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Unleashed

summary ofUnleashedBook by Frances Frei, Anne Morriss

12 min
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You’ll learn

  • How to channel leadership to uplift others
  • The critical pillars that fortify trust
  • Why leadership should center on profound love
  • To navigate teamwork and feel like you belong

first KEY POINT

Crafting leadership that uplifts

In filmmaking, the director's role is not to be the star but to guide each actor to achieve their full potential. This analogy sets the stage for understanding leadership: it's not about hogging the limelight but enabling others to perform at their peak. As we delve into this topic, you'll learn about key aspects that define effective leadership.

Leadership means giving power to others.

Look at Stacy Brown-Philpot, the CEO of TaskRabbit, as a prime example of an effective leader. Under her guidance, her team swiftly grew from a mere 14 members to over a thousand. Adapting to this expansion, Stacy fine-tuned her leadership style. She realized that her team's success held greater significance than her individual accomplishments. By focusing on her team, she amplified their achievements, demonstrating the importance of each member's contribution.A good leader advocates for and elevates their team, letting them earn recognition and praise rather than withholding it. Yet, while undergoing this process, leaders can unintentionally overlook their own needs. To guide others effectively, leaders need to maintain a balance between continuous learning and adaptability. It demands a strong commitment, a genuine understanding of others, and a consistent approach. Sometimes, leaders must step back, refresh, and refocus to support their team better.As we venture into the depths of leadership, reflect on your own style. Do you use your role to be at the forefront or to help others reach their utmost potential? Leadership presents an opportunity to uplift everyone you work with, not just to showcase your abilities.Are you ready to redefine leadership? Join us on this transformative journey of adapting and promoting an approach that values each team member. Learn to foster a culture of collective achievement and excellence within yourself.

second KEY POINT

Trust fuels effective teams

Trust is a fundamental part of leadership. When team members believe in their leader, a secure and valued atmosphere takes root, nurturing an environment ripe for professional growth. This established trust allows leaders to rely on their teams, even when not overseeing the process.There are many mechanisms for building trust, primarily revolving around three fundamental pillars:• Authenticity
• Logic
• EmpathyWhen individuals sense they are engaging with a genuine individual rather than a facade, trust begins to form. This innate quality is called authenticity. When combined with logic — faith in a leader's judgment and capabilities — you get two strong foundations. The third pillar, empathy, is the gentle hand that binds them together. An empathetic leader conveys genuine care and concern for everyone on the team.For instance, a retail CEO felt his team did not trust him enough because he wasn't showing enough empathy. He improved his relationships with his team members by practicing simple yet powerful gestures: maintaining consistent eye contact, engaging in active listening, and posing insightful questions. These actions demanded minimal effort from the leader but created warmer, more trusting relationships within the team in the long term.

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first KEY POINT

Leading with love to empowerment

second KEY POINT

The power of belonging

third KEY POINT

Strategy is your North Star

fourth KEY POINT

Crafting legacy through culture

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Frances Frei is a renowned leadership expert and a professor at Harvard Business School. Anne Morris is a distinguished strategist and leadership coach.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You about?

Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You, authored by Francesca Gino, focuses on the importance of authentic leadership and fostering an inclusive environment that empowers individuals. The book emphasizes actionable strategies for leaders to inspire their teams, celebrating diversity, and encouraging personal and professional growth.

What are the key takeaways from Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You?

Key takeaways from Unleashed include the power of vulnerability in leadership, the significance of trust in team dynamics, and practical methods for creating a culture of empowerment and accountability. Francesca Gino illustrates how leaders can bring out the best in their teams through open communication and support.

Is Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You worth reading?

Yes, Unleashed is definitely worth reading, especially for those seeking to become more effective leaders. Its practical insights and relatable anecdotes provide valuable guidance on how to energize and motivate teams, making it a great resource for both seasoned and new managers.

How many pages is Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You and when was it published?

Unleashed spans about 240 pages and was published on June 6, 2023. The book's concise format makes it an accessible and engaging read for busy professionals.

How can Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You help leaders grow?

Unleashed provides leaders with tools and frameworks to cultivate empowerment and resilience within their teams. By focusing on authenticity and fostering an inclusive culture, Francesca Gino helps leaders create environments where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.