GoodBoss,BadBoss

I recently read Good Boss, Bad Boss by Robert Sutton (2010). 

Sutton does a very nice job of painting a picture of the kinds of thinking, the ways of behaving, and the underlying dispositions of extremely effective "bosses" (we can translate that to mean "leaders").  He continually contrasts these elements against counter-examples of ineffective bosses.

The book is well worth the time for any who are interested in making themselves more effective through intentional growth and habit formations.  There is far too much "meat" in the book for me to try to capture it all in a brief summary, so let me share with you just a few of the highlights of my learning from the book:

• EVERYONE wins when the leader gives as much credit as possible to others and takes as little credit as possible for him/herself.
• Fight as if you are right, listen as if you are wrong.
• Ask a lot of good questions.
• Forgive people when they fail, remember the lessons, and teach them to everyone.
• Do not bullshit or lie to employees, as doing so can destroy their loyalty and confidence, along with your reputation.

Thanks to DP for this book recommendation.  You made me better, sir.