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Volume 23, Number 46 Copyright 2006 Business Book Review, LLC All Rights Reserved
Leading at a
Higher Level
Blanchard on Leadership and Creating
High-Performance Organizations
Ken Blanchard
2007 by Blanchard Management Corporation
Adapted by permission of Financial Times Prentice Hall
ISBN: 0-13-144390-9
Introduction
Leaders in any realm of life can become self-serving when the driving reason for being in business is based solely on
profit. While profit is a legitimate goal, neglecting to see leadership as part of a higher calling diminishes the capacity
to influence others and impact the greater good.
Leading at a Higher Level examines the concept of leading with a higher purpose, which requires a compelling
vision and a philosophy that the development of people is equally important to that of performance. Author Ken Blanchard
challenges readers to lead by asking themselves who they are, what they stand for, and how they can take the initiative
even if they dont have position power.
Business Book Review Vol. 23, No. 46 Copyright 2006 Business Book Review, LLC All Rights Reserved
Ken Blanchard
Key Concepts
Organizations that lead at a higher level do
four things well:
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This may mean altering the existing culture by reexamining the organizations values.
The eighth change leadership strategy involves people
in exploring possibilities and options. Simply by having
options, people will feel they have choices and can
influence change.
PART IV: HAVE THE RIGHT KIND OF LEADERSHIP
Business Book Review Vol. 23, No. 46 Copyright 2006 Business Book Review, LLC All Rights Reserved
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Remarks
Everyone can lead at a higher level. It doesnt matter
whether its at work, home, or in the community. The
information in this book is universally important and
encourages readers to lead at this higher level. Delving
into employee-manager relationships, Blanchard focuses
on the human side of leading, looking at significance over
success. Creating a high-performing organization is not only
about producing results, but becoming a welcoming haven
for everyone involved: customers, suppliers, employees,
stockholders, and the community.
In his advance praise of Leading at a Higher Level,
Jim Irvine, vice president of human resources, Nissan North
America, says, Leading at a Higher Level translates
decades of research and 25 years of global experience into
simple, practical, and powerful strategies to equip leaders
at every level to build organizations that produce bottomline results.
Ken Blanchard
Reading Suggestions
Reading Time: 12-13 Hours, 376 Pages in Book
At first it may be intimidating to read all of the
acronyms and lists used to explain principles, but theres
no need to take notes. This book can be referred to time
and time again. The scope of Blanchards work and the
detail throughout may make this dense reading, but it is an
excellent reference guide.
This book is divided into four sections which
correspond to the key concepts of leading at a higher
level. The author helps readers pull together his concepts
and apply that knowledge to specific leadership situations.
Some readers may find they have a strong understanding
of the right target and vision, but have an organizational
culture which is not conducive to treating their customers
right. If this is the case, readers should start with section II.
However, those just beginning their journey to becoming
a high-performing organization may want to start with
Section I. After that, its useful to move through the
planned sequence of sections.
Chapter 13 provides readers with help to develop their
own leadership point of view. Reviewing this section and
answering relevant questions should clarify thoughts on
leadership, and position readers so they may teach their
view to others.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Section I:
Set Your Sights on the Right Target and
Vision
Section II:
Treat Your Customers Right
Section III:
Treat Your People Right
Section IV:
Have the Right Kind of Leadership
Business Book Review Vol. 23, No. 46 Copyright 2006 Business Book Review, LLC All Rights Reserved
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Ken Blanchard
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Copyright 2006 Business Book Review, LLC All Rights Reserved
No copies may be made of this review unless appropriate license has been granted.
ISSN 0741-8132
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