Being a leader requires much more than just understanding how to run a business. Today’s executive is under a unique set of demands, coming from multiple stakeholders. In The Complete Executive, long-time executive coach Karen Wright introduces a unique 10-step system that takes all of these aspects of leadership development into account. Leaders not only need incredible physical energy and stamina, they need a support system, philosophy, plan, business acumen, a social network, and a brand and reputation that will ensure they achieve their vision. Backed by an assessment tool, giving each leader a personal “report card,” this book provides aspiring leaders with a framework to address all aspects of leadership that translates to peak performance. Wright knows from experience that even when everything is going well for leaders, high achievers don’t stop there, which is why The Complete Executive is designed as a resource to return to again and again for continuous improvement.
Karen Wright provides a practical, 10-step system for those in, or aspiring to become part of executive leadership. Within each step are 10 practical and useful points that together, provide a roadmap to success! As a matter of fact, Karen's tips and insight are valuable to everyone and anyone alike that desires to make an improvement in how they live their lives both on and off the clock. From personal health, to building relationships, to networking, and leadership, this book has something for everyone that wants more from life and work. The points in the book are broken down in easy-to-follow format. Master the 100 points to a "Complete Executive" and there is no challenge you can't win!
P.S. After you read the book, go to www.karenwrightcoaching and take the self assessment to gauge where you are and where you could be!
Finally, a truly efficient, incredibly accessible read that pulls together the best focal points for peak executive performance. I work with a lot of powerful women who manage companies, departments, projects and people, and this is the book that I regularly recommend to them all for a highly effective, balanced book. It's a perfect read for the plane ride, with tightly-written sections and 100 power-punched tips, and offers key advice and commentary to clearly illustrate the points. Also love the assessment that Wright offers, so that you can see immediate results. It's one of those books that you can go back to over and over again, and each time something new and effective reveals itself.
A quick read but one with lots of insight and one that made me reflect. I really appreciated that the first chapter in a book entitled "The Complete Executive" is titled "Make Health and Fitness Your Top Priority". Nothing to do with leadership, your career, the people you work with and/or manage, but taking care of yourself first!
The Complete Executive Assessment is a quiz and report card of where you are at so you can focus and where to work and improve.
I learned somethings about myself reading this book. Highly recommended.
Its a quick, interesting read and well worth it. This book provides an easy to follow list of what it takes to be a great leader. It is packed with excellent examples, stories and tips for self-assessment. It avoids the trap of only providing theoretical advice and instead focuses on actionable insights that can be applied right away. The leadership assessment test provided me with some interesting personal insights that I have already started to work on. I highly recommend this book.
The Complete Executive: 10 Steps System is not a groundbreaking or life-changing book. But not every book needs to be. Sometimes, books like this are valuable because they present big-picture principles clearly and effectively—a concise reminder of things we often overlook.
The book offers a clear and organized overview of key principles for maintaining balance as an executive. While the author may not be a deeply original thinker, it’s clear they’ve read and applied many self-improvement ideas, resulting in a well-structured and practical guide.
One of its key strengths is its focus on starting with the fundamentals: • Your health comes first. Without it, nothing else matters. • Have a life plan before a career plan. Your professional goals make more sense when they fit into a bigger vision for your life.
The 10 steps cover essential areas like health, life planning, relationships, leadership, and continuous learning. They’re straightforward, easy to understand, and practical to follow.
These aren’t revolutionary ideas, but they’re important reminders. And sometimes, simple truths are the most impactful—especially if it’s the first time you’re hearing them.
If you don’t read many books, there are definitely more profound and life-changing ones to start with. But if you’re looking for a holistic overview of balancing life and leadership, this book isn’t a bad choice.
It’s a useful summary of self-improvement principles, presented in an accessible and easy-to-follow way. Not exceptional, but certainly useful. I enjoyed it!