1. Build Trust, Spark Innovation, and
Create a High-Performing Organization
Leadership in Times of Accelerating Change
http://www.LeadingatLightSpeed.com
Let's start at the beginning, at the underpinnings of leadership. When you look at a tall building,
what you see are the visible spaces above the ground. The foundation upon which it rests is
largely invisible. But the foundation has to be strong, otherwise the entire building will fall.
Similarly, the foundation of effective leadership is largely invisible. But it rests on two behaviors.
One is building trust. The other is generating what I call “spark.”
Leading at Light Speed© is a new leadership book for anyone and everyone who cares to build
organizations that perform at very high levels, as measured by profitability, growth, and
customer retention. In a hyper-connected world, change is occurring at accelerating rates of
speed. Leading at Light Speed describes in detail ten quantum leaps (specific ways of acting
and behaving) that build trust, spark innovation, and create a high-performing
organization.
Preface ................................................................................ vii
Introduction ......................................................................... xi
Quantum Leap 1: Align the Core Values ............................ . 1
Quantum Leap 2: Sharpen the Focus ................................ 31
Quantum Leap 3: Lead Through Others ............................ 54
Quantum Leap 4: Manage Decisions Well ......................... 80
Quantum Leap 5: Accelerate the Pace of Change ........... 117
Quantum Leap 6: Stimulate the Creative Process ........... 150
Quantum Leap 7: Spread Systems Thinking .................... 170
Quantum Leap 8: Communicate in 12-D .......................... 198
Quantum Leap 9: Start With Yourself ................................ 220
Quantum Leap 10: Help People Assume Responsibility ... 250
About the Author ................................................................. 279
Index ................................................................................... 281
In the book, the ten quantum leaps are fully explained, with examples and action steps to
develop these areas within your own organization.
Add this leadership book to your arsenal today!
Take the Leading at Light Speed survey to discover how well your
organization measures up to the 10 Quantum Leaps!
Written by Eric F. Douglas, CEO of Leading Resources, Inc – consulting services for leaders
and leading organizations with all the workshops, tools, and senior management consulting to
help your organization succeed in times of accelerating change.