The Leadership Book for Women

Introduction

1 The 50/50 method
1.1 Stop being a good girl
1.2 Creating your personal plan
1.3 How 50/50 are you?

Part I A good start
A good start begins long before your first day in a new job. Choosing the right job and the right organization are crucial. The same applies to the right work culture. All must be a perfect match. Use your first hundred days to create the foundation for your future success. Carefully scrutinizing your new organization will get you there.

2 Choosing a new job
2.1 Seeking the right work culture
2.2 Being aware of compromises
2.3 Taking off your blinkers

3 Your first hundred days
3.1 Swallowing the euphoria
3.2 Staging a proper farewell
3.3 Managing expectations
3.4 Continuing in the same organization
3.5 Identifying the issues and the players
3.6 Scrutinizing the work culture
3.7 Learning and unlearning
3.8 Day 101 and after

Part II A good mindset
A good mindset is key for a great performance. Always focus on the right direction. This requires strategic thinking and the willingness to make a difference. Do not get stuck in wishful thinking, but deal with reality. It makes solving tough issues much easier.

4 From knowledge worker to strategist
4.1 A difficult transition
4.2 In the grey growth zone
4.3 Changing gears
4.4 Towards a new comfort zone
4.5 Stop doing everything yourself

5 Making a difference
5.1 Your motivation is your concern
5.2 Change: the new standard
5.3 Working non-incrementally
5.4 Leading instead of managing
5.5 Being optimistic
5.6 Leading change

6 Getting a grip on reality
6.1 Morality: a bad advisor
6.2 Avoiding impotence
6.3 Dealing with reality

Part III A good approach
It takes endless efforts to learn the right approach. Making a good work plan, taking the right decisions, setting priorities and carrying out negotiations: they all require the right approach. Get a grip on the unwritten rules. And exert your authority. Your authority is the standard for your success.

7 Making a good work plan
7.1 Knowing what you want
7.2 Aiming high
7.3 Taking risks
7.4 Making astute analyses
7.5 Drawing up your work plan
7.6 Dotting the ‘i’s.

8 Decisions, priorities and negotiations
8.1 Daring to take decisions
8.2 Important and unimportant decisions
8.3 Organizing a successful execution
8.4 Setting priorities
8.5 Smart negotiating

9 Playing the game
9.1 Playing along
9.2 The glass ceiling: an empty phrase
9.3 Maintaining your credibility
9.4 Using the unwritten rules

10 Authority replaces power
10.1 It is all about authority
10.2 Being the leader
10.3 Working with a team
10.4 Managing your boss
10.5 If things get difficult

Part IV Taking good care of yourself
Taking good care of yourself is a cornerstone for success. Make proper use of your energy and your time. Organize your visibility and learn to deal with setbacks. The better you feel, the better your work will be.

11 Energy and time
11.1 Getting rid of energy drainers
11.2 Keeping fit
11.3 Arranging top help
11.4 Cherishing your time
11.5 Planning your time

12 Visibility and success
12.1 Visibility is crucial
12.2 Tackling problems
12.3 Convincing and selling
12.4 Meetings and presentations
12.5 Gathering support

13 Setbacks
13.1 Solving setbacks
13.2 Acknowledging mistakes
13.3 Managing your limitations
13.4 Being in the wrong position
13.5 Fear of dismissal
13.6 Fighting the funnel

Part V Good leadership
Great leaders are not born overnight. Good leadership means continuous learning. That starts with the skills you need. Accept that leadership is always under scrutiny. Inclusive leadership, where collaboration is key, has the future. And that is something women are good at.

14 Learning
14.1. Being curious, humble and sensible
14.2 Your favourite way of learning
14.3 Learning from adversity
14.4 Learning from others
14.5 Creating a learning organization

15 Leadership
15.1 Leadership is a relational matter
15.2 The six leadership skills
15.3 Inclusive leadership

Part VI A good future
A good future is something you can only build yourself. Work towards anding your dream job. Make yourself known to the outside world and create a vertical network. Your reputation often precedes you: it is yours to build.

16 Landing your dream job
16.1 Careers with broken lines
16.2 Searching for your dream job
16.3 Choosing your dream job

17 Promoting yourself
17.1 Building a reputation
17.2 Creating a network
17.3 Vertical networking
17.4 Online presence
17.5 Using headhunters
17.6 Having your resume in order

18 Finally: you got this!
18.1 Keep using the 50/50 method
18.2 The world is yours

Literature
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