The Reality-Based Leader’s Manifesto

“If you believe that leadership is tougher today than it was in the past, you’re not alone,” writes Cy Wakeman, author of Reality-Based Leadership. “We are living and working in dramatic and demanding times, but that is not our biggest problem. The source of our pain is the absence of great leadership that is based in reality. …The future belongs to the leader who is able to change the way people think and perceive their circumstances, the leader who engages hearts and minds.” To that end, she offers the Reality-Based Leader’s Manifesto:

1. Refuse to argue with reality
2. Greet change with a simple “Good to know”; defense is an act of war
3. Depersonalize feedback—whatever the source
4. Let go of our need for love, approval, and appreciation at work so we can focus on the goals of our organization and not on satisfying our egos
5. Are very careful about what we think we know for sure
6. Ask ourselves, “What is the next right thing I can do to add the most value?”
7. Ask others, “How can I help?” instead of judging and blaming
8. Work to find the opportunity in every challenge
9. Work harder at being happy than at being right
10. Work with the willing
11. Lead first, manage second
12. Value action over opinion