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Do Good To Lead Well: The Science And Practice Of Positive Leadership
“This book provides an engaging and evidence-informed roadmap for leaders to follow to achieve their most critical objectives.”- Marshall Goldsmith is the New York Times #1 bestselling author of Triggers, Mojo, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. Thinkers 50 #1 Executive Coach and only two-time #1 Leadership Thinker in the world. Called “ideal reading for people who want to make a positive impact in their organizations” by best-selling author and top-rated TED speaker Daniel Pink, Do Good to Lead Well – The Science of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden (Ph.D.) is resonating with top corporate executives and international thought leaders, with endorsements from best-selling authors and world-class TED speakers such as Adam Grant and Marshall Goldsmith, as well as over 24 CEOs of leading organizations. A long-time columnist for the Financial Post and the Huffington Post, with an upcoming column slated for Forbes, Dowden combines years of interviewing and coaching top CEOs with his extensive knowledge of business psychology to share six pillars of positive self-awareness, civility, humility, focus on the positive, meaning and purpose, and empathy. Although these qualities are not often traditionally associated with the corporate boardroom, research provides a compelling business case for their importance and effectiveness. His book provides an evidence-based roadmap to positive leadership, outlining the return on investment of these six pillars. Do Good to Lead Well also shows how executives can effectively demonstrate these behaviors within their day-to-day leadership practice, for their benefit, as well as for the benefit of the teams and organizations they lead.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2019
9 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 27, 2019
‘Despite our best intentions, good leadership is surprisingly rare.’
Canadian author Craig Dowden earned his PhD in psychology with a concentration in business – fine background for becoming a Certified Positive Psychology Coach and guides leaders and executives from a wide spectrum to tackle the challenges of becoming positive leaders. Craig writes columns for Financial Post, Huffington Post and Forbes and is highly regarded among the cognoscenti of the corporate business world. He is president of Craig Dowden & Associates, a firm focused on supporting clients in achieving leadership and organizational excellence by leveraging the science of peak performance.
In his wise Introduction Craig states that in his training, ‘I was exposed to industrial-organizational psychology, which immediately resonated with me. Although people have personalities that are fascinating and diverse, organizations also have personalities (i.e., cultures) that are just as complex. I felt that if I combined the two, I would never be bored – there would always be some intriguing aspect of that interplay to dig into. Fortunately, my hypothesis turned out to be right…I built an evidence-based busies case for why doing the right thing is not just the right thing to do; it is the right thing to do for your organization…True coaching is not about being told what to do – it is about discovering the process that works best for that specific leader or organization, integrating the latest research in leadership, team, and organizational excellence into our coaching conversations so we can co-create a set of possible strategies based on relevant evidence.’
In this erudite but casual manner of writing Craig offers his six pillars of positive leadership – Self-awareness, Civility, Humility, Focus on the positive, Meaning and purpose, and Empathy – and in delving into each concept the road to positive leadership becomes a highway to success.
Presented as a science-based concept Craig’s manner of communication is that of a respected and dedicated counsel – and that makes his book invaluable for all business leaders.
Canadian author Craig Dowden earned his PhD in psychology with a concentration in business – fine background for becoming a Certified Positive Psychology Coach and guides leaders and executives from a wide spectrum to tackle the challenges of becoming positive leaders. Craig writes columns for Financial Post, Huffington Post and Forbes and is highly regarded among the cognoscenti of the corporate business world. He is president of Craig Dowden & Associates, a firm focused on supporting clients in achieving leadership and organizational excellence by leveraging the science of peak performance.
In his wise Introduction Craig states that in his training, ‘I was exposed to industrial-organizational psychology, which immediately resonated with me. Although people have personalities that are fascinating and diverse, organizations also have personalities (i.e., cultures) that are just as complex. I felt that if I combined the two, I would never be bored – there would always be some intriguing aspect of that interplay to dig into. Fortunately, my hypothesis turned out to be right…I built an evidence-based busies case for why doing the right thing is not just the right thing to do; it is the right thing to do for your organization…True coaching is not about being told what to do – it is about discovering the process that works best for that specific leader or organization, integrating the latest research in leadership, team, and organizational excellence into our coaching conversations so we can co-create a set of possible strategies based on relevant evidence.’
In this erudite but casual manner of writing Craig offers his six pillars of positive leadership – Self-awareness, Civility, Humility, Focus on the positive, Meaning and purpose, and Empathy – and in delving into each concept the road to positive leadership becomes a highway to success.
Presented as a science-based concept Craig’s manner of communication is that of a respected and dedicated counsel – and that makes his book invaluable for all business leaders.
February 27, 2019
Bringing Science Into The Boardroom
Do Good To Lead Well: The Science and Practice Of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden, PhD is written for current and up and coming leaders who wish to have a significant impact on themselves and others in and through their leadership role.
It is not your typical leadership book that explains how to be a good leader, but goes into great depth and detail by delving into the very core and fabric of who the individual leaders is. This book quote stating that it is "not about what you say or what you aspire to do -- it is about who you are and how you lead" encapsulates it's premise.
Subsequently, this dynamic and transformative leadership book presents six positive pillars for leadership excellence. Three of those pillars include Self-Awareness, Civility and Focus on the Positive.
The author, by using "social, behavioral and management sciences", challenges the leader to evaluate their leadership dynamics to stimulate employee performance, encourage workplace innovation and utimately increase productivity and profitability for the business.
Do Good To Lead Well: The Science and Practice Of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden, PhD is an excellent and most probably a must read for leaders today.
The author, Craig Dowden, PhD, is obviously well-versed intellectually and educationally, but couples these assets well with practical experience in developing and coaching CEO's.
In addition to this dynamic volume being a practical writing, it is a scholarily piece that highlights, for emphasis, a number of studies that are not only interesting, but dispels and brings to a revealing light some commonly held misconceptions regarding human behavior. Ultimately, these revelations create "ah ha" moments for the reader well as it relates to their own lifes and their leadership role.
Do Good To Lead Well: The Science and Practice Of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden, PhD is written for current and up and coming leaders who wish to have a significant impact on themselves and others in and through their leadership role.
It is not your typical leadership book that explains how to be a good leader, but goes into great depth and detail by delving into the very core and fabric of who the individual leaders is. This book quote stating that it is "not about what you say or what you aspire to do -- it is about who you are and how you lead" encapsulates it's premise.
Subsequently, this dynamic and transformative leadership book presents six positive pillars for leadership excellence. Three of those pillars include Self-Awareness, Civility and Focus on the Positive.
The author, by using "social, behavioral and management sciences", challenges the leader to evaluate their leadership dynamics to stimulate employee performance, encourage workplace innovation and utimately increase productivity and profitability for the business.
Do Good To Lead Well: The Science and Practice Of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden, PhD is an excellent and most probably a must read for leaders today.
The author, Craig Dowden, PhD, is obviously well-versed intellectually and educationally, but couples these assets well with practical experience in developing and coaching CEO's.
In addition to this dynamic volume being a practical writing, it is a scholarily piece that highlights, for emphasis, a number of studies that are not only interesting, but dispels and brings to a revealing light some commonly held misconceptions regarding human behavior. Ultimately, these revelations create "ah ha" moments for the reader well as it relates to their own lifes and their leadership role.
May 20, 2019
Oh My God what a book! This is an extraordinarily well written story. It is so completely thought through and such a joy to read. It had this wonderful flow to it and I had a hard time putting it down. It is full of wonderful knowledge. Especially for someone who is in a leadership role. It’s extremely helpful for someone who is an up-and-coming leader become the best possible leader they can.
You look is broken down into several different sections or pillars is they call him in this book. Each pillar is to be a guiding principal and there are six of these principles. Tiffany 9 is an individual’s profession or the individual’s personality. Each color will be able to help them become the best possible beater they can be. Sun Pillars may seem more important and more relevant than others. There were a couple that stood out for me that may not have stood out for other people. Being a trainer helps me a little bit further along and how to lead my classes in these the best possible teacher I could be to them. I highly recommend this book to anybody in a leadership role who needs to polish off the rough edges or needs to start from scratch. I actually intend to read this book again and get a copy for my sister who is an HR representative and I really think this will help her as well.
You look is broken down into several different sections or pillars is they call him in this book. Each pillar is to be a guiding principal and there are six of these principles. Tiffany 9 is an individual’s profession or the individual’s personality. Each color will be able to help them become the best possible beater they can be. Sun Pillars may seem more important and more relevant than others. There were a couple that stood out for me that may not have stood out for other people. Being a trainer helps me a little bit further along and how to lead my classes in these the best possible teacher I could be to them. I highly recommend this book to anybody in a leadership role who needs to polish off the rough edges or needs to start from scratch. I actually intend to read this book again and get a copy for my sister who is an HR representative and I really think this will help her as well.
February 28, 2019
Craig Dowden is a psychologist who concentrates professionally on business and has significant experience coaching players in the business world from small start ups to the top CEOs. In Do Good To Lead Well: The Science And Practice Of Positive Leadership, Dowden hangs success on six pillars of positive leadership: Self-awareness, Civility, Humility, Focus on positive, Meaning and purpose, and Empathy. These are not words most people think of when they consider the brutality that has proven to be so present in the business world. This book is different from other industry insider manuals in its positivity as a whole. The message Dowden seems to be pushing is in some ways so simple yet so foreign now days; Do the right thing, treat people with respect and you'll be rewarded with loyal people. In short, don't be a jerk. It's a shame there is a need for a book like this and professionals like Craig Dowden to teach that but I am thankful he's doing it. I see this as a must read for managers and CEOs alike.
March 12, 2019
An insightful thought provoking look into leaders and how they succeed
This book is written by Craig Dowden and is designed to help you discover the leadership qualities that make a successful individual leader. This book breaks down the core values of a successful leader which will show you that it is you, what you do and how you do it. A successful leader is the example that everyone aspires to be because they show the solid character and leadership in the way they carry themselves. This book contains some good information about the qualities and principles of good leaders. The book is separated into six sections that cover things like focus on the positive which is a great piece of advice. I found this book to be a useful read with good information and recommend this one to anyone who is trying to improve their leadership skills or wanting to develop leadership skills. Check this one out and let me know what you think.
This book is written by Craig Dowden and is designed to help you discover the leadership qualities that make a successful individual leader. This book breaks down the core values of a successful leader which will show you that it is you, what you do and how you do it. A successful leader is the example that everyone aspires to be because they show the solid character and leadership in the way they carry themselves. This book contains some good information about the qualities and principles of good leaders. The book is separated into six sections that cover things like focus on the positive which is a great piece of advice. I found this book to be a useful read with good information and recommend this one to anyone who is trying to improve their leadership skills or wanting to develop leadership skills. Check this one out and let me know what you think.
March 13, 2019
It is pretty evident that this book has taken a long time to formulate, just because of the sheer quantity of research that must have gone into writing it. But the end product just shows that this time was well spent, it’s laid out well, and at no point did I find myself confused. It’s filled with scientifically backed theories and ideas that you can use to improve your leadership skills and make yourself more useful to your company. These are simply laid out, easy to apply to daily life and have examples matched with them to show the theories in action.
You can tell that the author has a background in psychology as he uses many theories that he’s learned from this field, but does so in a very easy to understand way.
If you’re looking for an easy to read, applicable and factually backed book that’s filled with tips and resources on how to improve your leadership skills then look no further. A very helpful read.
You can tell that the author has a background in psychology as he uses many theories that he’s learned from this field, but does so in a very easy to understand way.
If you’re looking for an easy to read, applicable and factually backed book that’s filled with tips and resources on how to improve your leadership skills then look no further. A very helpful read.
March 16, 2019
Good read for leadership and life.
I really enjoyed reading this take on leadership. It’s not your typical take charge leadership book. It focuses of 6 pillars of effective leadership, (technically 7 if you count pillar 0!) These pillars include self awareness, civility, humility, focusing on the positive, finding the meaning or purpose, and Empathy”. It’s interesting how reaching the foundations of each of these things on a serious personal level will in the end make a person a stronger leader overall. It does make sense though, the more comfortable you are with yourself as a person and the stronger and more confident you will be. I appreciate the conversational tone of the book, it’s almost like I’m sitting in the room listening to the author explain how to be a stronger leader. I recommend this book to anyone looking to expand their leadership skills or really just looking for a great all around book.
I really enjoyed reading this take on leadership. It’s not your typical take charge leadership book. It focuses of 6 pillars of effective leadership, (technically 7 if you count pillar 0!) These pillars include self awareness, civility, humility, focusing on the positive, finding the meaning or purpose, and Empathy”. It’s interesting how reaching the foundations of each of these things on a serious personal level will in the end make a person a stronger leader overall. It does make sense though, the more comfortable you are with yourself as a person and the stronger and more confident you will be. I appreciate the conversational tone of the book, it’s almost like I’m sitting in the room listening to the author explain how to be a stronger leader. I recommend this book to anyone looking to expand their leadership skills or really just looking for a great all around book.
March 11, 2019
Deeper than your usual self help books
Do Good to Lead Well takes a step further than usual self help books and really digs into the physiological elements of what makes a good leader. It looks at comparing the needs of the business and the personality of the leader to really work together to achieve greatness. There is a lot of good information in this novel which is based on his 6 pillars idea. It really gave me a lot to think about (Does anyone feel a calling to their work anymore?). I’ve always said that I’m a big fan of self help books and this one is no exception.
Do Good to Lead Well takes a step further than usual self help books and really digs into the physiological elements of what makes a good leader. It looks at comparing the needs of the business and the personality of the leader to really work together to achieve greatness. There is a lot of good information in this novel which is based on his 6 pillars idea. It really gave me a lot to think about (Does anyone feel a calling to their work anymore?). I’ve always said that I’m a big fan of self help books and this one is no exception.
March 14, 2019
Pillars of Leadership!
A book focused on how to become a good leader and do well. As the author has pointed there are six pillars of leadership – self-awareness, civility, humility, focus on the positive, meaning and purpose, and empathy. We all can have some more important that others based on our outlook, but all are key for a good leadership. The book goes deep into each of these pillars and creates like a roadmap from start to finish, for an upcoming litter or a failed leader to follow. Good read!
A book focused on how to become a good leader and do well. As the author has pointed there are six pillars of leadership – self-awareness, civility, humility, focus on the positive, meaning and purpose, and empathy. We all can have some more important that others based on our outlook, but all are key for a good leadership. The book goes deep into each of these pillars and creates like a roadmap from start to finish, for an upcoming litter or a failed leader to follow. Good read!
October 19, 2021
I worked for Craig Dowden for two years. Imagine how much you learn when your leader is a world-class leadership coach! Divided into six pillars, this guide will help you navigate the integration of positive leadership practices into your day to day. Every individual who picks up this book will have instant access to Craig's favourite research and practices. If you believe you might want to 'do good' to 'lead well', pick up this book and start applying its lessons immediately.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews