Management Self-Help for the Motivated

Self-help is in the spotlight. Today’s Wall Street Journal features an article about the damage self-help can do. Clearly the kinds of extreme activities mentioned can be harmful.

Coincidentally, during my television interview in Atlanta today, the interviewer asked me about the self-help movement for leaders. He described some managers as “needy,” and questioned what executives did before all the “management self-help” books were available.

In my experience, the leaders who seek ideas, insights and information aren’t needy. They’re motivated. They’re committed to their own personal growth and leadership development. They link their personal leadership effectiveness to the success of the business.

Executives and leaders don’t need to turn to radical interventions. Simply reviewing and applying leadership fundamentals is a good start.