Leadership Moments: Turning Points That Changed Lives and Organizations

by Peter L. Amato, Gary Bodam, Martin J. Boyle

Anyone who remembers a moment when his or her life suddenly required an unprecedented leap of faith will appreciate the power of the stories in Leadership Turning Points That Changed Lives and Organizations . Each of the ten contributing authors took that leap, despite personal risks and odds that defied success. Every situation in this book represents a unique turning point, best described as a "Leadership Moment." For example, CEO Ron Lesniak was challenged to resurrect his company in the turbulent aftermath of 9/11, while Jon Corey's lessons in corporate survival were gained on a Vietnam battlefield. Arthur Jue learned powerful lessons when IBM unexpectedly slashed thousands of jobs; Carolyn Salerno improved the academic performance - and future prospects - of students in a school in danger of losing its local control. Leadership Moments offers courage to business people facing uncertainty and opposition. As the contributors found from personal experience, leadership emerges when we trust ourselves, tap into inner wisdom, maintain our integrity, and always aim for the highest good. Ultimately, whether we are veteran managers dealing with far-reaching business issues, or new recruits feeling our way in a complex corporate culture - everyone can say "yes" to a Leadership Moment!

Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of ten personal profiles in this volume reveals important lessons about leadership in circumstances when difficult choices must be made. In their book Judgment, Noel Tichy and Warren Bennis characterize such decisions as “good judgment calls” that are at “the core, the nucleus of leadership.” Brydges refers to it as” leadership in the trenches,” moments that provide “a window in which converging circumstances stimulated the exercise of effectual leadership.” It is important to note that most (if not all) of these leadership moments are shared by those at all levels and in all areas of organizational structure.

Although there are significant differences between and among those who recall their “leadership moment,” all of them had to make a pivotal decision. As I finished reading the last chapter, I was again reminded that those who make “good judgment decisions,” especially courageous decisions are not necessarily great leaders. However, they do illustrate why Dante reserved the last and worst ring in hell for those who, in a moral crisis, preserve their neutrality.