Andrew was a top executive working for one of the world’s largest multinational companies. A specialist in organizational design, he was renowned throughout the industry for successfully revamping his company’s culture. When the CEO of a major competitor approached him with a promotion offer and the opportunity to play on a bigger stage, he jumped at the chance. His mission was to develop and launch a complex and important organizational redesign that the company’s CEO hoped would vault the company far ahead of its competitors.
At his last job, Andrew had thrived on top-down leadership. He was used to leading without involving his employees, and—at least for a while—that had worked out fine. But his new company was less bureaucratic. Its leaders were more open and transparent, and employees were used to being involved in decision-making.
As the stress and responsibility of his new position mounted, Andrew doubled down on what had worked for him in the past. He defaulted to commanding his people instead of engaging them.
But Andrew’s command-and-control tactics were beginning to create discord. Complaints started trickling up to the CEO, and she brought me in to help ensure that Andrew’s leadership style didn’t interfere with the project’s success.
Article posted on SHRM
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Robin Day
18. Feb, 2018
I am a Chief in the Navy and a student of leadership. I discovered you from the Dose of Leadership podcast and that interview set off a chain reaction. You have inspired me to find my gaps so I purchased your book, The Leadership Gap. I could barely get past the first chapter because there was so much to take in and apply. In the military, I am called to teach a lot of leadership classes both in formal setting and informally. I tell everyone I can about you and your work. I encourage others to buy your book and discover their gaps. Thank you for your excellent contribution to the discipline of leadership!
lollydaskal
20. Feb, 2018
Robin, I am happy we found each other, As a Chief in the Navy you understand that when it comes to leadership it’s all about inspiring others to find their own greatness. That is my mission. So, lets you and I continue to serve. Lolly