Act Like A Leader, Think Like A Leader, Updated Edition Of The Global Bestseller, With A New Preface (Revised) by Herminia Ibarra

A new edition of a widely popular book that has helped countless individuals worldwide in their aspirations to become successful leaders and take on larger leadership roles is now available. If you desire to lead with a greater impact, you may face the challenge of being occupied with executing current obligations. Even though you recognize the need to dedicate time to enhancing your leadership abilities, it is easy to allow immediate concerns and outdated ways of thinking to impede your progress.

Herminia Ibarra, a leading authority on leadership, reveals how individuals at any level can step up and become leaders by making small yet vital changes in their work, networks, and self-perception. In her book, “Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader,” Ibarra provides guidance on:

• Redefining your job to contribute more strategically
• Diversifying your network to connect with a wider range of stakeholders and learn from them
• Being more flexible with your self-concept, allowing your leadership style to evolve

Ibarra challenges the conventional advice on leadership, which typically suggests that you gain self-insight through reflection and analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. Instead, she argues that you must first take action and experiment with new approaches. Direct experiences and experimentation, or what Ibarra terms “outsight,” provide valuable external perspectives that offer vital information on what work is truly significant to you, how you should allocate your time, why certain relationships matter, and, ultimately, the person you strive to become.

This updated edition includes fresh examples and self-assessment tools that will empower you to start acting like a leader and progress your career to the next level.

“Leader as Coach – Rita McGrath and Herminia Ibarra Fireside Chat”

Hello everyone! I’m Rita McGrath, professor at Columbia Business School, and I’m excited to have Manie Ibarra joining me for our Friday fireside chat. Feel free to ask questions in the chat, as we’ll be monitoring it during the session. Let’s dive in!

Manie Ibarra is a professor at the London Business School and has focused on career transitions for over 20 years. Her book, “Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader,” explores the transition to bigger leadership roles. She discusses the challenges of shifting from one sense of identity to another and how successful practices can actually prevent growth in new roles. She also touches on the importance of experimentation and personal transformation in leadership development.

In her article for Harvard Business Review, Ibarra discusses leadership as coaching. She explores how coaching is evolving from a skill reserved for senior managers to a basic skill necessary for all employees. By coaching employees and facilitating their development, leaders can create a learning organization and drive innovation. This coaching approach involves asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and enabling individuals to find their own solutions to problems.

Ibarra gives the example of Microsoft’s transformation under Satya Nadella’s leadership. Nadella shifted Microsoft’s culture from one focused on control and expertise to one that values learning and growth. By creating a growth mindset culture and encouraging open dialogue, Microsoft was able to adapt to the changing technology landscape and attract top talent.

As for coaching 101, the basics involve asking good questions, actively listening, and focusing on the other person’s needs. It’s about facilitating their development and helping them find their own solutions rather than providing all the answers. It requires a growth mindset and a willingness to experiment and learn.

Regarding women and the vision thing, while progress has been made, gender biases and stereotypes still exist. Research shows that women are often perceived as less visionary by their male colleagues, and this bias can detrimentally impact their careers. However, more research is needed to assess the current landscape and determine if there have been improvements.

Despite the current crisis and uncertain times, there is an opportunity for growth and learning. The disruption caused by the pandemic challenges us to think differently and try new approaches. It’s a chance to break free from old routines and habits and create a more adaptable and innovative future.