Unnatural Leadership: Going Against Intuition and Experience to Develop Ten New Leadership Instincts

by David L. Dotlich and Peter C. Cairo

Book Overview

Written by David Dotlich and Peter Cairo-- two of the country's top executive coaches and educators-- Unnatural Leadership debunks the common notion of the natural leader as a flawless figure. The book describes the truth about being a real leader in a business environment turned upside down by e-commerce, diversity, security concerns, globalization, and matrix structures. Drawing on personal experience working with successful leaders in top-tier...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078795618X
• ISBN13: 9780787956189
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Breakthrough, Compelling, Useful.

What a terrific book!Unnatural Leadership stimulated my thinking on a number of levels. I read it on a cross-country plane trip, and came away feeling: --A newfound sense of commitment to the work I'm doing; --Energized about the possibilities of leveraging the principles as they relate to my own business; --Eager to apply what I learned toward my own personal development efforts. Not bad for a few hours where I might have otherwise plugged-in and zoned out! Several things about the book make it stand out from the pack. First, the ideas are compelling and breakthrough. Second, it's written in a way that invites you to read it. Third, it's full of practical advice on how you can apply the principles described. Most importantly, it's very clear that the authors have had the depth and breadth of hands-on experience to know--really know-- what the heck they're talking about. The book is not about theory. It's about what leaders really do to succeed in today's complex, rapidly changing world, as compared with what they once needed to do when their environments changed at a much slower, more predictable rate.And there are some interesting surprises in this book. I, myself, am a management consultant, and thought I knew most of what there was to know about the latest-and-greatest ideas on the subject. Not so, I discovered when reading this book. You might say I was a bit humbled.The bottom line is this. If you're connected to the world of Leadership Development in some way, and are interested in reading something breakthrough, compelling and really useful for a change, I suggest you read this book. Pat

"Unnatural Leadership" Review

Want THE definitive handbook on 21st century leadership? This is it! David Dotlich and Peter Cairo have done a fine job of ferreting out the qualities that comprise the "new" type of leadership that's emerging in today's most successful companies. "Unnatural Leadership" is a tremendously illuminating book. Plus, it's a plain, old-fashioned 'good read'. (Believe me, coming from a person who generally finds business books unremittingly dull, this is quite a compliment!) It's obvious authors Dotlich and Cairo love what they do -- and their enthusiasm is contagious!

good blend

I found Dotlich and Cairo's book very helpful in navigating the confusing space between what is taught in most leadership books/programs and what I've found works best. They balance up to the minute business smarts with valid academic research and history. GREAT READ.

Recommended !

A good and practical read about the grayer areas of leadership -- particularly apt post Eron...but applicable all the time. As I have advanced in my own leadership position I find the choice between right and right...and I search for inspiration as well as advice I can use. I especially liked the chapter on the dark side...since we all have one !