We should write a book. That’s how the idea took shape. One person, asking another person to join them on an adventure. Quickly, five of us started to have weekly calls to brainstorm and shape the book’s content. Ultimately, we invited 11 other leaders to join us on the author team and today, our book, Energize Your Leadership is available on Amazon.
From the start, this project took my day to day work and gave it a jolt of energy. Collaborating with smart and engaged colleagues from around the globe on a new project with complexity and heart – it got mine beating.
[Tweet “Step out of your ordinary to create something extraordinary #EnergizedLeaders”]
We debated for a while on the topic of the book and then we had long drawn out discussions about the content. We knew that we wanted to focus on people who feel the pressure to lead and are running on fumes. We all spend far too many hours at the office to let burn out and exhaustion rule; there are far better partners on the road to success. We wanted to help leaders find a more fulfilling, energizing and dynamic path forward.
That’s when it happened… we started sharing stories with each other.
“I know a guy who…”
“When I was on this project I was struggling…”
“I gave up everything and began to feel like it wasn’t worth it…”
“I was working with this group and it was incredible…”
Aha! Stories.
That’s when Energize Your Leadership went from concept to life. Every author involved in the project had amazing stories of learning and personal change with remarkable lessons that they have carried forward in their personal leadership.
[Tweet “Stories make abstract concepts connect in meaningful ways. #EnergizedLeaders”]
We decided to be vulnerable, honest and give you a view into some of our messiest situations and the way out. More than just stories, we also share lessons learned and invite you to join us with guided reflection and actions.
Why Should You Energize Your Leadership?
If you’re someone who’s ever asked yourself: Is this really as good as it gets? Your time is now. Life is short, we all need to make courageous choices that create a fulfilling experience, not just one where we’re running in place, forever stuck on a human hamster wheel. We wrote this book for you.
In the next few weeks, I’ll share deeper insights into my chapter, Be Seen for Who You Are. Today, I want to highlight some of my favorite aha! moments from the book giving you an energetic jolt to re-energize, re-imagine and re-engage in your leadership.
I also invite you to engage with my co-authors to move your personal change journey forward.
Cynthia Bazin @TheSmartChic
Daniel Buhr @Cybuhr
Carol Dougherty @DoughertyCarol
Chery Gegelman @GianaConsulting
Karin Hurt @LetsGrowLeaders
Terri Klass @TerriKlass
Hoda Maalouf @MaaHoda
Scott Mabry @soul2work
Susan Mazza @SusanMazza
Jon Mertz @ThinDifference
LaRae Quy @LaRaeQuy
Lalita Raman @rlalita
Barry Smith @BLDWhatMatters
John Thurlbeck @JohnThurlbeck
Tony Vengrove @Tony_Vengrove
PS. If you want to grab your own copy of Energize Your Leadership, it’s available on kindle and in paperback on Amazon.
Our book started with our stories. Will you share one of yours? Was there a time when you made a change to Energize Your Leadership? What was your aha?
From dream to reality! ..I can’t wait to hear the stories of the people that read the book!
I’m with you, Chery! I think our story together also reminds me that sometimes good things can take a while 🙂 The long path can still lead somewhere great! Honored to get to know you and collaborate with you!
What a journey this has been and I can’t believe we are finally able to share our beautiful collaboration!
I feel blessed to have worked with you, Alli and learned so much from all your leadership insights.
Hoping all leaders can become as energized as we did from our book!
Thanks Alli!
Can’t wait to toast our journey with you next week! I’ll raise a cup of Diet Coke 😉
I’m with you – Energy is contagious! I too hope people catch ours.
xo
What a wonderful summary, Alli!
I truly believe that the way we met through social media is the BEST part of this story…it was what energized US! Working and collaborating with like-minded individuals made a huge difference in my attitude when we began to feel stuck and discouraged…
It’s been a privilege to work with everyone on this project!
I agree, LaRae. Our hangouts, although long and painful at times, built the foundation for friendship and respect that served us well through the long process.
I’m happy that we stuck with it and stayed true to our shared commitment. Worth it!
Thanks for leading the charge!
Alli
Wonderful to be a part of such an energizing group of leaders! Looking forward to working as a team to spark energy in leaders everywhere.
Thanks, Alli!
Jon
I agree, Jon. It’s the team of people that made the project worthwhile. Wonderful to have the opportunity to collaborate with you!
~ Alli
Alli, It’s been a wonderful adventure! Thank you for all you’ve done. I received my box of books yesterday and it reads even better in print. I gave a copy out as a prize for my MBA students tonight and they loved the back story. Namaste.
I’m still waiting for my books to arrive… takes a while to get Down Under 🙂 It really is our back story that makes the project even more special.
Thanks for everything, Karin!
My leadership changed when I realized leadership is facilitating the participation of others, trusting that the diversity of input and the dialogue enabling the emergence of the best outcome will happen. I’m still “working” on this approach to leadership, not at all comfortable with my skills to get the dialogue going. I am convinced “leading without being labeled a leader (or even … a boss or manager …)” is the key – which invigorates and strengthens my resolve.
I am hoping my journey will not only improve team actions I’m involved with but maybe help others – such as students with their effective learning via the leadership of their instructors.
Appreciate your view of leadership, John. Facilitating the participation of others. I’ve often called that inviting or enrolling others… but what’s beautiful about facilitation is that your responsibility as the leader does not end once they join you, you are still shepherding the journey. I think that the people that have an opportunity to work with you are lucky indeed.
Thanks, John!
“Never hide in fear that someone will notice you’re not perfect.”
I love this Alli! I’m a competition ballroom dancer and have learned that there is nowhere to hide when you are on the dance floor. Worrying whether you are perfect does no good at all. You just have to do the best you can in the circumstances in which you find yourself. This applies to dance, just as it does to business, and life.
Congratulations on the launch of your book. I look forward to reading it. Best regards from the far south, Ingrid
Ingrid! Thanks for your comment. I agree, worry rarely (ever?) helps. My kids and I have a daily routine before they go to school. I ask them, “what’s your job today?” They reply, “Be your best and do your best.” Our best is in our control, perfection, often, is not.
Many thanks for your congratulations too! Exciting to see our stories and lessons published and making a positive impact.
~ Alli