The Dirty Side of Leadership: The Dirty Lessons about Management Coaching and Team Development
Ugh! I hate that sound.
It's 5:30 a.m. I get up, shower, make my health shake, drink some coffee. Put on one of my best suits--have to dress the part. Morning commute. Arrive at my office at 7:15 a.m.
And wait.
Finally, 9:00 a.m. I'm exhausted--the kind of exhaustion where it takes too much energy to even determine how I feel. Thirty minutes and counting.
It had taken me and two other managers numerous hours over three days to connect the dots. In matters like these, a specific itinerary must be in place that includes sharing the investigation with senior management, seeking guidance from the internal legal office, conducting a conference with human resources, and arranging for a security officer to be in the office next to mine--you can't be too careful in today's world.
THE DIRTY SIDE OF LEADERSHIP
The emergency signal is in place to notify security in case things turn ugly. Security officials are on standby, also waiting for him to arrive. There are cardboard boxes hidden in the adjacent office waiting for him so that he can collect his personal belongings and, hopefully, expedite his exit from the premises.
Tick-tock.
The clock in my office reminds me how slowly seconds can pass in times like these. Every minute that passes feels like a minor panic attack.
My mind is racing. I feel a tension headache coming on. I'm not sure if Tylenol or a morphine drip would better serve me. I try to remember strategies from the superfluous motivational/leadership books I've read over the years as if by the grace of God, some lightning bolt of pliable information will magically surface from the depths of my brain.
But it would seem that credible though they are, those books didn't provide me with the direction and courage I need to muster by 9:30 a.m.
Then it starts: The self-doubt creeps in like a crazy ex-girlfriend who just discovered my new cell number. I start to question myself and my conduct over the years: Had I ever lied? Or bent the rules? I mean, I'm no saint, and I'm about to alter the course of this guy's life--his future, his family's future.
I become acutely aware of the lump in the back of my throat.
My mouth feels as dry as the Sahara Desert. It becomes hard to swallow.
At first, my big promotion looked sexy. The big office, the chance to influence the agency, travel, a generous pay raise. What's not to love? But now, none of that seems to matter.
It's 9:10. I skim through my notes one last time. I feel my heart beating; my hands are slightly trembling like the day after a night of binge-drinking.
I received word that he has arrived and is sitting in his car. Waiting.
What must he be thinking right now? Will he admit his conduct? Will he think I'm the biggest prick on the planet? What if he appeals, forcing management into a long, drawn-out cat and mouse game? No.
We need this to end quickly so we can backfill his position. We are short-staffed as it is. Please, God.
Hopefully, it will be over in just a few minutes. After all, what are a few minutes compared to an entire lifetime?
Okay, Ron, focus. You've got this.
I knew at some point I would have to do something like this--I just didn't think it would be this soon.
Okay. 9:20 a.m.
Deep breath.
I conference in HR and ask another manager to be present as a witness.
Tap-tap-tap.
A brisk knock on the door.
Showtime.
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Reviews (65)
For Leaders who want to be an agent of positive change in their organization.
I retired from the U.S. Probation Office (Deputy Chief D/NH) before Ron took over at FLETC so I never got to know him well. But I wish I had. His book “The Dirty Side of Leadership” not only brought back some great memories of my own journey into leadership it made me wish I had the benefit of his wisdom early on. I have a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Florida International U in Miami and am a graduate of the Federal Judicial Center’s Leadership Development program where I read numerous books on Leadership. I wish I had Ron’s book back then. If you are new to a leadership position in your organization, or if you’ve been in a leadership positions for years, this book is a must for your library. You and the people who work with you (notice not for) will be better for it.
Great life advice & so enjoyable to read.
This book is awesome! So much great advice & the personal stories really help to remember the lessons learned. It is so enjoyable & quick to read. I love the way it is organized with the numbered lessons learned throughout the book & a quick reference list in the back. I think everyone can benefit from the wisdom & humor in this book, not just those in leadership roles. This book would make great gifts for friends, family & co-workers as well.
This book is for everyone
I am in a leadership position in my organization, have been involved with numerous leadership courses and have read many leadership books over the years, (fun fact: non-fiction is typically NOT my thing...at all).... and I read this book in 3 sittings. The author presents information in the form of personal stories with leadership lessons and tips attached. I felt like we were simply sitting on the porch having a conversation, about childhood, life, the unexpected, the wins and the losses, and it is pretty funny in spots. Whether you are in a leadership position, strive to be, or recognize that in this life, we are all leaders.....this is the book for you. Highly recommended read for you and those around you: coaches, teachers, business leaders, middle managers, aspiring leaders, parents, including adolescents. It’s the holiday season, I can’t think of a better gift for anyone on your list
Applicable, entertaining, & encouraging. A must read!
Ron Ward paints such a clear picture of his experiences through his writing. As I read his stories, I felt like I was alongside him experiencing it too. The way he crafted this book will keep you engaged and wanting more, all the while learning invaluable leadership lessons each time you turn the page. "The Dirty Side of Leadership" is not your typical leadership rule book full of ideas that are hard to implement. As you read, you'll feel like you're hanging out with an old friend, sharing stories and learning from him along the way. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Learn the tips that will transform your leadership abilities!
I applaud Ron for writing such a powerful and descriptive book that details the various challenges of being a leader. Ron’s charismatic leadership style and his ability to transform and lead the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center demonstrates his outstanding organizational performance. The normative ideologies regarding leadership are challenged in this book and the “dirty lessons” provide leadership truths that will assist leaders at all levels to become great leaders. One of my favorite leadership truths: DL#72 “Culture begins at the top and trickles down.” Ron absolutely delivers the truth in The Dirty Side of Leadership. Dr. Mark Buckwalter Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Retired U.S. Probation Officer Specialist
Great insight into interpersonal communications
Wow! What a highly readable, often entertaining, honest book from someone who has been there and done that. This book leaves all other books on leadership and managing people in the dust. The scenarios set forth are typical of any place where people work together, be it government, retail, churches, etc. People are people. How they are led will determine whether or not they look forward to coming to work every day. Following Ron’s guidance for leadership everyone can be a winner.
Realistic and relevant leadership
I found this book on leadership, and the title caught my eye. Being a fireman and former peace officer in NY, I was pleasantly surprised restructure and delivery therein. This is a great book for all types of managers and leaders! The author uses interesting and challenging stories to hammer home 100 lessons that are relatable to everyone. If you want to improve on life, business or help build a great team, this book is a must!
Leadership is not a cookie exchange!
Without question, the best book on leadership I have read. Ron does not sugarcoat the complexities, rather delivers the truth. Leadership is hard and executive leadership can be brutal. Of course it is also equally rewarding! Anyone aspiring to lead should read this book before pursuing such a position.
Leadership lessons
Ron did a fantastic job with the presentation of his book. It was enjoyable to read about his memories and life lessons as he advanced his federal career. Enjoyable read and even better lessons to refer to.
The Miyagi of leadership!
Ron Ward's "The Dirty side of Leadership" is a must read for anyone in supervision or managenent. His approach to exploring skills in leadership is uniquely writen and entertaining. He references true life experiences from youth, adulthood & his professional life as related to Leadership skills. This work demonstrates how practical we use Leadership in our daily lives without realizing it. Mr. Ward is no doubt the Mr. Miyagi of leadership training.
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