The title of my book refers to a leadership philosophy – an approach not just to work, but to life. It’s about leading one’s self. Leading a team. Leading a project or event. Leading an entire organization. It’s about leading in a deliberate and disciplined way. Using a structured approach. Most of all, it’s about results. Making progress. Moving consistently from zero to something.
As a retired soldier and longtime HR and training executive, I realize Zero to Something is probably the eleventy billionth leadership book on the market. I have read and prescribed many of them during my 30-some-year leadership career. This book, of course, is different. Better. It’s the definitive take on leadership. The book to replace all other leadership books.
Well, not really. But such hyperbole sure sounds good, doesn’t it? That’s the Donald Trump School of Leadership: simply exude uber-confidence in all matters and situations, and others will surely follow or at least buy what you’re selling.
The truth, in my view, is that confidence AND humility are both cornerstones of great leadership. So, while I do passionately believe in the tenets of this book (after all, they’ve served me well personally), I am not naive. No book can hold all the truths of leadership. There is no such code to be cracked. Leadership, rather, is a deeply personal and individual human affair. As such, the goal of my book is to share the leadership approach I have developed over time and, in doing so, help you start or continue on your own personal path.
Inside the book, you will indeed find strategies, tactics and nuggets of wisdom that owe their origins to other people and other books. You will find even more insights based on my years of personal experience, trial and error. Most importantly, you will see how I have packaged what I learned into a framework or approach that can be internalized and applied to virtually any leadership situation.
My hope is that you will immediately and directly apply the Zero to Something approach and that it will be a catalyst for further development. As you accumulate experiences, work with mentors and develop your own personalized approach, I am confident Zero to Something will remain a cornerstone of your leadership foundation.