Break Your Own Rules E-Book

Jill Flynn

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 251

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

New York Times Bestseller How women can make it to the top by adopting the new rules of leadership Women hold just 11 percent of the most senior-level leadership positions in U.S. Corporations--a number that hasn't changed in over 30 years. How can women break through? Break Your Own Rules distills the six faulty assumptions (or "rules") most women follow that get in the way--then delivers the correlating new rules that promise to clear that path. For example, the old rule of "Focus on Others" must be replaced by "Take Center Stage," "Hard Work Will Get You There" must yield to "Be Politically Savvy." "Play It Safe" must give way to "Play to Win." "Ask Permission" must be replaced by "Proceed Until Apprehended." * Features the results of over 1,700 interviews with executives in Fortune 1000 companies, as well as the authors' new research and ongoing work with over 5,000 professional women * Showcases previously-untold stories from high profile women including Ann Moore (CEO, Time Inc.), Susan Ivey (CEO, Reynolds American), Cathy Bessant (Global Executive for Technology and Operations for Bank of America), Lynn Ford (CEO, ING Solutions), and more * Reveals what it really takes for any woman to succeed at the highest levels * Foreword by Sharon Allen, Chairman of Deloitte This hands-on guide is for women who are ready to transform their assumptions and join the senior ranks of American business.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Praise for Break Your Own Rules

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword

Chapter 1: Our Vision

What We Believe

Research and Experience

Our Red-Suit Vision

This Book

Chapter 2: Break Your Own Rules

The Old Rules

Changing How You Think About Change

Chapter 3: Take Center Stage

What Were We Thinking?

The Old Rule: Focus on Others

The New Rule: Take Center Stage

Chapter 4: Proceed Until Apprehended

What Were We Thinking?

The Old Rule: Seek Approval

The New Rule: Proceed Until Apprehended

Chapter 5: Project Personal Power

What Were We Thinking?

The Old Rule: Be Modest

The New Rule: Project Personal Power

Chapter 6: Be Politically Savvy

What Were We Thinking?

The Old Rule: Work Harder

The New Rule: Be Politically Savvy

Chapter 7: Play to Win

What Were We Thinking?

The Old Rule: Play It Safe

The New Rule: Play to Win

Chapter 8: It's Both-And

What Were We Thinking?

The Old Rule: It's All or Nothing

The New Rule: It's Both-And

Chapter 9: Stand Together and Close Ranks

Individual Level: Awareness, Choice, Then Change

Group Level: Women Supporting Other Women

System-Level Support

Concluding Words on Change

Notes

Reading List for Women Leaders

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Index

Advertisement

Praise for Break Your Own Rules

“Upheavals abound that challenge organizations deeply every day. The interplay of shifting demographics, new technologies, and economic forces is non-stop—and powerful. What does this mean to women who want to change the face of leadership and share power at the top? You need smart, fast help from trusted leadership experts who understand the path from the inside out. You'll get just that in Break Your Own Rules by authors Flynn, Heath, and Holt. Its fresh stories, in-depth research, and resonant advice will help you navigate today's real hurdles and drive your career to the highest levels. I look forward to the day when the senior ranks reflect a full 50% of the talent pool, thanks in part to this immensely practical new book.”

—Tammy Erickson, award-winning advisor on engaged organizations; bestselling author ofWorkforce Crisis and What's Next, Gen X?

“In the game of business, you've got to know the rules to get ahead. But if you're a woman, there's more: you need to recognize the patterns that continue to hold us back, then you must start practicing ‘the new rules of leadership.’ Flynn, Heath, and Holt deliver it all in Break Your Own Rules. The book is packed with untold stories from the authors' own lives as senior executives, from their current work as leadership coaches to women in Fortune 1000 companies, and from women CEOs across industries. It includes the six road-tested ‘new rules’ that get women to the top. If your goal is to achieve your highest potential, you'll need this book. It comes with my highest recommendation.”

—Gail Evans, executive VP at CNN (retired); bestselling author ofPlay Like a Man, Win Like a Woman

“Great leadership is by definition uncommon and unconventional. If it were not, most every leader would be great. Break Your Own Rules is a provocative yet pragmatic blueprint for ways to reconstruct the models, myths, and molds that restrict leader greatness. It will open your eyes, renovate your mind, and unleash your talent.”

—Chip R. Bell, author ofWired and Dangerous

“In our world of unprecedented change, how do organizations become more effective, decisive, and profitable? By having the very best leaders at the top. It's time for women everywhere to break their own rules and start joining the senior ranks in greater numbers. Here's how: buy a copy of this breakthrough book for yourself, and one for a colleague.”

—Charlene Li, founder of Altimeter Group; author of the bestsellingOpen Leadership

“Vast numbers of women move business forward every day—yet astonishingly few hold top leadership positions. Break your Own Rules addresses this age-old problem in a powerful new way through six specific practices. This book is for every woman, in any industry, who is ready to start engineering her own ‘path to power.’”

—Douglas R. Conant, CEO of Campbell Soup Company; coauthor of the bestsellingTouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments

“Break Your Own Rules is an unusually fresh, engaging, and tactical book for women who want to fulfill their leadership potential. It's also perfect for men who want the very best people in power. Get your copy today.”

—Mary Matalin, political consultant, commentator, and author

“Over the years and across a few generations, I have had the privilege of participating in American public life in so many ways—as a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. As a government servant at the highest levels. As a business executive with a seat on high-profile corporate boards. And as a bestselling author and arbiter of manners. I was often the only woman in the room; this didn't change much as my achievements grew, as our education levels increased, and as the years passed. Even now, women aren't well represented in top positions. Thank goodness for Break Your Own Rules. This is the first book that lets us reimagine leadership—and I mean really reimagine leadership—by showing exactly how smart, skilled, and ambitious women can navigate the hurdles and reach their full potential. Don't wait to read this important book. You'll see leadership, and yourself, in a new and limitless way.”

—Letitia Baldrige, business leader, philanthropist, former chief of staff for Jacqueline Kennedy, and proud octogenarian

“Break Your Own Rules reflects the experience of many women—nearly 2,000 Fortune 1000 executives and 5,000 professional women. But mostly, it addresses the pivotal question, ‘What does it really take for women to lead today?' Authors Flynn, Heath, and Holt, having held executive positions themselves in addition to their time spent advising women and organizations on how to advance women's careers, provide some new and helpful insights and answers to this unfortunately persistent question. Get their help to move yourself forward faster. Their advice can make a difference.”

—Crandall Close Bowles, chairman and CEO, Springs Global (retired)

“Leadership is about winning and reaping big rewards. But getting to and staying at the top isn't easy. In fact, the hard truth is that for women, it remains highly improbable—unless you have a concrete strategy and learn how to lead in ways you can't imagine when you start. As one of the very few women who advises Fortune 500 CEOs and their teams every day, I know what it takes. So do Break Your Own Rules authors Flynn, Heath, and Holt. This is a hands-on guide that gets it right. Every woman who cares about her impact and leadership needs to get a copy of this game-changing book today.”

—Saj-nicole Joni, confidential CEO advisor; bestselling author ofThe Right Fight: How Great Leaders Use Healthy Conflict to Drive Performance, Innovation, and Value

“I confess that I'm not sympathetic when I hear women say things like, ‘I don't have a real shot at the top because relationships are formed on the golf course and I'm not a golfer.’ Or, ‘So-and-so is plotting and scheming for the position I want and I just won't play those games.’ Or, ‘People don't listen to me because I'm a woman.’ I hear this last one from women a lot, and I think the reason nobody listens to them is because they say things like that! I'm not suggesting that barriers don't exist. The glass ceiling is still very real in many industries, and sadly, gender discrimination in the workplace still exists. But it's time for women to stop denying any accountability for the struggles they face, and instead, adopt the powerful, road-tested practices outlined in Break Your Own Rules, guaranteed to help women everywhere achieve their greatest potential. I love this book. It is fierce, a must-read!”

—Susan Scott, founder of the global training company Fierce Inc.; bestselling author ofFierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work & in Life—One Conversation at a Time and Fierce Leadership: A Bold Alternative to the Worst “Best” Practices of Business Today

“Now is the time for women to claim their seats at the table. Whether in the board room or at the executive level, when women are represented, they consistently demonstrate their power to increase the bottom line and drive innovation. What I have seen in my work with women leaders around the world is that when passion, talent, and commitment are matched with a strategy to succeed, there's no limit in our ability to transform companies, communities, and even our world. That's exactly what you'll get from leadership experts Flynn, Heath, and Holt in Break Your Own Rules. The book delivers the very best of their experiences as executives and coaches, plus the latest research and untold stories from a number of women who have made it to the top and are making a significant impact. I urge you to pick up your copy today.”

—Alyse Nelson, president/CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership; social entrepreneur

“After four decades of women entering every segment of the American workforce, the percentage of women in senior leadership positions is barely a low double digit. When it comes to reaching the elite top ranks, solutions have been elusive—until now. In Break Your Own Rules, authors Flynn, Heath, and Holt build on their deep experience to offer real-life advice that really works. Women and men must read this compelling book. Now.”

—Ruth Shaw, CEO and president of Duke Power (retired)

Copyright © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Published by Jossey-Bass

A Wiley Imprint

989 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741—www.josseybass.com

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400, fax [phone], or on the Web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, 201-748-6011, fax [phone], or online at www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

Readers should be aware that Internet Web sites offered as citations and/or sources for further information may have changed or disappeared between the time this was written and when it is read.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Jossey-Bass books and products are available through most bookstores. To contact Jossey-Bass directly call our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 800-956-7739, outside the U.S. at 317-572-3986, or fax [phone].

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats and by print-on-demand. Not all content that is available in standard print versions of this book may appear or be packaged in all book formats. If you have purchased a version of this book that did not include media that is referenced by or accompanies a standard print version, you may request this media by visiting http://booksupport.wiley.com. For more information about Wiley products, visit us www.wiley.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Flynn, Jill, 1945-

Break your own rules : how to change the patterns of thinking that block women's paths to power / Jill Flynn, Kathryn Heath, Mary Davis Holt.—1st ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-118-06254-8 (hardback); ISBN 978-1-118-10381-4 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-10382-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-10383-8 (ebk)

1. Women executives—Psychology. 2. Businesswomen—Psychology. 3. Assertiveness in women. 4. Women—Promotions. 5. Success in business. I. Heath, Kathryn, 1949- II. Holt, Mary Davis, 1950- III. Title.

HD6054.3.F584 2011

658.4'09019—dc23

2011021318

To our amazing husbands, Smitty, Tom, and David, who are our best friends and our biggest fans

Foreword

In business and in life, rules are everywhere.

Consider my own profession, in which there are well-documented rules to help accountants achieve consistency in everything from recognizing revenue to conducting an audit. Rules make financial reporting more uniform and enable investors to better compare the financial performance of various organizations.

But in life, and particularly in the business lives of women, there are ways of thinking that can begin to feel like rules that must be consistently obeyed. They encompass a wide range of behaviors, from being modest and playing it safe to focusing on others and seeking approval. Following such preconceived notions with blind obedience can inhibit, if not derail, a woman's ability to advance to senior leadership.