Leadership Through People Skills

by Robert E. Lefton, Victor R. Buzzotta

The pioneers of the Dimensional Model for managerial behavior demonstrate how to master skills that boost productivity

Robert Lefton and Victor Buzzotta, cofounders of Psychological Associates, have revolutionized managerial procedure with their Dimensional Model--a behavioral standard that has been adapted and imitated by companies all over the world.

Leadership Through People Skills outlines this model, as the authors explain in detail how people skills work and provide exercises designed to improve them. They also offer strategies for using these skills in the right situations, at the right times, in the right ways with direct reports, peers, and bosses.

Managers will learn how to improve their:

Sizing-up skills: interacting effectively through appropriate action Communication skills: strategies for finding out what others are thinking Motivational skills: giving people a compelling reason to do their best Adaptive skills: fitting actions to the people for whom they are intended

Genres: Leadership, Business, Management

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Dr. Lefton is a leading U.S. consultant in leadership, management, organizational development, and sales.

As Co-Founder of Psychological Associates and one of the original developers of Dimensional Training®, he has conducted numerous seminars. Today, he is a consultant to senior executives for many corporations, including Fortune 500 companies. He has consulted with and served on the faculties of Washington University, the Motorola Executive Institute, the ALCOA Executive Institute, and CEO International, Inc. He has also served on boards of directors of both public and privately-held companies. As an expert in human development, Bob is a frequent speaker, contributor, and co-author of five books, including Why Can’t We Get Anything Done Around Here?, written with the late Jerome T. Loeb, Chairman of The May Department Stores Company. He also serves as an Executive in Residence at the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book recently as part of completing an executive leadership assessment for work. This book is a book base don improving leadership and interpersonal skills in both professional and personal life. It is rolled out in a fashion that builds upon itself.

You learn to define your particular situation in terms of the issues and the personalities of the people at that time. And then how best to navigate the issues while being direct, maintaining your own personal values but not coming across as being aloof, uncaring or arrogant.

Understanding the 4 quadrants is very important. understanding where you are in them is very important, but understanding where others are and the right approach is where the benefit of thsi book really plays out.

It was a great read, and a manual that can be referred to when the situation presents itself. I have applied it in 2 specific instances recently with a Quadrant 1 leader and a Quadrant 2 / 3 report. Although I typically know when I will be successful, I believe I was extremely successful this time around.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable book for any type of leader. This book helps you rethink the way you deal with people. The concepts make sense and are easy to understand. The trick will putting these behaviors into practice.