Grappling: Leaders Striving to Improve

by Robert D. Kaplan

Are you a leader struggling to do better . . . to be better?

We all have in common the universal struggle to improve. Which is not just knowing your worst tendencies; it’s also learning how to manage them. And that means grappling with yourself.

The engaging narratives in Grappling make the challenging work of self-improvement easier. Leadership consultant and author Robert E. Kaplan has written parables based on real people who represent a variety of leader archetypes. You will witness these leaders at work and at home—with their basic character in play, for good or ill—as they strive to improve. Whether you identify most with the combustible manager, the leader who had a painful childhood, the executive struggling with feedback, the general manager who takes too much responsibility, the successor to a founder, or any another leader in these pages—Grappling will impart these valuable

• Blind spots get in the way, and they’re not easily removed.

• There is no better way to improve than to truly internalize your strengths.

• Fundamental change is possible.

• How to make good use of a professional.

If, like many of us, you want to—or have to—change in some way but find yourself stuck, Grappling makes the self-improvement quest relatable, inspirational, and within your reach.

Genres: Nonfiction

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2024

About the author

Robert David Kaplan is an American journalist, currently a National Correspondent for the Atlantic Monthly. His writings have also been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New Republic, The National Interest, Foreign Affairs and The Wall Street Journal, among other newspapers and publications, and his more controversial essays about the nature of U.S. power have spurred debate in academia, the media, and the highest levels of government. A frequent theme in his work is the reemergence of cultural and historical tensions temporarily suspended during the Cold War.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grappling: Leaders Striving to Improve by Robert Kaplan is an interesting read with case study scenarios leading to insightful learning points. Key takeaways about grappling with oneself include listening, being open minded, and adding structure. #goodreadsgiveaway.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free Kindle edition of this book on a Goodreads giveaway.


Bob Kaplan's brings to life in eight different stories the psychological work that every individual aspiring to effective leadership needs to address. The stories are both complex and engaging, and the dialogue between guide(consultant or coach) and the leader offers subtle yet very powerful insights regarding the process of coming to greater self-awareness and the capacity to change. This book is written for highly experienced leaders who have encountered challenges they cannot surmount on their own, as well as for leadership development consultants and coaches who want to improve their craft. Readers cannot help but develop their own self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the developmental tasks we all face throughout adulthood.

[MaggiK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a business book that reads like a fiction book of short stories. There are stories of people's interior and exterior lives at work and at home. Scenes take place in conference rooms, fancy hotels, nice homes and offices, and more. Readers will quickly get a sense of the characters, as well as what is happening to cause problems at and about work. No solutions are offered, but somehow, as if by magic, readers grapple (see what I did there?) with their own situations and discover next actions to take. Brilliant. Enjoyable. Who knew a business book could be a page-turner.

[Karli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Kaplan not only understands the depth of what it takes to mature and develop as a leader, he brings this to light in engaging stories that teach without telling. We absorb the lessons intuitively and so learn more effectively. Dr. Kaplan also understands the challenges of being a coach and guide to successful leaders--their ups and downs and the trials of this role. His book offers tremendous experience and wisdom.

[James Speiker]

Just started reading. Looking forward to some great incite and tangible tools to start immediately.

[Megan Harvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad I read this book, it is full of wisdom. I learned so much throughout reading this book.

[Samantha Charette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a Kindle Edition of this book on Goodreads Giveaway.

While the meaning of the content is well intended, I had a hard time keeping track of the players in each scenario.

[Amanda Hodde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free Kindle edition of this book.

I’ve read many books on leadership growth and types. This gave a nice overview of different personalities, leadership styles and growth.

[Dakota Roos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads Givaways

While the premise of the book is super interesting, it’s not a fast read.
Best to take a story or chapter at a time

[Jaxs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

This was a book I received in a Goodreads giveaway
This isn’t my first ‘self-help’ book to read about changing your behavior and probably wont be my last; having the chance to see multiple characters fighting to change things about themselves to become better leaders was a refreshing take. Yes some behavior may have crossed over with some characters but their attitudes and attributes were pretty different. That allows for a broader audience to tune in and see that multiple different types of people, with their own story, and own hardships cannot only face changing, but they can do it with help, as well as at their pace. Such a simple take on being a better leader, yet such a complicated thing to accomplish.