Michael S. Erwin - Leadership is a Relationship

1 Cover

2 Praise for Leadership Is a Relationship Praise for Leadership Is a Relationship “Mike Erwin hasn't just studied leadership—he's lived it. In this book, he and Willys DeVoll highlight how the connections leaders forge matter every bit as much as the visions they deliver.” —ADAM GRANT , # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast “ Leadership Is a Relationship is both timely and timeless, and makes a strong case for why it's so important for us to positively influence the people we lead and love. This book's message is one that we all need to hear, and challenges and empowers us to put people first amid the relentless pace of life and the distractions we all encounter in life today.” —ELISABETH HASSELBECK , Emmy-winning broadcasterand New York Times bestselling author “This book offers accessible ideas and effective methods for anyone looking to grow as a leader. Mike and Willys share real-life examples to help underscore the benefits of relationship-based leadership in your work—and life. Leadership Is a Relationship can help you cut through the noise of navigating an increasingly challenging digital world and instead focus on the strength of your connection to others.” —HARPREET RAI , CEO of Oura Health “This excellent book reinforces what I believe to be the most crucial senior leader skill: building and developing relationships. As a four-star combatant commander, this is where I spent the vast majority of my time and how I principally contributed to our mission. A must-read for all leaders, and especially those with large, diverse organizations where you depend on others for success.” —JOSEPH VOTEL , Retired Four-Star U.S. Army General and former Commander of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operation Command “This book serves as a powerful guide on how to become an effective leader by building authentic relationships with others. Our business has always placed an emphasis on family, employees, community, and connection. Leadership Is a Relationship provides impactful strategies and tactics that will help any business continue to foster growth for future generations.” —JENNIFER YUENGLING , vice president of operations at Yuengling and sixth-generation brewer

3 Title Page MICHAEL S. ERWIN | WILLYS DEVOLL

4 Copyright

5 Dedication

6 Introduction: Relationships Under Siegeintroduction Relationship Complexity Connecting in the Digital Economy A Way Forward Notes

7 CHAPTER 1: The Right Amount of Tension ( Accountability ) Leadership Is a Choice These Are Our Expectations A Disciplined Optimist The Delicate Dance Notes

8 CHAPTER 2: Forgiveness Every Day ( Forgiveness ) Stand Behind Them Grace and Fire To Promote Mercy Notes

9 CHAPTER 3: Jump Back Together ( Resilience ) Sudden Change Resilience in Groups Crush Your Dreams Perception and Reality Facing Every Unique Trial Notes

10 CHAPTER 4: The Vocabulary of Trust ( Trust ) I'm in Their Corner The Our, the Us, and the We I'm Here, and I See That You're There Call Me Bob The Common Thread Notes

11 CHAPTER 5: From Pie in the Sky to History ( Coalition-Building ) We're All on Board for This There Could Be a Better Way If They Bought In Leaders Create Coalitions Notes

12 CHAPTER 6: The Long and Winding Road ( Loyalty ) Sometimes, It's Pay It Forward You Don't Want to Drop the Ball Dreams 4 All Notes

13 CHAPTER 7: Stable Ground ( Stability ) You're Going to Celebrate the Organization Love Is a Verb Could I Get Fired for This? Choosing to Stay Notes

14 CHAPTER 8: Start Leading with Relationships Draw Concentration Lines Fess Up to Fear Mix Up Your Company Use Character-Strength Vocabulary Balance Vulnerability and Boundaries Ask Thoughtful Questions Speak Like Words Matter—Because They Do Use Everyday Reminders Put Your Reading into Practice Toward Tomorrow Notes

15 AcknowledgmentsFrom Both of Us From Willys From Mike

16 About the Authors

17 Index

18 End User License Agreement

1 Cover Page

2 Table of Contents

3 Praise for Leadership Is a Relationship

4 Title Page MICHAEL S. ERWIN | WILLYS DEVOLL

5 Copyright

6 Dedication

7 Introduction: Relationships Under Siege

8 Begin Reading

9 Acknowledgments

10 About the Authors

11 Index

12 End User License Agreement

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“Mike Erwin hasn't just studied leadership—he's lived it. In this book, he and Willys DeVoll highlight how the connections leaders forge matter every bit as much as the visions they deliver.”

—ADAM GRANT, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast

“ Leadership Is a Relationship is both timely and timeless, and makes a strong case for why it's so important for us to positively influence the people we lead and love. This book's message is one that we all need to hear, and challenges and empowers us to put people first amid the relentless pace of life and the distractions we all encounter in life today.”