Leadership Values: An Introspection: A Philadelphia Fire Chief’s Forty-Year Journey to Understanding and Practicing Authentic Leadership

by Gary Appleby

2021 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Finalist                                           Several things set this book apart from other treatments of today's leadership challenge. Chief Appleby's concentration on the singular importance of personal leadership values is presented in fourteen easy-to-read, stand-alone chapters based on his diversified forty-year career in the Philadelphia Fire Department. The Chief's soul-bearing willingness to share his leadership shortcomings—and their specific causes—makes for a fascinating study of human failure and eventual triumph. The probing introspection questions for each of the values offers the reader a rare opportunity for honest self-reflection. The personal stories provided to reinforce understanding of each value, which are often heart-pounding tales from the fireground, lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the essential connection between personal values and true leadership. Most importantly, although offered through the perspective of life lessons acquired by crawling down burning hallways, the Chief's leadership lessons have an across-the-board relevance for all of today's leaders—regardless of position, occupation, or endeavor. These timeless leadership lessons offered for the reader are simultaneously educational, entertaining, and enlightening. This is not a book to be read once and then placed on a distant shelf—it provides a continuous roadmap for your leadership success.

Genres: Leadership

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2019

Reviews

[Matt Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best fire service leadership book I've read.

Chief Appleby effectively conveys his message about the importance of each of his leadership values. I've read my share of business, military, and fire service leadership books. This is one of the very few leadership books that is instantly applicable to fire service leadership. Best of all his use of stories is spot on for each of the values he explains. I will recommend this book to all of my officers and to any firefighter who wants to understand the nuisances of leadership.

[Anthony Silleto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly motivating book for anyone in or that desires to be in a leadership position.