Leadership is Half the Story Book Summary - Leadership is Half the Story Book explained in key points
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Leadership is Half the Story summary

Marc Hurwitz Samantha Hurwitz

A Fresh Look at Followership, Leadership, and Collaboration

4.3 (31 ratings)
11 mins

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Leadership is Half the Story by Marc and Samantha Hurwitz challenges the traditional notion of leadership, emphasizing the importance of followership and collaboration for effective teamwork. It encourages leaders to listen and learn from their team members to achieve success.

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    Leadership is Half the Story
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    In the modern, team-oriented workplace, social skills and adaptability are key.

    It was just a few decades ago that leadership gurus like Jack Welch rose to prominence by peddling the idea that success is built on individualism, personal drive and self-reliance. But today, such a notion is almost inconceivable; the world of business has shifted and workplaces are more team-oriented than ever before.

    In fact, a study conducted in 2012 found that, in the 1980s, just 20 percent of work happened in teams, compared to 80 percent in the 2010s. Thus, people entering the workforce in the twenty-first century are sometimes referred to as the “we generation.” This generation knows that working together is the best way to produce good work.

    This new focus on teamwork has made interpersonal skills absolutely crucial for modern employees. People who lack such skills find it practically impossible to effectively contribute to a team. After all, if you can’t communicate well, listen to others or see beyond your own ideas, how can you contribute to a group effort?

    But sociability isn’t the only necessary ingredient in the changing workplace. Agility is also invaluable. Modern firms are notorious for rapid-fire corporate restructuring, and one must be able roll with the punches.

    According to a study done by the labor statisticians Hipple and Sok, the average employee stays with the same company for about 4.6 years. Jumping from job to job has become the new standard. Indeed, 51 percent of people stay at a given job for less than two years.

    That’s why interpersonal agility, or the ability to adapt to new social contexts, is essential. If you’re always changing jobs, you’ll always be working with new colleagues, bosses and CEOs.

    The ability to rapidly integrate yourself into a new culture is crucial.

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    What is Leadership is Half the Story about?

    Leadership is Half the Story (2015) presents leadership as a fluid state that people can and should move in and out of as circumstances change. By adopting such an approach, you can increase collaboration and boost success.

    Leadership is Half the Story Review

    Leadership is Half the Story (2015) is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional ideas about leadership and offers a new perspective. Here's why you should give it a read:

    • By combining leadership and followership roles, the book redefines what it means to be an effective leader and encourages collaboration and shared responsibility.
    • With its engaging case studies and practical exercises, the book provides actionable strategies that can be applied in various professional and personal contexts.
    • Emphasizing the importance of followership, the book highlights the significance of empowering and supporting followers, leading to more successful and sustainable outcomes.

    Best quote from Leadership is Half the Story

    If leadership is about setting goals for the team then followership is the complementary action: the pursuit of team goals.

    —Marc Hurwitz and Samantha Hurwitz
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    Who should read Leadership is Half the Story?

    • Staff and leaders in modern corporate workplaces
    • Entrepreneurs and business owners
    • Leaders and followers everywhere

    About the Author

    Marc Hurwitz is the cofounder of and Chief Insight Officer for FlipSkills. He has a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and lectures at the University of Waterloo.

    Samantha Hurwitz is the cofounder of and Chief Encouragement Officer for FlipSkills. She is a leadership and followership coach, as well as a consultant and trainer.

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    Leadership is Half the Story FAQs 

    What is the main message of Leadership is Half the Story?

    The main message of Leadership is Half the Story is that effective leadership requires understanding and valuing the whole story, including followers' perspectives.

    How long does it take to read Leadership is Half the Story?

    Reading Leadership is Half the Story takes several hours, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Leadership is Half the Story a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Leadership is Half the Story is worth reading because it offers a unique perspective on leadership and encourages leaders to consider the experiences and needs of their followers.

    Who is the author of Leadership is Half the Story?

    The authors of Leadership is Half the Story are Marc Hurwitz and Samantha Hurwitz.

    What to read after Leadership is Half the Story?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Leadership is Half the Story, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • How To Live An Extraordinary Life by Anthony Pompliano
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    • Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
    • Deep Work by Cal Newport
    • Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
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    • Momentum by Sam Silverstein