Why Should the Boss Listen to You?

by James E. Lukaszewski and James E. Lukaszewski

Book Overview

This is a book about gaining influence and becoming a key trusted advisor. It is for everyone who advises leaders and senior managers (accounting, finance, human resources, IT, law, marketing, public relations, security, and strategic planning) and for outside consultants in these functional staff areas. It's also for operations people yearning to finally be heard and heeded by their boss.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787996181
• ISBN13: 9780787996185
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Essential reading for professionals in today's economy

Why do some professionals enjoy long and prosperous careers in business and nonprofit, thriving even during challenging economic periods? According to James Lukaszewski, one of the world's master strategic advisers to CEOs, because they've achieved the most valuable role possible in their field - key trusted advisor to leaders. In his latest book, Jim provides an extraordinary insider look at this coveted role, revealing what it is and, equally important, is not. Whether in a staff position (Marketing, PR, Finance, IT, Legal, Accounting, HR, Security, etc.), consulting in one of these fields, or in operations middle management and determined to be heard at the top, professionals must realize that serious expertise in their field is, surprisingly, only the first step towards achieving this desirable and exciting position of influence. Strategic advising to CEOS and other top management is by definition a highly complex business, and Jim strongly recommends learning seven critical disciplines. For example, many staff professionals, wrapped up in their own territory and jargon (and attitude), rarely acquire any significant understanding of general management, and yet a working knowledge is essential to becoming a trusted advisor who "must use management terms and actually execute in the management environment." Having spent his professional life performing in the line of fire, Jim generously shares his well-marked road map to the war zone that is today's executive suite. Working through his guidelines for each compelling discipline, professionals will learn how to increase their ability to contribute significantly to the leadership under a wide range of circumstances. This in turn increases the possibility they'll be called in at 'the 11th hour' when strategic advising is most needed, appreciated, and rewarded. Fascinating case 'snapshots' illustrate and underscore his recommendations and insights. Whatever your current professional level, you'll most certainly benefit from studying this exceptional handbook designed to help you learn how to "manage your own destiny by helping leaders achieve theirs." A remarkable real-world resource for today's volatile marketplace that belongs in every professional's library. Also highly recommended to business and communications faculty.

It Really Does Work

What makes this book so special is not the fact Jim Lukaszewski captures CEO-think in a clear, concise, fashion. Nor is it the methodical, no-nonsense way he shows the PR pro how to tap into that mindset. What makes this book special is his blueprint actually works. I know because I tried it, using some of the strategies in this book. Consider this book a traveler's guide for any PR pro looking to elevate their game from tactician to strategist.

Much more than it first appears

Why should the boss listen to you? Sweet book. A sophisticated analysis. The top is fast and complex. You read him think and analyze through issues with a decision maker. Far more than first appears. A real look at the soul of what good business can be. Everything could be like this, health care, politics.... James Lukaszewski (Loo ka SHEV skee) (szew=SHEV am I the only one that didn't know that?) sketches the boss, inner circle, advisor and staff. Explains each player. How they fit together, where they are coming from and how you contribute. The big picture is there when you finish. He has some good visuals and many lists. 7 Discipilines 5 Imparatives 4 Things to do 5 Flawed Strategies 9 Things a leader expects 11 Things you need to know to work with a boss 3 Lists of questions to consider. Nice learning device. Leaders get an unfair beating, especially from the corrupt drive-by-media. Humans like to work, leaders like to lead. Lawyers and media egos like to screw things up. Too many books could be a pamphlet, not this one. "Managers test before they trust.", a nice thought I liked in the section on trust. Something like that on every page. On half the pages I wrote a comment. An enjoyable read of deep material. His thoughts reveal a life that works. This body of work is a protein meal. I Love this book. The CD is like an outline, How to develop a mind of a strategist. $10 Get comfortable, close your eyes, listen. Or go to the seminar. My favorite on the CD is not in the book. It is a seven word summary of everything you need to know about unions. It is NOT negative. The 7 words will make your company better. Or The 7 words will make your union better. Get the CD, find the 7 words. You will remember them. You will use them. You will appreciate Jim, say more with less. The book is very, very good. You will not be able to read it only once. You will listen to the CD once, but the one phrase is worth $100+.

Finally -- An Engaging & Thoroughly Valuable Book for Business and PR Folks Regardless of Rank

For anyone who strives to add value and contribute at a high level in the executive arena or just embark upon a highly successful career, this is a "must read" book. Jim Lukaszewski truly captures the inner-workings of an executive mindset. You do not have to be a public relations practitioner to benefit from the wisdom and stories shared within this quick and informative read. Personally, I have read Jim's books throughout the past two decades and this one is the best yet. I highly recommend it and have purchased multiple copies to share with colleagues and team members.

Keys to Real Influence

Jim Lukaszewski's book, Why Should the Boss Listen to You?, is brimming with advice that will unquestionably benefit all who aspire to be in the inner circle of real influence to those that matter. It's filled with practical strategies and guidelines on how to best present yourself and your ideas. In essence, if you want to be promoted, read this and make it happen.