Book Review: Leadership and Self-Deception

I started reading the book and shared the premise with Chris, he ordered it, loved it, then ordered it for several of his team members, as well.

The book is written in the Patrick Lencioni-style in the form of a story. In Part I, there is a great quote: “You can’t make headway solving problems if the people causing those problems refuse to consider how they might be responsible.” Throughout the book, they talk about being in or out of the box. When we’re ‘in’ the box, it’s nearly impossible to see outside influences and we may see our options as very limited. This includes our interactions with others and whether they’re in or out of the box.

A little later in Part I, there’s a story about a flight where there would be a few unused seats. How concerned are we about others while we do our best to take up extra space and avoid eye contact. A small thing, but good example.

The story is a gentleman at a new company and a mentor who’s been there a long time. How we engage others, remembering that these are people who are taking a journey with us, can help us encourage them. Often those same people are the ones that help us be successful at work and at home. A great story, thoughtful observations, and recommended! -CMW