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Walk the Walk: The #1 Rule for Real Leaders
In Walk the Walk, Alan Deutschman offers a new take on the true nature of great leadership. Though some experts make it seem complicated, it is actually breathtakingly simple. According to Deutschman, most leaders focus too much on what they say and not nearly enough on setting an example.
This book shows what happens in those unusual cases of true leaders-in business, education, the military, and nonprofits-who always walked the walk, especially when times got tough. In a skeptical world, their actions gave them more credibility than even the best possible speeches. Consider how • Martin Luther King Jr. was so committed to nonviolence that he let a racist detractor beat him up in front of a crowded auditorium rather than raise a hand against him.
• Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett of Southwest Airlines were serious about putting employees first, and proved it by sticking to a no- layoffs policy while other airlines made major cuts.
• Sony founder Masuro Ibuka, who stressed originality over profits, waited for years while his competitors released color televisions-and then released the Trinitron, a breakthrough product that blew the other sets out of the water.
When leaders don't practice what they preach, they often face devastating consequences. Recall how the CEOs of GM and Chrysler hurt their chances of a government bailout by flying their private jets to Washington.
Ultimately, leadership doesn't depend on who you are or even what you say or how you say it, but only on what you do. The eye-opening examples in Walk the Walk will inspire leaders at all levels.
This book shows what happens in those unusual cases of true leaders-in business, education, the military, and nonprofits-who always walked the walk, especially when times got tough. In a skeptical world, their actions gave them more credibility than even the best possible speeches. Consider how • Martin Luther King Jr. was so committed to nonviolence that he let a racist detractor beat him up in front of a crowded auditorium rather than raise a hand against him.
• Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett of Southwest Airlines were serious about putting employees first, and proved it by sticking to a no- layoffs policy while other airlines made major cuts.
• Sony founder Masuro Ibuka, who stressed originality over profits, waited for years while his competitors released color televisions-and then released the Trinitron, a breakthrough product that blew the other sets out of the water.
When leaders don't practice what they preach, they often face devastating consequences. Recall how the CEOs of GM and Chrysler hurt their chances of a government bailout by flying their private jets to Washington.
Ultimately, leadership doesn't depend on who you are or even what you say or how you say it, but only on what you do. The eye-opening examples in Walk the Walk will inspire leaders at all levels.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2009
17 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Alan Deutschman
15 books34 followersAlan Deutschman is currently writing "Walk the Walk," a book about leadership, which will be published in September 2009 by the Portfolio imprint at Penguin.
His blog about leadership is at:
http://www.leaderswalkthewalk.blogspo...
His blog about leadership is at:
http://www.leaderswalkthewalk.blogspo...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 23, 2014
1. Set clear priorities for the team by following the "Rule of One or Two" - one or two virtues to be followed by the organization. (Amazon virtues - 1. Customers First, 2. Long Term - lost lots of money initially in order to setup a long term business)
2. Live those virtues everyday by "walking the talk". (Sony - innovation prime virtue - did not compromise on this for getting market share - Trinitron)
3. Leaders share the struggle with their followers, they fight with the team on the front lines, get a first-hand view of the challenges the team is facing
4. Demonstrate how things ought to be done, and use that as an opportunity to teach, train and lead. (Cetta and the saltshaker at the center of the dining table)
5. walk the talk in such a way that any potential follower can easily follow it (Greensboro Four - black freshmen - restraurant sit-ins to promote civil rights)
6. Distribute leadership. rather than coming from above. (Pixar - creativitiy has to be present in every level of organization)
7. Inspire belief by showing, not telling.
Four Elements of Belief
(a) Leaders must believe in themselves that change is possible
(b) Leaders need to believe that people are capable of profound change
(c) The leader's conviction must inspire the leaders actions
(d) Leaders must get their people to believe in themselves - to expect that they can and will accomplish a profound and positive change
"Walk-the-walk" personality
(a) Exceptional focus, always act to highlight one or two things that are overwelminghly important
(b) Understand and be sensitive to thoughts, feelings and experiences of people they are trying to lead
(c) Relentlessness - every moment is an opportunity to teach, train, lead
(d) Belief in their own ability to overcome obstacles and potential of their people to change dramatically
(e) Persistence to keep walking the walk.
2. Live those virtues everyday by "walking the talk". (Sony - innovation prime virtue - did not compromise on this for getting market share - Trinitron)
3. Leaders share the struggle with their followers, they fight with the team on the front lines, get a first-hand view of the challenges the team is facing
4. Demonstrate how things ought to be done, and use that as an opportunity to teach, train and lead. (Cetta and the saltshaker at the center of the dining table)
5. walk the talk in such a way that any potential follower can easily follow it (Greensboro Four - black freshmen - restraurant sit-ins to promote civil rights)
6. Distribute leadership. rather than coming from above. (Pixar - creativitiy has to be present in every level of organization)
7. Inspire belief by showing, not telling.
Four Elements of Belief
(a) Leaders must believe in themselves that change is possible
(b) Leaders need to believe that people are capable of profound change
(c) The leader's conviction must inspire the leaders actions
(d) Leaders must get their people to believe in themselves - to expect that they can and will accomplish a profound and positive change
"Walk-the-walk" personality
(a) Exceptional focus, always act to highlight one or two things that are overwelminghly important
(b) Understand and be sensitive to thoughts, feelings and experiences of people they are trying to lead
(c) Relentlessness - every moment is an opportunity to teach, train, lead
(d) Belief in their own ability to overcome obstacles and potential of their people to change dramatically
(e) Persistence to keep walking the walk.
April 5, 2021
It was quick and to the point, not filled with personal stories of leadership but of those Mr. Deutschman had interviewed for research. Gathering the full overview of a leader instead of the best view snapshot. These were about leaders who walked the walk and then he shared how we can bring that into our day to day as leaders!
Spoilers: you probably already know the answer, but under 200 pages it worth to read all the way through!
Spoilers: you probably already know the answer, but under 200 pages it worth to read all the way through!
January 9, 2010
It had been a while since I had read a change management book. When I was working in corporate communications, I read them more frequently. I very much enjoyed "Walk the Walk" and took away several principles of leadership that I will be able to use, even though I'm no longer working in corporate America. The author reviews companys like McDonald's, Southwest Airlines, and many others, but doesn't give a dry overivew. Rather, in plain speaking, he tells what makes a great company and what seperates them from the pack. Quick read full of insight.
February 7, 2014
This book had some good examples on being a leader. Also, I enjoyed some of the historical facts the book discussed especially the military leaders. The military leaders over the years were true examples of how leaders lead, and when the military got away from there true leader approach during WWI and became "Chateau Leaders" there was a direct correlation in lost of lives and productivity. I was glad to see that they corrected this and went back to becoming great leaders and this showed on the battlefield.
September 7, 2011
i'm not a businessman, but the title itself struck me to buy this book (was slso ON-SALE whoohoo).
believe me, this book has full of interesting stories to people who managed and ran big business in the world.
well-researched, well-referenced, and well-written, that even at theend of the chapter, you still want to read more business stories.
if you are into "leadership" world, you will love this book, same with those people who are into business.
i learned a lot!
believe me, this book has full of interesting stories to people who managed and ran big business in the world.
well-researched, well-referenced, and well-written, that even at theend of the chapter, you still want to read more business stories.
if you are into "leadership" world, you will love this book, same with those people who are into business.
i learned a lot!
November 1, 2013
Since I have read the title of the book, it caught my eyes. Though I can't agree on some points, generally, it gives me an inspiration. I start using the spirit of "walk the walk" to my daily life events. And what's happened next is just wait and see.
January 20, 2010
An excellent book on leadership and what real, quality leaders do on a day to day basis.
February 5, 2010
Great, inspirational book. The simplicity is what makes it best. The author's view of leadership really cuts through the clutter.
February 10, 2010
Good book for leadership. I like the concepts, and all the military reference. :)
May 3, 2011
Quick read and has some interesting stories/examples of good leadership.
August 20, 2012
Excellent! It's a great read, not long either, and it definitely puts things into perspective. Anyone serving in a leadership position or similar should glance at this.
Want to read
December 15, 2012*for daughter
July 8, 2013
Exceptional focus, empathy, constancy, belief, persistence, there the book is summarized now you not need to read allllllll the examples
May 17, 2015
Inspiring and thought-provoking.
May 25, 2015
Verb-the-noun
2.5 - loses a star for the part about obama at the very end (unnecessary)
a tad dry on the reading, but good material
2.5 - loses a star for the part about obama at the very end (unnecessary)
a tad dry on the reading, but good material
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews