The Secret Language of Leadership: How Leaders Inspire Action Through Narrative - Hardcover

Denning, Stephen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0787987891 ISBN 13: 9780787987893

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2007

Synopsis

The book introduces the concept of narrative intelligence―an ability to understand and act and react agilely in the quicksilver world of interacting narratives. It shows why this is key to the central task of leadership, what its dimensions are, and how you can measure it. The book’s lucid explanations, vivid examples and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parents―anyone who is setting out to the change the world.

About this title

About the Author

The Author

Stephen Denning is senior fellow at the James MacGregor Burns Leadership Academy at the University of Maryland and the author of The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling and Squirrel Inc. from Jossey-Bass. He is former program director, knowledge management, at the World Bank. In 2003 he was named as one of the world’s Top Two Hundred Business Gurus. His articles have appeared in leading business publications such as Harvard Business Review and Strategy & Leadership.

From the Back Cover

“There is something very special about The Secret Language of Leadership. A lot of authors write about storytelling and other methods of leadership communication. What sets Steve Denning apart is his authenticity. He is one of the rare few who write about it from intensely personal experience. This book offers a genuinely refreshing perspective and an uncommon insight into the narrative life of leadership.”

―Jim Kouzes, coauthor of the best-selling The Leadership Challenge and A Leader’s Legacy

“The Secret Language of Leadership has been instrumental in helping me overcome the challenges of rapid growth and intense competition. It’s all about the story.”

―Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix Inc.

How do leaders connect and engage with their audiences? In this sequel to The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling, business narrative expert Steve Denning explains why traditional approaches to leadership communication don’t work and reveals the hidden patterns that effective leaders use to spark change. The book shows how anyone can inspire enduring enthusiasm for a cause, even in skeptical, cynical, or even hostile audiences.

The book introduces the concept of narrative intelligence―an ability to understand and act and react agilely in the quicksilver world of interacting narratives. It shows why this ability is key to the central task of leadership, what its dimensions are, and how you can measure it.

The book’s lucid explanations, vivid examples, and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parents―anyone who is setting out to the change the world.

From the Inside Flap

“There is something very special about The Secret Language of Leadership. A lot of authors write about storytelling and other methods of leadership communication. What sets Steve Denning apart is his authenticity. He is one of the rare few who write about it from intensely personal experience. This book offers a genuinely refreshing perspective and an uncommon insight into the narrative life of leadership.”

—Jim Kouzes, coauthor of the best-selling The Leadership Challenge and A Leader’s Legacy

“The Secret Language of Leadership has been instrumental in helping me overcome the challenges of rapid growth and intense competition. It’s all about the story.”

—Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix Inc.

How do leaders connect and engage with their audiences? In this sequel to The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling, business narrative expert Steve Denning explains why traditional approaches to leadership communication don’t work and reveals the hidden patterns that effective leaders use to spark change. The book shows how anyone can inspire enduring enthusiasm for a cause, even in skeptical, cynical, or even hostile audiences.

The book introduces the concept of narrative intelligence—an ability to understand and act and react agilely in the quicksilver world of interacting narratives. It shows why this ability is key to the central task of leadership, what its dimensions are, and how you can measure it.

The book’s lucid explanations, vivid examples, and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parents—anyone who is setting out to the change the world.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0787987891
• ISBN 13: 9780787987893
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304