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Becoming The Best
Book

Becoming The Best

Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr.
Jossey-Bass, 2015
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Editorial Rating

8

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Recommendation

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr., a professor and former CEO, has written a straightforward book on leadership that’s full of no-nonsense advice. Using case studies and wisdom gathered during his long career, he prescribes following four easy-to-understand principles to achieve “five bests” in your career and your life. As he explains, “what it means to be a values-based leader and build a world-class organization,” Kraemer helps you become a better person and, therefore, a better leader. He advises knowing your values and then consistently aligning your actions with those values, always resisting quick wins that clash with your beliefs. That, he says, is the way to achieve the five bests – becoming your best self, and establishing the best team, best partnership, best value for investors and best citizenship. Meanwhile, you’ll lead a values-based organization that reaps the benefits of solid relationships with its employees, customers, suppliers, investors and the communities where it does business. getAbstract recommends Kraemer’s insights to leaders, CEOs, small-business owners, and anyone seeking self-improvement.

Summary

Your “Best Self”

Achieving your best self doesn’t require perfection, but it does require a conscious effort to improve throughout your life. Understand yourself, learn from your mistakes, seek advice from others and build quiet confidence. To achieve the “five bests” – being your best self, forming the “best team,” working with the “best partners,” making your company into the “best investment” and being the best “corporate citizen” – follow four guiding principles:

  1. “Self-reflection” – Know yourself. Consider your values, and reflect on your actions daily. You’ll stumble from time to time, but gradually your decisions and actions will align with your values.
  2. “Balance” – Build positive relationships. See other people’s perspectives. Seek advice from a diverse array of people, including your peers, junior employees and those holding opinions different from yours.
  3. “True self-confidence” – Develop true self-confidence based on identifying and respecting your strengths and values. Understand what motivates and energizes you and what drains your energy. Know where you excel and where you need help. Have the confidence to admit ...

About the Author

Northwestern University professor Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr. was chairman and CEO of Baxter International Inc. He is a partner at Madison Dearborn, a private equity firm.

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