A Question of Leadership: Leading Organizational Change in Times of Crisis

Description

A fascinating guide to effective leadership in times of crises, with a psychological underpinning that provides both context and practical advice. Whether planned or unexpected, change can present leaders with some of their toughest sustained challenges, regardless of seniority or the organisation's size. 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. They are united by an overarching thesis: the failure of many change initiatives is caused by the leader's inability to fully consider the consequences and magnitude of the situation. Across business and society, the prevalence and impacts of such short-sighted mistakes has become more apparent than ever following the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Each chapter provides an engaging narrative that presents a relatable leadership dilemma, before undertaking an analysis of what works and when it should be implemented and, finally, actionable advice for leaders who find themselves in comparable circumstances (or may do so in the future). A Question of Leadership also places an emphasis on an important but frequently overlooked element of corporate leadership and change initiatives: mental health. The book provides expert advice on managing the mental health of leaders and the teams who are operating 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, to ensure the continued livelihood and prosperity of their organization and their employees in times of crisis.

Keith Leslie is a leadership mentor, speaker and writer, living and working in London and Bristol. He is Chair of Samaritans in the UK & Ireland and Chair of Mental Health At Work CIC. He was previously Chair of Mental Health Foundation, and has also served as Chair of Build Africa and as a non-executive director of The Tablet Publishing Company. He has been a fellow at Windsor Leadership since 2010. Keith began his career with Shell, working in a series of front-line and general management roles. He joined McKinsey in 1993, becoming a partner in 1998, and served clients in a wide range of industrial sectors and government. He moved to Deloitte as a partner in 2006 and retired in 2017, having focused on organisation and leadership challenges at senior levels in industry and government. Based on his experience working with senior management teams, Keith has published more than 50 articles in European Management Journal, McKinsey Quarterly, The Times, Wall Street Journal, The Tablet and many other professional journals. He also speaks regularly at conferences and development programmes for senior leaders.

Grounded in fascinating research and practical advice, A Question of Leadership is an essential guide to compassionate and effective leadership. -- Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General, Confederation of British Industry Keith Leslie has produced a very timely, well written and markedly useful book about leadership. It is stuffed with clear advice and important warnings for anyone involved in leadership, and manages to combine the lessons of a practitioner with the thoughts of an intellectual. -- Keith Grint, Emeritus Professor, University of Warwick and author of 'The Arts of Leadership' In an age when change is relentless, and too many top leaders are blinded by ego, Keith's testimonies about what really works in leading organizations to success are most refreshing. This candid approach to mental health as a leadership issue could not be timelier. -- James Lahey, Director of the Centre on Public Management and Policy, University of Ottawa This book convincingly explains that real leadership is about asking powerful questions and accompanying others on their journey by listening, learning and humbly promoting solidarity. -- Lord John McFall of Alcluith, Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords A refreshingly human, grounded, nuanced guide to leading sustainable change in a complex system. Keith Leslie's decades of wisdom and experience shine through on every page. -- Caroline Webb, author of 'How to Have a Good Day' and Senior Adviser to McKinsey & Company A Question of Leadership provides valuable insights for leaders across all sectors, and importantly highlights how leaders can effectively learn from one another. -- Lesley King-Lewis, Chief Executive, Windsor Leadership I commend the wisdom of a working lifetime in this book to all who seek to lead their organization through crisis to good health. -- William Storrar, Director of the Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, NJ This is a book for our times. With skillful use of the pandemic and other stories clearly laid out, Keith Leslie guides all of us as leaders involved in change. His people-centric focus on mental health is ground-breaking. -- Lieutenant General Richard E Nugee CB CVO CBE, former Chief of Defence People, Ministry of Defence Drawing upon examples from BigCo and Tech in North America, this book is packed with deep insight, applicable-knowledge and advice gained through real-world experience. Keith's book delivers a valuable, timely and engaging view of the problems faced by organisations as they navigate change. -- Chris Cook, VP Engineering, Navarik Covid has exposed so many of the inadequacies of the standard leadership cliches. So nothing could be more timely and necessary than A Question of Leadership with its width and depth, its sensitivity, insight and judgement about this great shared experience in which, as he writes, none of us have been bystanders. -- Lord Peter Hennessy, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History, Queen Mary University of London A leadership book for leaders at all levels of an organisation. It provides credible and practical insight for leaders embracing inclusion and mental health; wishing to leave a legacy of a buoyant and motivated workforce, all while supporting organisational impact and building stakeholder value. -- Aisha Sheikh-Anene, Chair of the Board, Mental Health Foundation