Do Lead: Share your vision. Inspire others. Achieve the impossible

by Les McKeown

Do Book Co, 2014

In Chapter 3 of Humanize, Maddie and I take to task the authors, experts, and even “gurus” on the topic of leadership. As important as the concept is, we point out that our historical emphasis on individual leadership is holding us back, and comes from our misguided perspective that organizations should be run like machines. In human organizations, we understand that leadership is actually the system’s capacity to shape its future. It’s everywhere, and it’s about creating a desired future, not just being charismatic or strategically brilliant.

Les McKeown’s new book, Do Lead, takes a similar stance. The book is clear, to the point, and sharply focused on helping you (wherever you are in the hierarchy) actually do the work of leadership more effectively. This includes getting clear on your own approach to leading. His breakdown of the four styles—visionary, operator, processor, and synergist—is helpful for figuring out how you best can build your system’s capacity.

I still think McKeown’s first book, Predictable Success, is my favorite, but definitely pick up this companion piece and read it on your next plane trip. We need to take the idea of leadership down off it’s pedestal a bit and make it more accessible to all of us, and this book does a great job doing that.