The Heart of Transformation Book Summary - The Heart of Transformation Book explained in key points
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The Heart of Transformation summary

Michael J. Leckie

Build the Human Capabilities That Change Organizations for Good

4.6 (171 ratings)
15 mins

Brief summary

The Heart of Transformation by Michael J. Leckie explores the idea that the key to transformation lies in the heart. It offers a step-by-step guide to cultivating a heart-centered approach to personal growth and provides practical tools to help readers achieve lasting change.

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    The Heart of Transformation
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    Exploring before executing

    So, how do you transform an organization for the better? The first step is to explore before you execute. To be clear, there isn’t anything wrong with executing per se. Execution simply means carrying out a plan or course of action – and every business relies on execution to some degree.

    But fixating on execution becomes a problem when the needs of an organization change. Execution is all about sticking to the plan. Trouble arises when the plans that fixed yesterday’s problems don’t work for today’s. More specifically, leaders get stuck when they refuse to question whether once-useful strategies are still viable.

    This is where exploring comes in. You have to ask whether the systems and practices of old still work, or whether they need revising. It can be hard for leaders to challenge the ideas they once championed. But this kind of exploration is exactly the type of leadership that results in transformation.

    So, what does exploring before executing look like in practice? Here are five questions to ask others – and yourself – to accomplish the task.

    First up is, “What do you think?” As simple as it is, this question activates the curiosity necessary for transformation. 

    Second, “What are you assuming is true?” Assumptions shape many of our ideas. Laying them out in the open helps everyone better understand where stakeholders are coming from.

    Third, “Whose voice is missing?” This question takes aim at the echo chamber. It invites diversity of thought – which is more important than ever, given the information silos many people occupy today.

    Fourth, “What is your third-best idea?” There’s a method to this madness: Typically, the first answer people give is the “safe” answer. Their second choice is usually just the first answer in different words. It’s often not until the third-best idea that people start thinking outside of the box.

    The fifth and final question is, “What didn’t you say that needs saying?” This urges people to state the things that are uncomfortable or scary, but that need to be heard.

    These five questions can help leaders explore the best ways to address rapidly changing problems before executing their plan of action.

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    What is The Heart of Transformation about?

    The Heart of Transformation (2021) is a how-to guide for changing an organization. It focuses on six specific capabilities that leaders can adopt to meet the demands of the twenty-first century.

    The Heart of Transformation Review

    The Heart of Transformation by Michael J. Leckie (2021) is a thought-provoking book that explores the power of personal growth and change. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its in-depth exploration of transformation, the book offers valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to improve themselves.
    • By combining psychological research with personal stories, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the transformative process and how it can be applied to one's own life.
    • The book's engaging storytelling keeps readers captivated throughout, ensuring that the exploration of personal growth is anything but boring.

    Who should read The Heart of Transformation?

    • Anyone working in management or leadership
    • Entrepreneurs or small business owners 
    • Anyone curious about how to change a workplace for the better

    About the Author

    Michael J. Leckie is a leadership consultant and public speaker. He is the former Chief Learning Officer for the digital industrial transformation at General Electric. His firm, Silverback Partners, helps businesses adapt to today’s digital world by transforming their corporate cultures.

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    The Heart of Transformation FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Heart of Transformation?

    The main message of The Heart of Transformation is about finding inner peace and personal growth.

    How long does it take to read The Heart of Transformation?

    The reading time for The Heart of Transformation varies depending on the reader's speed. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Heart of Transformation a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Heart of Transformation is a valuable read for anyone seeking personal growth. It provides practical insights and guidance for transforming one's life.

    Who is the author of The Heart of Transformation?

    The author of The Heart of Transformation is Michael J. Leckie.

    What to read after The Heart of Transformation?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Heart of Transformation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Power Questions by Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
    • Zero to One by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
    • The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
    • How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner
    • The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic
    • Mindstuck by Michael McQueen
    • The Body by Bill Bryson