Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success - Hardcover

Morgan, Angela; Lynch, Courtney; Lynch, Sean

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0544716183 ISBN 13: 9780544716186

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017

Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Leadership isn't about a job title - it's about action and behavior.

In SPARK, entrepreneurs, business consultants and military Veterans Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch, and Sean Lynch show how anyone can become an extraordinary leader by embracing seven key behaviors.

Many people believe that leaders are the rare few at the upper echelons of a business or other enterprise. But the truth is leaders can be found at any level of an organization.

These are the Sparks - the doers, thinkers, innovators, and key influencers who are catalysts for personal and organizational change. Sparks aren't defined by the place they hold on an organizational chart. They are defined by their actions, commitment, and will.

When Sparks are ignited, their actions can shape their future. They make things better. They're the individuals who have the courage to challenge the status quo and take action. 

Frederick W. Smith, Chairman & CEO of FedEx Corporation, adds: The concept of leadership is not a difficult one to understand. It's that straight-forward, but it's by no means intuitive. It must be learned and practiced. SPARK will help you do just that.    

SPARK's insights were hard-earned by its authors, Angie Morgan (Marine Corps), Courtney Lynch (Marine Corps), and Sean Lynch (Air Force), who today are sought-after consultants and keynote speakers, through their firm Lead Star, due to the relevant, engaging way they help individuals reimagine themselves as leaders so they can reach their true potential.

Not only does SPARK provide you with the encouragement and motivation to be a leader, it also offers online resources that will further support your leadership development. With SPARK as a blueprint, anyone can become a catalyst for change, and any organization can identify and develop Sparks.

About this title

Review

"SPARK is a myth-destroying book that will make you rethink both the theory and practice of leadership. In a straightforward and direct way, the authors show that leading is a choice, that values and actions must be in sync, and that being of service is the ultimate touchstone of genuine leadership. Whatever your job title or circle of influence, this book can help you light your own spark." --Daniel H. Pink, bestselling author of DRIVE and TO SELL IS HUMAN

"If you truly want to become a Spark in your organization and in your life, I urge you to read this book now." --Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski - Head Coach, Duke University Men's Basketball

"It's remarkable how these three can-do individuals have pooled their hard-earned management insights into a winning book that can quickly elevate anyone in business to greater heights."
--Alison Levine, international leadership expert and bestselling author of ON THE EDGE

"Winning performance is dependent on sparks, those rare individuals within your organization who get things done and then some. This book will teach you how to become a spark...and how to lead them too." --David Burkus, author of UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT and Host of Radio Free Leader podcast

"In SPARK, the authors give a clear roadmap for how anyone, at any organizational level, can develop their leadership skills. The authors are not only great leadership thinkers, but they have all led people in challenging circumstances--a huge advantage in guiding the rest of us. Trust them to take you to a new level." --Thomas A. Kolditz, Brigadier General, US Army (ret) and Director of the Ann and John Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University

"The skills I learned as a Marine 50 years ago have been the foundation of my leadership approach throughout my career. SPARK has captured those critical concepts, and presents them in an organized, effective way that makes it easy to bring them to life in today's challenging business environment. Having worked first hand with Angie, Courtney, and Sean in the past, it is no surprised that they have captured the essence of effective leadership in SPARK."
--Dave Gagnon, CEO, Cafe Rio Mexican Grill

"In these times of change, leadership in organizations, large and small, seek direction and insight into how to best embrace organizational transformation and growth. With uncommon clarity, Spark lays out a formula for the kind of leadership that can positively transform and empower any organization - founded on ethical values of character and credibility; and by making the point that leadership is not about authority or title, but about influencing outcomes and inspiring others." --Michael Steinberg, MD, Executive Vice President, UCLA Health

"This powerful book highlights a critical and frequently overlooked truth: Everyone has the potential to be a leader, and organizations reach their full potential only when they develop all of their women and men with that goal in mind. The authors offer plentiful, practical advice, and leaders at every level will learn from their wisdom." --Vice Admiral John R. Ryan, USN (Ret.)
President and CEO, Center for Creative Leadership

"Need help developing your vision for what you want next, and what comes after that? SPARK is your mind-opening guide to figuring out what you've truly always wanted to do and making it happen, and, even better, then teaching others how to do the same, no matter where you are on the org chart!" --Marshall Goldsmith, bestselling author of TRIGGERS.

"Authors Morgan, Lynch and Lynch offer a compelling step-by-step analysis of the fundamental skills that are needed to become a spark. The authors' recommendations for behavioral change, drawn from their early years in the military and then a decade training corporate America, are well researched and documented, and also just have a common sense appeal--comfort with discomfort, for example. Bottom line? We are better employees, better leaders, and more satisfied human beings when we truly understand how to spark others --and ourselves."
--Claire Shipman, bestselling author of THE CONFIDENCE CODE and WOMENOMICS

"In Spark Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch, and Sean Lynch hit all the right notes at exactly the right time. Their central themes of character, credibility, accountability, intent, service, confidence and consistency are exactly what every leader needs to be reading and practicing now. The truth is that credibility is the foundation of leadership, and without it people just won't willingly follow someone who aspires to lead. Spark guides you through the essential steps that will enable you to earn and sustain that credibility. The authors' extensive leadership experiences under very challenging conditions infuse Spark with a strong sense of reality. This is a very honest and candid book--one you can believe in, because when you apply the lessons in it, you know that it can be done with authenticity and a sense of service to others. All leaders will benefit from reading and applying Spark. I highly recommend it."
--Jim Kouzes, co-author of the bestselling THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE and the Dean's Executive Fellow of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University

About the Author

Courtney Lynch and Angie Morgan are the co-founders of Lead Star and co-authors of the best-selling business book Leading from the Front. Both women advise executives on strategy, organizational development, and talent management initiatives. Courtney and Angie are also Directors of the Center for Creative Leadership's Partner Network, a premier organization for thought leading consultants, executive coaches and trainers.

Courtney holds a BA from North Carolina State University and a JD from William & Mary Law School. She served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. She resides in Richmond, VA, with her husband and three children.

Angie holds a BA and MBA from the University of Michigan. She served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. She resides in Traverse City, MI, with her husband and two children.
From facilitating executive team sessions, to delivering dynamic keynotes and conducting engaging workshops for Lead Star s diverse portfolio of clients, it s no wonder Courtney s passion for leadership is contagious.As the founding partner of Lead Star, Courtney works closely with all levels of leaders from CEOs to frontline team members. She designs and delivers development programs that drive immediate results.

Courtney is also the best-selling author ofLeading from the Frontand has written numerous articles on behavior-based leadership and organizational excellence. She s been a dynamic guest on CNBC, FOX News, and CNN. Courtney s efforts with Lead Star have been noted in publications ranging fromFast CompanyandInc.toThe New York Times.

In addition to her work with consulting clients, Courtney serves as the Director of the Center for Creative Leadership s Partner Network, convening and connecting leading consultancies with the Center s innovative thought leadership, research and development solutions.

Prior to starting Lead Star, Courtney s professional experiences included service as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, an attorney at one of the nation s largest law firms and a sales manager for Rational Software. She holds a law degree from William & Mary, an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and completed intensive studies at Cambridge University. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Sean Lynch is a senior consultant at Lead Star and specializes in designing and delivering leadership programming. He holds a BA from Yale University and served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Sean resides in Bradenton, FL, with his wife and two children.

About this edition

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0544716183
• ISBN 13: 9780544716186
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 210