The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance, and Engagement

by Karyn Gordon

The Fastest Way to Grow Essential Leadership Skills
We all want to be great leaders who are confident, productive, and highly energized. But if you don't learn foundational leadership skills, research shows you will face problems with communication, performance, engagement, and employee retention. The stakes are high.

How can you quickly learn essential leadership skills? While most organizations and professionals value leadership development, it is often time-intensive and impractical.

In The Three Chairs, Dr. Karyn Gordon provides a proven framework to transform anyone's ability to lead others. Nominated for the 2021 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, Dr. Karyn has spent over 20 years teaching more than 500,000 people across 17 countries. Her unique approach, based on the 5 Leadership EQ Skills(TM), will show you how to:

Identify Great Leadership: Understand the most essential attitudes in yourself and others
Master Communication: Give and receive feedback to drive team accountability
Enhance Proper Goal-Setting: Build a confident mindset and alignment on key objectives
Improve Decision-Making: Drive performance, time-management, and delegation
Reduce Stress And Anxiety: Increase wellness and reduce burnout
Increase Employee Engagement: Boost retention and build a better culture

The Three Chairs is the breakthrough leadership book for the 21st century. Discover tools you can easily apply at work and home that get results for everyone from CEOs to students. See yourself more clearly, engage more deeply with those around you, and equip yourself to be a confident great leader.

Genres: Leadership, Business

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2022

About the author

Dr. Karyn Gordon is an entrepreneur, #2 WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY bestselling author, and CEO of DK Leadership, a global leadership coaching company whose purpose is developing great leaders at work and home. Her unique ability is simplifying research in a passionate and practical way. She has spoken to more than 500,000 people across 17 countries—including Fortune 500 companies, family businesses, entrepreneurs, professional associations, and others. A sought-after media personality and contributor, she has worked with Good Morning America, Forbes, The New York Times, and Cityline.

In 2018, Dr. Karyn co-created “SI” (Success Intelligence with Dr. Karyn) which includes Live Online SI Masterclasses and SI Courses for managers (and all levels of leaders), making leadership development inspiring and simple, saving HR time. SI is now used by thousands of global leaders across many different industries.

Dr. Karyn has worked as a professional coach to global CEO’s, organizations, and families for over 20 years. She has a Doctorate in Marriage and Family and additional certifications in leadership, EQ, personality, wellness, and career direction. In 2021, she was nominated for the 29th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award.

Reviews

[Xzs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book presents a solid basis for leaders. The fundamentals are there, but I didn’t come away with any real tips or tricks to implement the lessons. Instead the reader is instructed to go to a website or buy a workbook to practice the lessons; I didn’t buy this book to fall victim to a marketing ploy! Also, this is not exactly a timeless business book. Nevertheless, the insight on different generations, particularly millennials, is useful. However, the references to the Covid-19 pandemic and other current hot button societal issues could be off putting to some readers.

[Tsvetomir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the idea of the three chairs, presented in the book. The system is presented in a practical way, allowing anyone to benefit from it

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the author took a great concept and completely ruined it with chapter 7. It seems every business book after 2020 feels obligated to have a struggle session chapter about social justice. It’s not empowering, it’s forced and does more harm than good. White privilege? Why am I reading about this in a business book?

[Peter Schreck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drs. Carol and Peter Schreck, Emeriti Professors in Marriage and Family, Eastern University

Simply put, Karyn Gordon’s The Three Chairs is a masterful lesson in how to make the important understandable. Using diverse teaching elements such as her own personal story, visuals, definitions clarified via comparison and contrast, reader participation and engagement, she supports her claim that a desire to grow is key to learning to be a leader—especially the desire to grow in self-awareness. This is the important message of her book, and to make it understandable she employs the simple but effective visual of three chairs. Each chair represents a distinct self-image that fosters specific attitudes, feelings and behaviors. Recognizing this, and reflecting on which chair one occupies most readily or most often, leaves the reader with an easy-to use image for thinking about one’s self as a leader, for evaluating one’s leadership performance, and for growing (changing) as a leader. And for Gordon becoming and being a leader needs to be seen as a fluid phenomenon, for which the “chair” (in which one can sit, or from which one can get up) again is a particularly apt visual. It makes the important understandable.

This well written book leaves you with fresh and fruitful ideas and images about leadership and being a leader.

[Scott Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Dr. Karyn give the Three Chairs talk about two and a half years ago. I found it to contain the most helpful content on positioning oneself for life success, whether as a leader, student, spouse, mentor, or someone who just wants to be a better person. This is the book! This book is clear, relatable, and most important easily actionable. We all should strive to sit in the middle chair, but we get pulled to one side or the other which jeopardizes our success. Learn how to identify where we are at any point, and use the tools to get back to the middle chair. Dr. Karyn paints a picture that we can all follow to live a higher quality life. We are all leaders in different areas of our lives. Learn how to be your best. This is one of the absolute best books on leadership. Scott Lowery, Chairman, Collect America Encore

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! Dr. Karyn Gordon takes an innovative approach in simplifying critical elements to modern leadership. A succinct description, definition and discussion of three types of leaders. "The Three Chairs" becomes a key tool for any leader's toolbox. My key takeaway was leaders, myself included as a COO, do not fully recognize or accept their own hybridization to leadership. This book teaches self-awareness, and then thoughtfully guides leaders how to move towards being a great leader in the “Middle Chair.” Overall, Dr. Gordon provides a pathway for leaders to better manage themselves in an ever-changing world by taking action to becoming their best personal and professional selves!

[Erin W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karyn Gordon's personal, educational and clinical experiences provide the background for this amazing book. Her ability to break down different types of leaders, differentiate concepts vs. action, identify characteristics necessary for leadership and breakdown specific leadership skills really sets this book apart from so many others. It's also easy to read. She gets it! As a medical doctor and mental health professional, I can appreciate the importance of translating theoretical concepts into practical and actionable processes that empower people to lead themselves and others. I learned many things that will help me become a better provider. I will also recommend this to many of my patients and my personal friends.

[Sahara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explained really well the three different types of people - left chair, middle chair, and right chair. The goal is always to be in the middle chair but sometimes we may find ourselves fluidly going between each chair.

The key, I think, is to have enough emotional intelligence to recognize when you are in the left or right chair to self-correct it / solution how to make your way to the middle chair.

It all comes down to your own self awareness which is, arguably, a hefty task to continually self evaluate. But, although a hefty task, it is indeed the most rewarding.

When you know yourself, and where you stand, you can solution yourself to move forward to where you want to be if where you currently are is at crossroads with where you originally intended to be.

I also very much enjoyed doing the solo workbook at the end of each chapter - it helped actualize the content read versus it just being content read without ever being applied to my own self development/improvement.

[Anna Corfey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Three Chairs is superb! One of the very best resources on the topic of leadership. It offers emerging and experienced leaders a comprehensive, pragmatic guide with practical resources and examples for anyone wanting to enhance their own art of leadership. A must-read for anyone genuinely interested in becoming a better leader but will also want to use it as their guide to rewarding and deep personal discovery.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karyn Gordon is the master of breaking down emotional intelligence skillsets into manageable/easy to implement pieces so that before you know it, you've overhauled an area of weakness and are operating at a new level. Her positive story telling approach makes possible for you to see how change is not only accessible but implementable as well. Great book for any leader wanting to continue improving and address EQ skillsets! Highly recommend.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such an important message probably for everyone but especially for entrepreneurs and leaders about how to think about what version of ourselves we are bing right now and how to get away from either being insecure or arrogant and instead more centered and dialed into our own values. She is a high-energy person and speaks from experience of her own ups and downs not just from her work advising YPO CEOs and with Fortune 500 corporations but in national television as well.

[John McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Three Chairs - Read this to invest in yourself!

Thank-you, Dr. Karyn for this wonderful book. As the Chief Human Resource Officer of a law firm, I strongly recommend this book to all who want to invest in themselves, their families and their employees. This is an investment. Dr. Karyn provides realistic advice and examples. This book will give you great insight in how leaders drive communication, performance and engagement!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Karyn Gordon is a leadership expert. In this book, she presents a science based concept which guides readers to develop the core skills required for great leadership. The book provides a clear and actionable framework for improving communication, productivity, engagement and, of course, leadership. If you’re looking to improve your leadership and relationship skills whether in business or in your personal life, this book is an inspirational and motivational must read.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This straightforward guide to leadership skills is full of practical steps that you can use in all areas of your life. Dr. Karyn Gordon helps you to identify your leadership strengths and weaknesses and provides concrete strategies to lead with confidence and authenticity. She uses real life examples to demonstrate how to communicate more effectively, avoid burnout and create space for what really matters. Highly recommended.

[Cathy Witherspoon]

Dr Karyn is an inspirational leader that has a unique ability to describe leadership skills in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice. She brings clarity to the 5 leadership concepts including emotional intelligence. This book provides the tools that you need to become a servant leader. A must read.
Cathy Witherspoon CHRO Boyne Resorts

[Tamara Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ THAT CARRIES A POWERFUL TOOLS
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021
This is a must-read that carries a boatload of powerful tools with a positive impact in every aspect of your life! Inspiring and evokes positive change! Dr. Karyn’s energy and insights are magnetic! Thank you for such a wonderful gift Dr. Karyn!

[Sara Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! The Three Chairs is a brilliantly written book full of insight and practical information for leaders who want to become a better version of themselves at home and work. Dr. Karyn has such a way of bringing important information to us in an easy to understand way. Highly recommend!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Karyn Gordon's book is super insightful and easy to understand. The best part about it for me are the exercises to follow at the end of each chapter. Applying what you just read helps you grasp the information and makes it actionable. The anecdotes in the book pull you in and really humanize the research. Great book for anyone and any point in their life!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Karyn Gordon is a master in the craft of leadership. If you’re looking to become more mature as a leader and deepen your relationship skills, order this book!! You’ll be able to apply the learnings to both your work and your personal life.

[Eva D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Karyn has an extraordinary ability to understand and explain the core factors that underly confidence and leadership. This book summarizes her most poignent messages and is incredibly helpful to anyone willing to invest the effort in taking themselves to the next level. Highly engaging to read.

[Glen McCaughtry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Karyn Gordon’s latest book, The Three Chairs, inspires us. This timely book provides a simple framework filled with a wealth of strategies that will help anyone looking to become a great leader, regardless of their starting point.

[Laura Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Karyn Gordon has created a leadership work of art. Her experience in the coaching world has provided her insight into the hearts and minds of leaders, moving them forward in life changing ways as they seek to become even better leaders. Such practical, yet motivational tools here!

[Sheri-lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s got some good things. Some nice examples and take aways. Very accessible and easy to read. A little repetitive in the story telling examples that I start to skim a bit.

It’s a good starter book for leadership.

[WILLIAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best business book on the market. Actual advice that works instead of theory, thank you for all of us great insight.

[Bill Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book consists of excellent research, quotes, and relevant application. A rare and delightful combination!

[Tifani Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and everyone around them! Packed full with research, insights and tips to help develop you into a GREAT leader.

[Chris Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and engaging!

There are a lot of leadership books to choose from so why read this book? This book gets to the root of the issues individuals deal with internally that can interfere with inner\self leadership and how that impacts those around us. Your friends, your family, and your teams will appreciate the growth you take by reading this book.