On the Edge: The Art of High Impact Leadership

Abstract

On The Edge: The Art of High Impact Leadership Authors: Allison Levine - Forward by: Mike Krzyzewski (Duke Basketball Coach) Grand Central Publishing Hard cover $17.55, 2014, 272 pagesIn On the Edge, The Art of High Impact Leadership, Allison Levine provides a context of what it takes to lead under extreme conditions. The book chronicles Allison Levine's quest to conquer the summit of Mount Everest and demonstrates the types of critical leadership skills required to not only build a winning team but to manage and lead such a team under the most daunting conditions. These skills are translated into the business world as the author makes a most credible case toward managing day to day operations when key business decisions are at stake. The book begins with a wonderful forward by esteemed Duke University basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski who speaks eloquently about building a winning team, filled with individuals with high amounts of "performance egos" which must then be transformed into a "team ego" that significantly enhances an organizations probability of success. The forward makes the point that often times a winning team is filled with "stars" displaying some of the highest levels of competence and personal accomplishments. Such egos are to be embraced and not thwarted. Translating such talent into a winning team takes a very strong leader capable of synergizing such talent in way that generates a common focus toward group success.The author covers a series of variables required to ensure leadership success under extreme conditions that include:Hardcore PreparationWhy Backward is Often the Right Direction?Choosing Your TeamGet Your Network OnMaking the Most of WeaknessesBuilding Trust and LoyaltyDo the Right Thing, AlwaysWhat's Your Mantra?Embracing FailureAs presented, these carefully selected areas provide an outstanding overlay of how to succeed in leadership under extreme conditions. Individuals in leadership positions will be able to incorporate these skills, strengthen their decision making processes, and enhance future leadership endeavors. The leadership skills that enhance one's ability to succeed under extreme conditions are predicated upon first building a winning team. Team membership selection seems an important component that any manager or leader can relate. Although leaders may be more apt to choose individuals we know and trust, these close colleagues and friends may not always be the best team members required to effectively complete a particular task. This behooves leaders to reach out to others within the company or industry (although we may not be personally familiar with them initially) whose skills and experiences better match present circumstances and goals. …