Booktalking "Leadership BS" by Jeffrey Pfeffer
If you think that leaders have your best interest at heart, sadly... you may be wrong. That is not to say that some of them are not beneficent. There are some great, inspirational leaders that help new and more experienced staff develop their skills and careers and feel appreciated. However, leadership is not exactly an academic field that is backed up by degrees and academic rigor. Research and data that could substantiate claims of leader effectiveness are largely absent from our knowledge base. If leadership were subjected to peer-reviewed analysis, perhaps better strategies could be developed that would move companies, staff and customers forward in achieving their goals.
Unfortunately, all of the conferences, books and training seminars that are provided on leadership do not appear to have had a positive effect on the operation of companies. Leaders are frequently told how wonderful and competent they are, and subordinates are afraid to criticize members of senior management. Therefore, it is important for leaders to remain grounded and down-to-earth so that they do not lose out on valuable critique. Some leaders are self-centered and care mostly about themselves and their careers. Employees need to take care of their own needs and not expect managers to keep their best interests at heart.
Leaders cannot display their true emotions and be authentic when they are in the spotlight and are responsible for the well being of the company, customers and staff. Lower socioeconomic status parents teach their kids about emotional management less than middle socioeconomic status parents do. Managing emotional expression may be the key to social mobility and attaining higher-paying careers. Leaders are not modest because they must display confidence. A lot of employees do not trust management or believe what they say nowadays.
Leadership BS: Fixing Workplaces and Careers One Truth at a Time by Jeffrey Pfeffer, 2015
I found the honesty and occupational psychology that ran through this book refreshing.
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