Whether planned or unexpected, change presents leaders with their toughest sustained challenges - regardless of the leader’s seniority or the organisation’s size. For many leaders, change brings drama - and the replaying of familiar stories.
In A Question of Leadership, Keith Leslie provides a wide range of illustrative case studies derived from both research and his first-hand experience in the public and private sectors as a former partner at both Deloitte and McKinsey. Each chapter first provides an engaging narrative that presents a relatable leadership dilemma, before an analysis of what works and when (often reaching seemingly counterintuitive solutions), followed by a selection of research which supports this thesis and, finally, actionable advice for leaders who find themselves in comparable circumstances (or may do so in the future).
Alongside their individual takeaways, each of these case studies are united behind an overarching thesis: the failure of many change initiatives (research shows that approx. 60-70% fail) is caused by the leader’s inability to fully consider the consequences and magnitude of the situation. Whether they consider it ‘just a game’, or they are ‘gaming the system’, they often fail to recognise the full consequences of the change initiative. Across business and society, the prevalence and impacts of such short-sighted mistakes has become more overt than ever following the onset of the ongoing pandemic.
A Question of Leadership also places an emphasis upon one element of corporate leadership and change initiatives that is frequently overlooked yet more important than ever: mental health. The book provides expert advice on managing mental health (both that of the leader and their team) within stressful, high-pressure environments. This is a timely and essential guide for any business leader looking for the most effective strategies and approaches when it comes to change initiatives. Keith Leslie explores the corporate consequences of the worldwide pandemic, and analyses how leaders can adapt and improve to ensure the continued livelihood and prosperity of their organization and employees in the wake of crises.
