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Leadership and the Art of Struggle

How Great Leaders Grow Through Challenge and Adversity

Steven Snyder

Berrett-Koehler, 2013

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Steven Snyder, former general manager of Microsoft, interviewed 93 leaders in the “military, government, banking, the theater” and other fields to discover how they cope with change and master “the art of struggle.” He synthesizes their candid responses into a program that leaders at any level can use to examine their spiritual and psychological challenges. His regimen can help you learn valuable lessons about yourself, so you can tap into your true nature to become the best leader you can be. Despite a certain gee-whiz tone and some reductive treatment of complex psychological issues, getAbstract recommends Snyder’s methods to all leaders – or those who seek to lead – and to readers who feel that greater self-understanding and insight will help them do their best work.

Summary

“Struggle as an Art”

All leaders struggle, but often convention and tradition keep them from expressing their fears, concerns and worries during difficult times. Leaders who know how to deal with struggle and grow from it can learn to be at home in the battle. They recognize that any difficulty can be a crucible for forging new strengths. These leaders seize struggle “as an art to be mastered.”

Anyone who is trying to live mindfully and morally is acting like a leader. However, people who want to evolve must acknowledge their weaknesses. Worthy leaders think about whether their personal and organizational goals align with their personal and organizational values. The real world is anarchic, imperfect and unpredictable, so solid leaders must temper their “conviction with pragmatism.”

Profit, power and expansion are good commercial goals, but they are not the only goals worth pursuing. Your personal and organizational goals and values matter, too. Chasing objectives that conflict with your personal morality will end in failure. All leaders face personal and circumstantial limitations. True leaders excel in spite of them.

“The Struggle Lens”

The view...

About the Author

Winner of the first-ever World Technology Award for Commerce, former Microsoft leader Steven Snyder created Snyder Leadership Groups, a consulting firm.

Leadership and the Art of Struggle

How Great Leaders Grow Through Challenge and Adversity

Read or listen offline

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“Struggle as an Art”

“The Struggle Lens”

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