book

The Intangibles of Leadership: The 10 Qualities of Superior Executive Performance

by Richard A. Davis

August 2010

Intermediate to advanced

254 pages

6h 33m

English

Jossey-Bass

Read now

Unlock full access

WHAT IS IT?HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?They are advice-worthyThey encourage others to think about where they've been in the context of where they areThey exercise good judgmentThey don't speak in banalitiesThey don't rush their wordsThey think independentlyThey are selflessHOW DO YOU GET IT?Strategy 1: Develop a Teachable Point of ViewQuestions About YouQuestions About Your OrganizationYour TPOVStrategy 2: Seek Out New IdeasStrategy 3: Find a Mentor or Advisor You TrustStrategy 4: Create Diversity of Thought on Your TeamsStrategy 5: Designate Time for Self-reflectionWHY IT MATTERSTHE BOTTOM LINE
2.1. WHAT IS IT?2.2. THE MOTIVES, VALUES, AND PREFERENCES INVENTORY2.3. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?2.3.1. They don't wait for things to happen2.3.2. They go the extra mile2.3.3. They give it everything they have2.3.4. They find ways around obstacles2.3.5. They produce—and own—outcomes2.4. HOW DO YOU GET IT?2.4.1. Prepare for wins to occur2.4.2. Act. Now.2.4.3. Don't believe in accidents2.4.4. Stand firm2.4.5. Exercise self-discipline2.4.6. Don't quit2.5. WHY IT MATTERS2.6. THE BOTTOM LINE
3.1. WHAT IS IT?3.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?3.2.1. They can mix it up3.2.2. They don't get defensive3.2.3. They take a moment3.2.4. They acknowledge emotions but deal with them intellectually3.2.5. They demonstrate emotional bandwidth3.2.6. They stay cool under pressure3.2.7. They help others deal with emotion3.2.8. They don't hold grudges, obsess over lost opportunities, or pursue vendettas3.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?3.3.1. Learn to read between the lines3.3.2. Put together your own "personal board of directors"3.3.3. Recognize that others have emotions they need to manage3.3.4. Use humor3.3.5. Be fit3.3.6. Get out of town3.4. WHY IT MATTERS3.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
4.1. WHAT IS IT?4.1.1. Trust4.1.2. Consistency4.1.3. Moral compass4.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?4.2.1. They don't lie, they don't cheat, and they keep their promises4.2.2. They're mensches4.2.3. Even though they're nice, they don't finish last4.2.4. They rarely deviate from their principles . . .4.2.5. . . . but they're open to change4.2.6. They put others first4.2.7. They lead by example4.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?4.3.1. Write down your personal code4.3.2. Don't hedge4.3.3. Align what you think, say, and do4.3.4. Be a mensch4.3.5. Make sure you and the company are a good match4.3.6. Stay away from gossip and politics4.4. WHY IT MATTERS4.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
5.1. WHAT IS IT?5.1.1. Blind spots and biases5.1.2. Behavioral benchmarking5.1.3. Process observations5.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?5.2.1. They stay attached5.2.2. They personalize their interactions5.2.3. They're genuine and curious5.2.4. They communicate on a symbolic level5.2.5. They have peripheral vision5.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?5.3.1. Payattentiontophysicalbehaviors5.3.2. Watch how decisions are made5.3.3. Interpret the emotions behind behaviors5.3.4. Step back and observe meeting dynamics5.3.5. Pay attention to how people interact with each other5.3.6. Find a taxonomy of personality that works for you5.3.7. When trying to read others, reflect on your own successes and failures5.3.8. Understand, but don't play politics5.4. WHY IT MATTERS5.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
6.1. WHAT IS IT?6.1.1. Reputation6.1.2. Identity6.1.3. Charisma6.1.4. Communication6.1.5. Archetypal fit6.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?6.2.1. They are masters of the first impression6.2.2. It looks like they aren't trying6.2.3. They exude warmth6.2.4. They tell good stories6.2.5. They focus on the bigger picture6.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?6.3.1. Mental Aspects6.3.1.1. Play hard to get6.3.1.2. Challenge the status quo6.3.1.3. Be fluent in business6.3.1.4. Be confident in what you know6.3.1.5. Find your story6.3.1.6. Be known for something6.3.2. Physical Aspects6.3.2.1. Make a powerful first impression6.3.2.2. Walk tall6.3.2.3. Look good6.3.2.4. Say it strong6.3.3. General6.3.3.1. Study yourself6.3.3.2. Get feedback6.4. WHY IT MATTERS6.5. THE BOTTOM LINE

7.1. WHAT IS IT?7.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?7.2.1. They talk about themselves accurately . . .7.2.2. . . . but they aren't self-focused7.2.3. They understand the importance of knowing themselves7.2.4. They want you to give it to them straight7.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?7.3.1. Solicit feedback the right way7.3.2. Do something with the feedback7.3.3. Reach out to an old friend or family member, or go to your high school reunion7.3.4. Keep a diary of your thoughts7.3.5. Speak to a management psychologist7.3.6. Do something outside your comfort zone7.4. WHY IT MATTERS7.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
8.1. WHAT IS IT?8.1.1. Self-efficacy versus self-esteem8.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?8.2.1. They have an external locus of control8.2.2. They want the ball8.2.3. They inspire others to want the ball too8.2.4. They face things head on8.2.5. They aren't derailed by setbacks8.2.6. They're focused realists8.2.7. They disdain arrogance8.2.8. They see the road ahead clearly8.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?8.3.1. Ask for help8.3.2. Place your own stamp8.3.3. Visualize success8.3.4. Recognize your own self-defeating patterns8.3.5. Give yourself a good swift kick in the posterior8.3.6. Be slightly over-optimistic about your abilities8.4. WHY IT MATTERS8.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
9.1. WHAT IS IT?9.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?9.2.1. They test themselves9.2.2. They show conviction in their actions9.2.3. They take responsibility9.2.4. They go against the grain9.2.5. They don't wilt in the face of bad news9.2.6. They enforce justice within the organization9.2.7. They have staying power9.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?9.3.1. List the things you've overcome9.3.2. Face your fears9.3.3. Embrace the tough battles9.3.4. Choose a mantra9.3.5. Embrace new endeavors9.3.6. Absorb the lessons of others9.4. WHY IT MATTERS9.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
10.1. WHAT IS IT?10.1.1. Fallibility Spurs Innovation10.2. HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE IT?10.2.1. They reveal their blemishes10.2.2. They talk about specific moments of failure10.2.3. They make greater-good decisions10.2.4. They are authentic and comfortable in their own skin10.2.5. They don't equate risk-taking with fear of failure10.2.6. They aren't freaked out by having talent around them10.2.7. They're magnets10.3. HOW DO YOU GET IT?10.3.1. Ask, don't tell10.3.2. Let down your defensive walls10.3.3. Celebrate wins10.3.4. Confront the fear of failure10.3.5. Share your weaknesses10.4. WHY IT MATTERS10.5. THE BOTTOM LINE
CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 2CHAPTER 3CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 8CHAPTER 9CHAPTER 10

Overview

It's the Subtleties that Matter!

What is the real difference between competent leader and extraordinary executive? Is it pedigree, experience, intelligence? The answer is yes...and much more. Exceptional leadership hinges on a complex interaction between individual psychology and unique business needs. At the top rung of the ladder, where the dynamics are most complicated, subtle adjustments in style can produce outstanding results.

In his new book, The Intangibles of Leadership, Management Psychologist Richard Davis, Ph.D., uncovers patterns in the attributes that truly distinguish those who succeed at the top. What he found was that extraordinary leaders possess certain characteristics that fall between the lines of existing leadership models, yet are fundamental to executive success. Davis explains each of these qualities, the people who exemplify them, how to detect them in others, and most importantly, how to develop the subtle characteristics that will enable them to stand out from the pack.

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Start your free trial

The Art of Executive Coaching: Secrets to Unlock Leadership Performance

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9780470679159Purchase book

The Intangibles of Leadership: The 10 Qualities of Superior Executive Performance

by Richard A. Davis

Overview

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

You might also like

The Art of Executive Coaching: Secrets to Unlock Leadership Performance

All the Leader You Can Be: The Science of Achieving Extraordinary Executive Presence

How to Become a Game-Changing Leader

Fundamentals of Level Three Leadership

Publisher Resources

Overview

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,and much more.

You might also like

The Art of Executive Coaching: Secrets to Unlock Leadership Performance

All the Leader You Can Be: The Science of Achieving Extraordinary Executive Presence

How to Become a Game-Changing Leader

Fundamentals of Level Three Leadership

Publisher Resources

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.