In the Thick of It - by Gwyn Teatro (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

You're in the middle of everything. You are a boss. You have a boss. Being in the thick of it at work, dealing with change, leading your boss and leading your team through it, can feel difficult and exhausting. It can also be rewarding. In the Thick of It takes you on a journey of awareness, growth, and purpose to help you master the art of leadership, to become the kind of leader that delivers results while valuing every human being, engendering trust and loyalty, bringing out the best in others, and bringing out the best in yourself at work. Teatro's lighthearted, humorous, and self-deprecating style delivers lessons in choosing to lead, changing the narrative and leading with purpose. She cracks the "lack of communication" myth, shows you how to identify pitfalls that get in the way of effective communication, and helps you see through the misleading warm glow of inclusion around the word "team." When you're ready to confront the challenge of change, including by leading your boss, Teatro's In the Thick of It is a leadership book that provides the map for you to successfully navigate the waters of planned versus unplanned change, and coaches you on how to incorporate autonomy, mastery, purpose, innovation, and creativity into your leadership toolkit. The failures, bumps, and potholes are all part of the shift from what is, to what can be. In the Thick of It will show you how to cherish the fulfillment that accomplishment brings. It will spur you on, make you want more, and reaffirm your belief in yourself. This is the summit of your mountain and the high that confirms the worthiness of your struggle. Leaders matter. You are a leader in the middle of it all. You want to be the kind of leader that encourages others to do, and be, their best. You want to accomplish something great, something that has meaning, not just for you but for others too. In your ideal world, people are not cogs in a wheel that rolls dispassionately toward the bottom line. They, like you, are searching for something that gives them purpose. From your place in the middle, there is opportunity. After all, the middle is a place where most of us live and learn. It is what we choose to do with it that makes the difference between feeling sandwiched and expanding our horizons, pushing out from the centre, and creating larger, more productive and satisfying spaces. In all the messiness of change, being an empowered leader in the middle can be extremely satisfying. In the Thick of It will take you there.

Review Quotes

I teach employees how to manage up in their organizations. But until I read this book, I'd never heard of leading from the middle. What a great concept! Read it and reap ... great results! -BJ GALLAGHER, COAUTHOR, "A PEACOCK IN THE LAND OF PENGUINS: A FABLE ABOUT CREATIVITY AND COURAGE" Gwyn Teatro's immensely readable book covers a lot of terrain, but is so easy and fun to read, you don't want to put it down. Through a combination of excellent, practical advice and thought provoking questions, you will be guided toward becoming the leader and person you were meant to be. -JESSE LYN STONER, CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST-SELLING BOOK "FULL STEAM AHEAD!" This is more than a book about leadership - it's about making a choice to lead, to tackle change head-on, and to drive change when necessary. In The Thick of It is a must-read for anyone looking to grow as a leader. -LISA KING, AUTHOR, "JUST DO YOU: AUTHENTICITY, LEADERSHIP, AND YOUR PERSONAL BRAND" In the Thick of It will add value to anyone who wishes to influence others, in or out of the workplace. -STEVE RIDDLE, COACHSTATION, BRISBANE AUSTRALIA Best book on learning how to be a leader I've read in ages. This amazing book will make a difference in our leadership ability, and in our lives. -KAT TANSEY, AUTHOR, "CHOOSING TO BE" Firmly grounded in the reality of the joys and the adversity we all face in our lives, she shows how exercising uplifting leadership will give us meaning in our families, our communities, our workplace, and ultimately in ourselves. -HUBERT SAIINT-ONGE, SAINTONGE ALLIANCE Rich in practical wisdom about the very real situations managers and leaders face, presented with sincerity, warmth and humor. It is pure inspiration and pure Gwyn - the Dr. Seuss of leadership. -DR ANNE PERSCHEL, GERMANE COACHING AND CONSULTING In The Thick Of It offers managers who feel stuck in the middle, a road map to not just succeed, but thrive as leaders. -TANVEER NASEER, AUTHOR, "LEADERSHIP VERTIGO" You'll learn how to lead from the middle. You'll also learn how to get from where you are now to where you'd like to be. -WALLY BOCK, AUTHOR, "NOW YOU'RE THE BOSS: MAKING THE MOST OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TRANSITION IN BUSINESS" Fabulous, engaging writing with cogent guidance and examples on what it means to lead effectively from the toughest spot of all-the middle. A joy to read and an excellent guide for everyone involved in supporting the work of others. -ART PETTY, ART PETTY GROUP Simple. Clear. Relatable. Actionable. -SUSAN MAZZA, CEO CLARUS CONSULTING GROUP LLC