Here’s a math problem. One man plus being fired from his job equals future Fortune 500 CEO. How does that add up? Doug Conant created that equation and made it work with his six steps to become a better leader. He was fired from a job, but he discovered that developing his leadership skills could prepare him for his dream of being a CEO. He defines leadership as the art and science of influencing others in another direction, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. So, he co-authored a book called The Blueprint to teach other people in business how to increase their influence as leaders. His co-author, Amy Federman, joins Bold TV to discuss Conant’s strategy.
Six Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights
Most leadership books include the author telling you how they made it; then, they tell you how to lead like them. But The Blueprint is about learning to lead like you. It says that there are no natural-born leaders. Instead, leadership is a skill that can be practiced and improved. So, what are these magic six steps? Envision, reflect, study, plan, practice and improve. Through Conant’s description of these steps, leaders will learn how to become the best version of themselves as influencers.
Answering the Tough Questions
So you want to have influence but don’t know which arena is right for you? There are questions in The Blueprint’s workbook to help you figure it out. But your answers to the questions will only help if you forget perfection. Answering “perfectly” will only stand in the way of progress. To be honest is the only way to determine where you are and what it will take to reach your goal. The Blueprint asks the question: Do you want to live for your resume or your eulogy? Yes, a leader needs opportunities to gain followers, but they also need the skills to keep their following. Check out the conversation!
