Page 18 - The extraordinary leader

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book began several years ago as I was walking down the hall looking over
some statistical output and bumped into Jack Zenger. Jack’s question was,
“Are you doing anything that’s interesting?” My response was, “Funny you
should ask, look at this data.” What began as a fascination with some statisti-
cal analysis grew into a compelling body of evidence that modified substan-
tially the conventional wisdom people have about what makes great leaders
and how they develop.
To anyone who reads a number of books on leadership, it becomes appar-
ent that more than 90 percent of what you read has been said before. The
packaging is different, the examples amusing, but fundamentally there is lit-
tle that is new. I had no interest in writing that kind of book. Our approach
was to do rigorous research and then formulate a theory to explain the
results. In presentations on our findings to clients, we have been very
pleased with the “Ah-ha’s” that are apparent as we present the insights
from our research. I am hopeful that readers of this book will have a simi-
lar experience.
One of the most interesting findings from our research is something called
“powerful combinations.” A powerful combination occurs when leaders com-
bine two unique skills, which results in a substantial increase in overall effec-
tiveness. In thinking about the process of getting this book written, I am very
confident that neither Jack nor I could have accomplished this research and
written this book alone. The combination of Jack’s experience, knowledge,
and conceptual skills with my research, measurement, and change manage-
ment background created a very powerful combination.
Working through the laborious and demanding process of writing this book
with Jack has been an absolute delight. I am grateful for his patience, gentle
persuasion, and persistence.
Many people contributed substantially by doing research and editing on
the book. Thanks to both our colleagues, staff members and clients for their
contributions and suggestions.

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