Become the Real Deal: The Proven Path to Influence and Executive Presence

2

Centered Inner Presence

Transforming on purpose

Steve's teams didn't know what to make of their new leader. He'd just acquired both of their businesses and consolidated them into one. Previously, a domineering bully had owned one unit, while a passive owner had run the other.

“I've got two completely different cultures on my hands,” Steve told me at our first meeting, as he described his site visits. “One group works heads-down. They've been conditioned to play it safe because their previous owner ripped them to shreds for years. The other team, who had an absentee owner, is like the Wild West. Everyone and everything is running amok; there's no accountability,” he sighed, running a hand through his sandy hair.

Steve envisioned a new culture, similar to one he'd built earlier at another business. It was a culture where employees were transformed into leaders at all levels. He wanted everyone, regardless of their title, to be empowered and care deeply about their colleagues, customers, and suppliers.

“The hidden agendas are gone,” he said. “I hope they can get past their skepticism, which I completely understand. They probably think everything I'm telling them is just lip service. They've never encountered leadership like this before.”

Do you live your values?

Steve had strong values that balanced his solid work ethic. I'd never met anyone quite like him in a corner office. He ...