if basic, introduction to the concept of personal responsibility—best suited for team workshops, leadership off-sites, or those just beginning their self-development journey.
Rounded up because:
- The end of chapter summaries were clear and concise
- Actually heard Dr. John Izzo speak about it
- Additional practical tips/tools included
High-Level Summary:
Stepping Up is a personal development book centered around a simple yet resonant core message: taking ownership of your actions and responsibilities can significantly impact your life and those around you. Through anecdotal storytelling and real-world examples, Dr. John Izzo encourages readers to step up in both personal and professional arenas. The book offers frameworks and reflective tools designed to spark change, whether you're an individual contributor or a corporate leader.
My Take:
I read Stepping Up as part of a work assignment ahead of an executive conference where Dr. Izzo was speaking. From the outset, I approached it with a critical eye, and what struck me immediately was how elementary the main thesis felt—valuable, yes, but so foundational it almost didn't need stating. The early chapters are padded with story after story reiterating the same lesson, often leaving me feeling like I was being led around the same track in different shoes.
That said, Chapter 2 stood out. It dives into well-established psychological concepts—like locus of control, fixed vs. growth mindsets, and reinforcement theory. These ideas were grounded in research and presented accessibly, providing a more substantial intellectual backbone that I appreciated. Unfortunately, the rest of the book rarely reached that level of depth again.
A consistent issue was the overreliance on storytelling to communicate basic takeaways. Often, a single chapter would include five or six stories that all made the same point, which was then reduced to two bullet points at the end. It gave the book a “fluff to substance” ratio that leaned too heavily toward filler, particularly in the middle sections. While I understand the intent—to show application across contexts—after a while it felt repetitive and unnecessarily drawn out.
Meeting Dr. Izzo and hearing him speak at our off-site did add value; he’s a strong, articulate speaker, though much of what he said was lifted straight from the pages of the book. It reinforced the sense that Stepping Up is more a companion piece to a corporate seminar than a standalone powerhouse of insight.
The closing chapters managed to summarize the key points well. The ending “repeat-after-me” style call to action was a neat conclusion—simple, but fitting. The inclusion of a self-assessment and group discussion guide was thoughtful and would serve well in an academic or workshop setting, though personally I wouldn’t revisit those tools outside a professional requirement.
Strengths:
- Accessible, well-structured message on personal responsibility.
- Chapter 2 brings in strong psychological concepts that elevate the material.
- Suitable for team or leadership training sessions, especially when paired with a live speaker or group discussion.
- Good closing summary and actionable reflection tools.
Weaknesses:
- Heavy on anecdotal repetition—stories often outnumber actionable insights.
- Concepts are overly simplified and stretched thin across many pages.
- Feels more like a corporate training aid than a compelling personal read.
- Engagement tapers off due to pacing and predictability.
Final Thoughts:
This book didn’t challenge me, nor did it ignite a deep curiosity to keep reading—but it served its purpose for the context in which I read it. There are a few worthwhile insights tucked inside, especially for readers newer to self-development material. For more seasoned readers, however, the signal-to-noise ratio might be too low to warrant a full read.
A solid, if basic, introduction to the concept of personal responsibility—best suited for team workshops, leadership off-sites, or those just beginning their self-development journey.
December 22, 2018
I took a bunch of notes on this book. It got my brain firing on all cylinders about ways I could step up and help in my neighborhood, my job, and in my relationships. Instead of seeing the problem and complaining about it, I could take accountability for my part and my “5 rows” (locus of control/sphere of influence). I know I’m going to revisit this book again and again. It is well researched citing several other favorite authors and studies to support the details shared, but when citing it feels very natural and not a lot of extra inserted data. Read this book! Do it!
October 18, 2020
Although the main point of the book is by no means revolutionary, the concept of taking responsibility and it's many benefits, do bear repeating - mostly because it is one of those things that we know we should do, but so many of us just don't. Great stories illustrate the point and provide inspiration.
January 14, 2021
Essentially a guide for taking full responsibility for your acts and never play the role of a victim. You always have tbe power to do any thing and therefore do something at least. This seems to be the motto. Well written. With a lot of interesting anecdotes. Passion rules over skill according to the author. I personally believe in his principles so enjoyed reading.
January 15, 2018
At the end of the day, it is often fear that keeps people from stepping up. Not surprisingly, 33% of our survey respondents said that “creating a climate of fear and compliance” is what leaders do that discourages people from stepping up.
January 4, 2020
The author has a good message, however it could have been said more succinctly. The last half of the book felt like a warmed over reiteration of the first half. He is an aspiring environmentalist and many of his stories and examples come from this viewpoint.
October 25, 2018
Most important takeaway is - come out of the victim mindset - step up take responsibility. BTW, lovely quotes!
August 15, 2020
Inspiring read.
September 18, 2020
This was a challenging book. I enjoyed it so much! The responsibility is mine!
““If not me to step up, then who? If not now, when?”
““If not me to step up, then who? If not now, when?”
Read
March 18, 2021Just what the world needed another over educated con man selling a fucking book. Remember work for free 100% of the time 0 excuses.
April 3, 2021
Great book to inspire you to take action in your life.
August 19, 2021
I am officially an adult.
October 8, 2022
Great book with some useful techniques
December 31, 2022
Empowering! Want change? Take some action.
January 9, 2023
I read ungodly amounts of self help books. this one was well illustrated with the author's stories and truly a fun read
January 10, 2023
A lot of information for an audiobook, but will definitely be listening again! Good helpfu info and points that assist in changing your views!
September 23, 2023
Είχε δυναμική για να σε εμπνεύσει (σε κάποια σημεία το κατάφερε) Γενικά δεν πιστεύω ότι θα ανατρέξω ξανά σε αυτό το βιβλίο.
August 30, 2024
Got this book for free from work. Not the worst motivational leadership read, not the best. In summary, "if not me, who? If not now, when?" I just saved you 3 hours of reading
June 18, 2026
Acting with integrity and responsibility
January 6, 2015
Essence of the book: we all have our spheres of influence. This book is about taking responsibility in our areas of influence. Overcoming constraints, beginning where we are, finding the courage to try.
Locus of control is how we see the world. Mindset is how we see ourselves.
The Matrix “we all have a voice inside us that says we cant step up… there is another voice alongside it that says you can do it and that you want to do it… we can accomplish so much more than we think we can if we are willing to work hard and be as creative as we can be.”
To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.
What makes people step up? [1] Anger and [2] initial sense of one’s power to change things.
About speaking up. Argumentativeness vs verbal aggression.
1. Argumentativeness – speaking up ideas, challenge things
2. Verbal aggression – finger-pointing, blaming
Coldplay “if you never try you’ll never know just what you’re worth.”
People will only step up if they have a seat at the table.
Life is short, and you don’t want to wonder what might have happened if you had stepped up.
I like the opening quotes. Chapters and opening quotes:
1. Five rows of responsibility. Each of us influence only about five rows, but in that sphere of influence the world is changed.
2. Its not my job, its not my fault. There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who make things happen and those who complain about whats happening.
3. I am only one person. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has – Margaret Mead, noted anthropologist.
4. Only naïve people change the world. Not much happens without a dream. A dream is never enough, but for something good to happen the dream must be there first – Robert Greenleaf.
5. 100% responsibility / no excuses. There are always constraints. The question is what will you do in spite of them.
6. Do something… do anything. If you wait for the perfect plan, you may be waiting forever.
7. Always begin in the room you are in. where does change begin? It beings in this room. Why? Because this is the room you are in – Peter Block.
8. Leadership is not a position. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader – John Quincy Adams.
9. Stepping up is about speaking up. The world is waiting to hear your voice.
10. Who am I to step up? There are no extraordinary people, only ordinary people who do extraordinary things – Mother Teresa.
11. Creating a culture of stepping up. If you treat people like adults, they will act like adults – Dennis Bakke, former CEO, AES Corporation.
12. One person always matters. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope – Robert Kennedy.
Locus of control is how we see the world. Mindset is how we see ourselves.
The Matrix “we all have a voice inside us that says we cant step up… there is another voice alongside it that says you can do it and that you want to do it… we can accomplish so much more than we think we can if we are willing to work hard and be as creative as we can be.”
To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.
What makes people step up? [1] Anger and [2] initial sense of one’s power to change things.
About speaking up. Argumentativeness vs verbal aggression.
1. Argumentativeness – speaking up ideas, challenge things
2. Verbal aggression – finger-pointing, blaming
Coldplay “if you never try you’ll never know just what you’re worth.”
People will only step up if they have a seat at the table.
Life is short, and you don’t want to wonder what might have happened if you had stepped up.
I like the opening quotes. Chapters and opening quotes:
1. Five rows of responsibility. Each of us influence only about five rows, but in that sphere of influence the world is changed.
2. Its not my job, its not my fault. There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who make things happen and those who complain about whats happening.
3. I am only one person. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has – Margaret Mead, noted anthropologist.
4. Only naïve people change the world. Not much happens without a dream. A dream is never enough, but for something good to happen the dream must be there first – Robert Greenleaf.
5. 100% responsibility / no excuses. There are always constraints. The question is what will you do in spite of them.
6. Do something… do anything. If you wait for the perfect plan, you may be waiting forever.
7. Always begin in the room you are in. where does change begin? It beings in this room. Why? Because this is the room you are in – Peter Block.
8. Leadership is not a position. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader – John Quincy Adams.
9. Stepping up is about speaking up. The world is waiting to hear your voice.
10. Who am I to step up? There are no extraordinary people, only ordinary people who do extraordinary things – Mother Teresa.
11. Creating a culture of stepping up. If you treat people like adults, they will act like adults – Dennis Bakke, former CEO, AES Corporation.
12. One person always matters. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope – Robert Kennedy.
February 19, 2012
"Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes Everything" by John B. Izzo is a self-help book exploring personal responsibility and how it can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life. The author presents the idea that individuals can create a better future for themselves and those around them by taking control of one's thoughts, actions, and decisions.
Izzo uses a combination of personal anecdotes, case studies, and expert insights to support his arguments. The book is well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a comprehensive understanding of the power of personal responsibility. Izzo provides practical advice and actionable steps that readers can take to increase their level of commitment, and he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth.
One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of different areas of life, including relationships, finances, and personal growth. Izzo argues that taking responsibility in one area of life can lead to positive changes in other areas. He provides examples of individuals who have transformed their lives through this approach.
The writing style of "Stepping Up" is engaging and thought-provoking, and Izzo's use of anecdotes and case studies makes the book both relatable and inspiring. In addition, the book is well-researched and draws on various sources to support the author's arguments. It provides a balanced perspective on the challenges and benefits of personal responsibility.
In conclusion, "Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes Everything" by John B. Izzo is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes. The book provides a compelling argument for the power of personal responsibility. It offers practical guidance and inspiration to help readers take control of their lives and create a brighter future.
Izzo uses a combination of personal anecdotes, case studies, and expert insights to support his arguments. The book is well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a comprehensive understanding of the power of personal responsibility. Izzo provides practical advice and actionable steps that readers can take to increase their level of commitment, and he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth.
One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of different areas of life, including relationships, finances, and personal growth. Izzo argues that taking responsibility in one area of life can lead to positive changes in other areas. He provides examples of individuals who have transformed their lives through this approach.
The writing style of "Stepping Up" is engaging and thought-provoking, and Izzo's use of anecdotes and case studies makes the book both relatable and inspiring. In addition, the book is well-researched and draws on various sources to support the author's arguments. It provides a balanced perspective on the challenges and benefits of personal responsibility.
In conclusion, "Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes Everything" by John B. Izzo is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes. The book provides a compelling argument for the power of personal responsibility. It offers practical guidance and inspiration to help readers take control of their lives and create a brighter future.
March 29, 2015
I had the fantastic opportunity to hear and see Dr. John Izzo during a staff event at the company I work for early this year. Even though he wasn't able to join us in real life, he managed to keep us challenged through a 90 minutes videoconference. Kudos to him for pulling this off.
I finally managed to dive into his "Stepping Up" book which is an interesting quick read with some motivating and unique stories of people who stepped up and made a difference. Evidently these stories have been chosen to spice the narrative and proof Izzo's point that individuals can indeed make a difference, but still it's inspiring to find out how these people made a difference by believing they could do it and gradually and patiently made it happen.
The recipe sounds almost too simple:
Be patient and persevere.
If not me, then who? If not now, then when?
Be a bit naive, but believe with conviction.
Take responsibility with no excuses.
Lead the way.
But take baby steps.
And start now.
There are some caveats, in my opinion, especially when Stepping Up is used in a business environmet. Stepping Up in a climate of Pushing Down will destroy all initiatives. The 100/0 mantra (100% responsibility and no excuses) requires an environment that fosters taking responsibility. It's like Jef Staes' explains in My Organisation is a Jungle where his Red Monkeys are threatened by the Red Monkey killers. Even though Staes writes about innovation personified by his Red Monkeys, one can easily replace "innovation" by "change". Actually I find Staes' work an excellent addition to Izzo's Stepping Up as even the most naive person who believes he/she can change the world will bump into the mechanisms described by Staes.
I finally managed to dive into his "Stepping Up" book which is an interesting quick read with some motivating and unique stories of people who stepped up and made a difference. Evidently these stories have been chosen to spice the narrative and proof Izzo's point that individuals can indeed make a difference, but still it's inspiring to find out how these people made a difference by believing they could do it and gradually and patiently made it happen.
The recipe sounds almost too simple:
Be patient and persevere.
If not me, then who? If not now, then when?
Be a bit naive, but believe with conviction.
Take responsibility with no excuses.
Lead the way.
But take baby steps.
And start now.
There are some caveats, in my opinion, especially when Stepping Up is used in a business environmet. Stepping Up in a climate of Pushing Down will destroy all initiatives. The 100/0 mantra (100% responsibility and no excuses) requires an environment that fosters taking responsibility. It's like Jef Staes' explains in My Organisation is a Jungle where his Red Monkeys are threatened by the Red Monkey killers. Even though Staes writes about innovation personified by his Red Monkeys, one can easily replace "innovation" by "change". Actually I find Staes' work an excellent addition to Izzo's Stepping Up as even the most naive person who believes he/she can change the world will bump into the mechanisms described by Staes.
January 24, 2013
I listened to the CD of this book and found it engaging and inspiring. John Izzo will be the speaker at my company's offsite and I listened in order to understand what he offers.
His stories about what people have done when they were willing to step ranged from those who created large and amazing organizations to those who were willing to step up and say something at a team development activity. The integration of life style and choices are applicable to our personal lives and our day to day work with colleagues.
He talks about strategies encouraging large change and small change - yet some of the skills are very similar. Some of it may seem so basic and "everyone knows this" type of information, yet it's inspiring and great information to use in new ways with teams or in coaching practices.
His stories about what people have done when they were willing to step ranged from those who created large and amazing organizations to those who were willing to step up and say something at a team development activity. The integration of life style and choices are applicable to our personal lives and our day to day work with colleagues.
He talks about strategies encouraging large change and small change - yet some of the skills are very similar. Some of it may seem so basic and "everyone knows this" type of information, yet it's inspiring and great information to use in new ways with teams or in coaching practices.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews