The 10 essential skills to transform the way you lead

The Leadership Habit provides the framework for patterns of behavior that will transform the way you lead. By articulating a clear, well-defined standard of what it means to be a leader, this book condenses volumes of advice and opinion into 10 key areas and teaches leaders how they can create daily habits surrounding these centers of excellence. Leaders who can commit to creating change will develop more productive teams and will build long-term growth for their organization.

This book is your invaluable guide to being one of the greats, with proven advice and a concrete framework for leading well. Through expert discussion and deep dissection of these critical areas, you’ll discover how to drive for results, build the best team, execute on vision, foster innovation, and more. Learn how to:

• Transform your habits across 30 specific skill areas
• Model personal growth, focus, and positivity
• Accelerate productivity and maintain your organization’s competitive advantage

As a leader, your team's performance and your organization's outlook are direct reflections of you. Discover how to become a catalyst for driving performance and results by transforming your actions every day. 

TAMMY R. BERBERICK is the CEO for Crestcom International, the leading organization in results-based interactive leadership development. Tammy holds an MBA and has held numerous executive level positions leading transformational change within organizations. Tammy has coached over 100 CEOs and key executives on leadership, change management, organization design, and strategy.

PETER LINDSAY is the Director of Operations for Crestcom International. He is a former officer in the United States Air Force, holds a MS in Strategic Intelligence, and is a global facilitator in leadership development. Recognized as a thought leader, he is a trainer, instructional designer, and author in leadership and social change.

KATIE FRITCHEN is a writer and strategist for Crestcom International. A graduate of the University of Oregon's Lundquist School of Business and specialist in business development, she is an author and editor in areas including business management and leadership.

Introduction ix

Acknowledgments xi

CHAPTER 1 Drives for Results 1

Accountability 2

Decision Making 8

Asking the Right Questions 10

Drives for Results Assessment Questions 14

The Leader’s Toolkit 14

CHAPTER 2 Builds the Right Team 17

Hiring the Right Talent 18

Multigenerational Leadership 22

Organizing and Developing Teams 28

Builds the Right Team Assessment Questions 31

The Leader’s Toolkit 31

CHAPTER 3 Influences Others 33

Open and Effective Communication 34

Negotiation and Building Consensus 38

Emotional Intelligence 45

Influences Others Assessment Questions 46

The Leader’s Toolkit 47

CHAPTER 4 Understands the Business 49

Generates Business Insights 49

Financial Management 55

Productivity and Process Efficiency 57

Understands the Business Assessment Questions 60

The Leader’s Toolkit 60

CHAPTER 5 Executes Vision 63

Defines and Communicates Vision 64

Strategic Thinking 65

Plans and Prioritizes 67

Executes Vision Assessment Questions 73

The Leader’s Toolkit 73

CHAPTER 6 Encourages Excellence 75

Delegation and Empowerment 76

Coaching and Encouraging 84

Rewards and Recognition 87

Encourages Excellence Assessment Questions 91

The Leader’s Toolkit 91

CHAPTER 7 Develops Positive Relationships 93

Networking 94

Collaboration 97

Conflict Management 102

Develops Positive Relationships Assessment Questions 107

The Leader’s Toolkit 107

CHAPTER 8 Develops Customer Focus 109

Trust and Credibility 110

Needs and Opportunity Awareness 111

Responsive Problem Solving 113

Develops Customer Focus Assessment Questions 118

The Leader’s Toolkit 119

CHAPTER 9 Fosters Innovation 121

Change Leadership and Management 122

Continuous Improvement 126

Complex Thinking 130

Fosters Innovation Assessment Questions 131

The Leader’s Toolkit 131

CHAPTER 10 Models Personal Growth 133

Self-Awareness 134

Continuous Learning 137

Managing Personal Energy and Time 139

Models Personal Growth Assessment Questions 145

The Leader’s Toolkit 145

Conclusion Make Leadership a Habit 147

References 149

Appendix A Your Personal Development Plan 151

Step 1: Self-Assessment 152

Step 2: Personal Action Plan 153

Step 3: Accountability 156

Appendix B Core Competencies Summary 157

Chapter 1: Drives for Results 157

Chapter 2: Builds the Right Team 159

Chapter 3: Influences Others 160

Chapter 4: Understands the Business 162

Chapter 5: Executes Vision 163

Chapter 6: Encourages Excellence 164

Chapter 7: Develops Positive Relationships 166

Chapter 8: Develops Customer Focus 167

Chapter 9: Fosters Innovation 169

Chapter 10: Models Personal Growth 170

Appendix C Glossary of Financial Terms 173

About the Authors 175

About Crestcom 177

Index 179