WHO'S LEADING YOUR BUSINESS?

In this business guide, Parker warns that poor leadership can bring out the monster in us all.

From unstable environments to combative teams, the terrors of business ownership can be plentiful. Even great employees can turn villainous under duress, but, as the author asserts, the biggest bugaboo in one’s business is often oneself (“Your company’s first monster may show up as destructive behavior within your life”). Lacking vision for a company’s direction or the self-awareness to face its deficiencies, owners may drive employees to quit or bring bad behaviors home from work. Parker, a strategic business consultant, uses the analogy of Dr. Jekyll, the conscientious physician whose chaotic impulses—represented by Mr. Hyde—overtake his life. An insightful overview of business best practices, this practical guide will help leaders re-energize their companies, reduce chaos, and improve the quality of their own lives. To help overwhelmed leaders achieve these outcomes, the author introduces readers to time-tested tools for identifying the “monsters” in their businesses and potential areas of growth within themselves. Parker details the creation of mission and vision statements, describes measurements of company culture, examines the development of SMART goals and DISC assessments, and discusses Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Parker also simplifies daily logistical tasks, such as cash flow management, for readers. But what about the monsters we cannot see? Drawing on personal experience, the author shares key indicators of business distress, including examples of the feedback that leaders receive when teams start to suffer. Tightly written and easy to follow, this primer offers a perfect road map for leaders trying to get (or keep) their businesses on track. Parker demystifies common business concerns in a way that will be especially helpful for those seeking assistance with issue identification and resolution. Part educational guide and part workbook, the book provides readers with exercises and activities to apply its teachings to their specific needs. The book includes recommended reading suggestions to provide a deeper understanding of the material, and Tucker’s cartoon illustrations throughout lend the work an agreeably playful, lively tone.

An accessible guide to facing business fears.