Book Review: From Bud to Boss

When we work as an individual contributor in early years of our careers, we are in-charge of our own outcomes. At some point, we get promoted to a leadership position, and we have to get things done through people. This is one of the most significant transitions in our careers, and the one that is never easy.

Kevin Eikenberry and Guy Harris have written an comprehensive guide titled “From Bud to Boss – Secrets To A Successful Transition To Remarkable Leadership“. Yes, this one is more than just a book. It is a guide that outlines steps and strategies to become a remarkable leader whom people choose to follow.

I read this book with great interest, and found that it is as useful for people who are already leading, as it is for people who are transitioning to leadership positions. The book enables you to look at your own self through a series of “Self Assessment” sections. It then compiles some very important lessons (named “Remarkable Principles”) and then offers practical steps/exercises that you can take now to strengthen your transition.

Here are some of the remarkable leadership principles that I really liked:

• “Your desire to listen is at least as important as, if not more important than, your skill of listening.”
• “If you want people to feel ownership of a goal, set the goal with them, not for them.”
• “Ultimately what matters is not goal setting, it is goal getting.”

This book does a few things: it offers new ideas, offers new perspectives on what you already know and outlines steps to make it all happen. Through out the book, you will find “Bonus Bytes” that will point you to some very useful resources. “From Bud To boss” is also supported by a strong community that Kevin and Guy have built around the ideas presented in this book. The “Bud to Boss Community” is a collection of some very useful learning material that nicely complements the book.

This book is a practical one. Irrespective of what leadership level you are at, this is a must read book.

From Bud to Boss – Secrets to a Successful Transition to Remarkable Leadership publishes on February 15th, but the Free Bud to Boss Community is open and available now! To celebrate the launch, they have gathered some terrific gifts from partners. To find out about the gifts, please visit the book website. Thanks to Kevin, Guy and Becky for their generosity in sending me an advance copy of the book that now becomes a valuable addition to my book shelf.

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