This book has been a game changer for leaders I’ve worked with.   Awareness of self without self-righteousness. A culture that allows each employee to reach their maximum potential while increasing productivity, employee engagement, and pleasure; I have found this true when this book is read and acted on.

It’s practical. It’s easy to read. It’s relatable. It’s full of valuable resources, techniques, and tools with some research and many stories to support them.

The book starts with a story of two successful leaders and what a good day looks like. One leader is conscious, and one is not. The conscious leader always strives to be above the line, using the 15 commitments as a guide. Being above the line is a leader who is open, committed to learning, and curious.

Each of the 15 commitments examines leaders above and below the line. For example, commitment four is speaking candidly. Above-the-line leadership commits to saying what is true to me and being someone to whom others can express themselves with candor. Below-the-line leadership for commitment four is withholding my truth and speaking in a way that allows me to try to manipulate an outcome and not listen to others.

My copy of this book is well-used with bookmarks, turned-down pages, and underlined passages. I’ve been using this book for a few years with clients and can’t say enough great things about it. It builds on some of what you may already know and quickly introduces new concepts and how to use them.

If you have read this book, what did you like best about it?