Becoming the Boss Book Summary - Becoming the Boss Book explained in key points
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Becoming the Boss summary

New Rules for the Next Generation of Leaders

3.5 (47 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

'Becoming the Boss' by Lindsey Pollak is a comprehensive guide for new managers to navigate challenges and build effective leadership skills. It covers topics such as communication, delegation, and team-building with practical tips and case studies.

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    Becoming the Boss
    Summary of 7 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 7

    In order to be a great leader, you have to lead yourself.

    What is a leader? Someone who is in charge of a lot of people, right? Sure, but there is another aspect of leadership that is just as important.

    In addition to guiding others, you need to be able to lead yourself: meaning that you can structure and organize your life and work as well as you can that of a team.

    The following three strategies will help you lead yourself.

    First, don’t panic! Modern business environments can be volatile. With technological developments and new ideas proliferating all around us, there are bound to be times when you feel afraid. That worry is a normal reaction, therefore learning to handle it is important.

    One strategy is to ask yourself, “Do I want this more than I am afraid of it?” Do you want to found your own company more than you fear failing, losing money and moving back in with your parents? If the answer is yes, go for it, as the pros outweigh the cons.

    Another way to work on your leadership is to develop your creativity.

    If you want to become a successful automobile engineer, it’s not enough to just be an expert in your field, as it was before. You should also be familiar with other fields of expertise like computing, design, or even basic business practices. Being familiar with ancillary fields will enable you to see relationships between different information and help you generate creative ideas.

    The third strategy is to learn more and work harder.

    To do so, you must evaluate your knowledge level. Which skills do you need to improve? Scoping the LinkedIn profiles of people whose careers you admire may help you to determine where to keep learning.

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    What is Becoming the Boss about?

    Becoming the Boss presents the potential hurdles for leaders in our modern era and some useful tips on how to tackle them. Pollak explains some fundamental principles that will help anyone to, not only become a leader, but to excel in their new role. Pollak also summarizes some new best practices for managing employees and advises on professional networking and personal growth.

    Becoming the Boss Review

    Becoming the Boss (2014) by Lindsey Pollak is an insightful guide on navigating the transition from being an employee to becoming a successful leader. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers practical strategies to help new managers overcome common challenges and develop effective leadership skills.
    • By sharing real-life examples and success stories, the book brings the principles to life and provides relatable insights for aspiring leaders.
    • With its engaging tone and relatable anecdotes, the book keeps readers hooked and ensures that the topic remains interesting and never dull.

    Best quote from Becoming the Boss

    How well you are capable of leading other people begins, first and foremost, with how well you lead yourself.

    —Lindsey Pollak
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    Who should read Becoming the Boss?

    • Anyone interested in startups
    • Young people in leadership roles
    • Anyone studying business

    About the Author

    Lindsey Pollak is an expert in workplace issues and the Millennial generation and has consulted for corporate clients such as LinkedIn, where she now serves as an official ambassador. She wrote Getting from College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World, and her advice has appeared in renowned media outlets such as CNN, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

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    Becoming the Boss FAQs 

    What is the main message of Becoming the Boss?

    Develop the skills and mindset needed to successfully transition into a leadership role.

    How long does it take to read Becoming the Boss?

    The reading time for Becoming the Boss varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Becoming the Boss a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Becoming the Boss is a valuable read for anyone looking to excel in a leadership position. It offers practical advice and insights to help you navigate the challenges of becoming a successful boss.

    Who is the author of Becoming the Boss?

    Lindsey Pollak is the author of Becoming the Boss.

    What to read after Becoming the Boss?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Becoming the Boss, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should by Jeffrey A. Kottler
    • Leadershift by John C. Maxwell
    • The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
    • The First-Time Manager by Loren B. Belker
    • Radical Candor by Kim Scott
    • The CEO Next Door by Elena Botelho and Kim Powell
    • The First Minute by Chris Fenning
    • Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
    • 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
    • On the Edge by Nate Silver