getAbstract Summary: Get the key points from this book in less than 10 minutes.

Most leaders claim to consult with their teams and say they want everyone's input. In reality, most leaders act like tin-pot dictators – assuming that people who don't agree with them are always wrong. Organizational psychologist Roger Schwarz explains why some executives adopt this self-destructive, unilateral – and often oblivious – management style. He proposes a "mutual-learning mind-set" that helps leaders become as open-minded as they claim to be for better results all around. Some of the author's recommendations are laughably impractical, like urging team members to explain out loud why they've just used negative body language, like rolling their eyes. However, that doesn't detract from the insightful advice at the core of the book. Schwarz demonstrates a rare understanding of the negative aspects of leadership, how people can recognize those aspects in themselves and how they can change their behavior for the better. getAbstract recommends this book to team leaders and team members.

Book Publisher:

Jossey-Bass