Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives Hardcover – September 23, 2014

Having recently interviewed an executive about what it takes to get into and succeed in the C-suite, I was struck by her comments about the importance of subsuming individual aspirations to the greater good of the company. This is one of dozens of essential lessons driven forward in Rising to Power and one of the reasons why this is one of the most important books any aspiring manager can read as s/he moves toward the C-suite.Unlike many lesser books, Rising to Power is grounded in a deep understanding of the ways leadership differs by level. Ron and Eric haven't repackaged conventional wisdom. They have carefully, and with a fresh eye, analyzed years of experience and research. Their actionable advice touches on all three aspects of leadership which I define in this way, "leadership is "using the greatness in you to achieve and sustain extraordinary outcomes by engaging the greatness in others." You will find important guidance and prompts for personal reflection that touch in a balanced way on: - the internal personal work, - relationships and - business acumen required to succeed at the top of organizations and navigate transitions on the way up.Organizational waters are choppy by definition, and can become tsunamic by misstep. Ron and Eric's practical guidance will help anyone who takes it seriously successfully navigate their way.Rising to Power has become complementary content in our programs for top talent in the pipeline for executive positions. It's a legitimate must read!

Easy read and a must read for anyone who is considering promoting to a management level.

very useful!

There must be a thousand books on leadership on Amazon, with new ones coming out every week. Surprisingly though, there are very few books on being an executive. I get it, being an executive is a lot about leadership and being a leader. But certainly there are specific things about being an executive at a corporation that aren’t captured in books just generally about leadership. Honestly I can’t believe there aren’t more books about this topic. Just type in “being an executive” or “corporate executive” into Amazon. My rant is almost over on this but it just blows my mind how little has been published (at least that I can find on Amazon) about this very important topic.Fortunately, we have Ron Carucci's and Erik Hansen's book, who have done an incredibly fine job summing up what it takes to be an executive in the post-Enron/21st century world. Ron and Erik divide their book into how leaders should ascend to their rank, adjust to their positions, assert themselves, and how to “affect” others. I don’t want this review to be a simple summary of what they’ve written, so I’ll lead with a couple of concepts that helped me and then let you make up your own mind.The first idea was this concept of working from a higher strategic altitude, of leaving behind the coordinating and operating system from which you emerged, to focus on the strategic. Executives they warn, “play too low” in their organization at times, and if they are down in the weeds, then who is running the corporation and making strategic decisions?Secondly, I’m an individual contributor at my company. I talk to executives in my one-on-ones and with customers sometimes, but this book really opened my eyes to the challenges they faced. I’m not sure if Ron or Erik intended this when writing the book, but this book really gave me an appreciation for what the leaders at my/any company face. Things I had no idea about such as idealization and objectification from their subordinates, the expectation of being clairvoyant, etc. For background, I work at a major software company with perhaps 8 layers of management above me, so it really pays off for me understanding the many people who control my work-life.- - -Look in conclusion, if you are going to be executive, or just want to have a fulfilling career and understand the organization you are part of, you can afford to spend the money on this book as well as invest the time. I know you’ll find it worth it.

This book has great content, sure, but so many do. It also has a great story that loves that content along. What makes us special, though, is the depth. When I read it the first time, I got certain lessons from it. The second read through, I learned something completely new. As I use this book as a resource to grow myself professionally, it becomes more and more valuable because it provides new lessons for each level of growth I encounter. My copy is digital, but I’ve given a physical copy to those who work with me and recommended it to friends and other professionals.

There were several dog-eared pages and a stain on the cover, somehow (even though it had been wrapped in plastic). Overall, it did not seem to be a new book. It may be, but the appearance makes me skeptical.

I read this book right before taking on a newly established leadership role with another organization. The learnings from this book could not have come at a better time. There are too many take-ways from this book to list on this comment, but here are a few of my favorites: the theory of the megaphone effect; ideas around using a journal to keep track of patterns and a way to stop "bad" behavior before it happens; chapter six and the use of the “what they really want” sections (I thought they were a great way to summarize what followers are wanting from leaders); chapter five and the summary of power sources (a nice “cheat grid” for future reference); use of the “reflection on the rise” boxes asking the key questions that drove each chapter and most of all, the section on “Counting The Costs: Controlled Burns in the Service of Something Exceptional” - the analogy of controlled burns is perfect, both in a good and bad sense.Read this book, burn a little forest and become the leader you have always wanted to be!

Hands down a fantastic book that allows you to assess how to modify your behaviour to position yourself to have a seat at the table. I enjoyed the points about being more mindful of your own reactions and speech and how that can be perceived by the broader staff. Highly recommend for any rising star.

Amazing book. I have so far read only first few chapters which is full of insightful knowledge. Its a must read book for people aspiring or already in a Leadership role.

Good purchase, quick delivery