The Secret Language of Leadership

The book introduces the concept of narrative intelligencean 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 books lucid explanations, vivid examples and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parentsanyone who is setting out to the change the world.

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.

Preface: My Leadership Journey viiPart One: What Is Transformational Leadership? 1Introduction: Ten Mistakes Transformational Leaders Make 31 The Secret Language of Leadership 21Part Two: The Language of Leadership: Key Enablers 512 Articulating a Clear, Inspiring Goal 533 The Leader's Own Story: Committing to the Goal 654 Mastering the Audience's Story 805 Cultivating Narrative Intelligence 926 Telling Truthful Stories 1167 Leadership Presence: The Body Language of Leadership 132Part Three: The Language of Leadership: Key Steps 1478 Getting People's Attention 1499 Stimulating Desire 16610 Reinforcing with Reasons 18711 Continuing the Conversation 19912 Epilogue 211Appendix 1: Presentation to the Change Management Committee of the World Bank: April 1996 221Appendix 2: Templates and Exercises 229Appendix 3: What's Your Narrative Intelligence? 235Notes 245Acknowledgments 265About the Author 267Index 269