The Attitude Check: Lessons in Leadership

by Heath Suddleson

Have you ever had a problem with someone's attitude? Have you ever wished you could change their attitude? You can't directly control what they do, but you can learn to control your own attitude in a way that will get others to change their attitudes. In The Attitude Check: Lessons in Leadership, you can take a look at what makes leadership styles effective and how simple changes in attitude can have tremendous impacts on results. These lessons can be applied to paid staff and volunteers alike, because these lessons were learned by examining the similarities and differences between paid staff and volunteers. Several leadership styles are examined as well as the attitudes that affect the outcomes. ""Adding great attitude to a leader is like injecting steroids in an athlete. The Attitude Check is a quick read, chockfull of practical wisdom that will bulk up your leadership muscle.'Accept Heath's lessons and you'll have lots of gain without the pain."" --Jim Brown, speaker and author of The Imperfect Board Member ""As a resource on effective leadership, this book offers several perspectives and with real-life examples. Today, more than ever, organizations are looking for true leaders. The Attitude Check shares the journey--from becoming a leader to building your team, dealing with conflict and tough decisions, and grooming the next generation of leaders. You will gain tools that can be applied immediately to your professional and personal development."" --Sheryl Roush, President/CEO, Sparkle Presentations, Inc.

Genres: Nonfiction

130 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2013

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the smallest book in my collection! I won this book in the Goodreads Giveaway draw and I thank the author Heath Suddleson for sending me this book. It's clear from the beginning that Suddleson has a lot of experience working with teams in different settings and he wants to share his experience. I appreciate the way he's open and practical: he too made mistakes, could have done things better or different. That is where the learning comes from. The way of describing the lessons learned is down to earth and practical. Each chapter ends with a checklist, or better: an attitude check.

I like the "organ rejection" metaphor. It is so true that when a new hire after careful selection doesn't fit, it's often the organization (team/department) that rejects the new individual, but too often we blame this individual. Suddleson let us look into the mirror: did we give the person the chance to demonstrate his/her skills? Stop controlling! Have trust, don't do their work. And, what do you as leader do to praise and reward people?

Maybe it's not all that new, but Suddleton makes it an easy to read reminder of what leaders should know and describes it with many examples and advice. A lot of wisdom in a small book.

[Debby Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book in a Goodreadss book giveaway. Small book filled with helpful ideas to help anyone in a leadership role or anyone desiring to become a leader.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

not so much about attitude and more about leadership/management.