In my work with leaders throughout the world, people tell me that they need a new set of principles to guide them in this new world. So in writing “Leading at Light Speed” I set out to meet the needs of people like these...

1. Page 1 of 2
WWW.LEADINGATLIGHTSPEED.COM MANAGEMENT TOOLSLESSON 1.1
Copyright © Leading Resources Inc. May not be reproduced without permission.
LEADERS NEED A NEW WAY OF THINKING
In my work with leaders throughout the world, people tell me that they need a new set of
principles to guide them in this new world. So in writing “Leading at Light Speed” I set out
to meet the needs of people like these:
 The CEO of a hospital: “I was trained first and foremost as a doctor. Now I
manage 5,000 people. Things are happening so fast. I don’t know if I’m thinking
the right way or doing the right things.”
 The head of a bank in New York City: “How do I balance my time? How do I
leverage myself as a leader? Do I focus on front-line staff? On meeting with
customers? On managers? What’s the right balance?”
 The manager of a large retail chain: “All I do is respond to questions and put out
fires all day. Did business school teach me how to lead in this kind of
environment? Well, we attended a three-day leadership seminar. But the short
answer is ‘no’!”
I see signs everywhere that we need a new way of thinking about how to lead in this light
speed world. One only has to think of Detroit’s automakers and imagine what might
have been had their leaders developed the capacity to think and act differently in this
new era. I have spent the better part of a decade reading these signs and developing an
understanding of what leaders need to do differently. Working with leaders all around the
country, I have had the opportunity to dissect what it takes to build dynamic, resilient,
high-performing organizations. These leaders include the head of a global bank in
London, who has created new ways to manage decisions across 24 time zones. Or the
leader of a huge state health care system who has transformed the delivery of medical
services in her state. Or the executive of a non-profit in Los Angeles who has created a
sustainable system to educate more than 300,000 inner city youth. Or companies like
Google that have learned to innovate quickly and thrive amid accelerating change.
That’s the backdrop of “Leading at Light Speed.” Over time, I’ve identified ten quantum
leaps in behavior and approach that can help people lead in a light speed world.
Underlying these ten quantum leaps are two foundational principles that will show you
how to navigate complex change and deal with hyper-turbulent times. Above all, this
book will equip you to think and act and lead effectively in the 21st century.
When you tackle a complex topic like leadership, it’s important to understand the content
and history. In the course of writing this book, I’ve conducted hundreds of interviews,

2. Page 2 of 2
WWW.LEADINGATLIGHTSPEED.COM MANAGEMENT TOOLSLESSON 1.1
Copyright © Leading Resources Inc. May not be reproduced without permission.
read dozens of articles and books, and learned from the experiences of our clients.
Interestingly, the word “leader” comes from an Old English root word, leith, that means
“to be out in front.” The same root word also means “to die.” I believe some of our old
ideas of leadership are dying. A new model of leadership is rising to take its place. My
hope is that books like “Leading at Light Speed” can help lead the way.
Learn More About The 10 Quantum Leaps That Create High-
Performing Organizations – www.LeadingatLightSpeed.com