The Secret Language of Leadership - (Jossey-Bass Leadership) by Stephen Denning (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The book introduces the concept of narrative intelligence--an ability to understand and act and react agilely in the quicksilver world of interacting narratives. It shows why this is key to the central task of leadership, what its dimensions are, and how you can measure it. The book's lucid explanations, vivid examples and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parents--anyone who is setting out to the change the world.

From the Back Cover

"There is something very special about The Secret Language of Leadership. A lot of authors write about storytelling and other methods of leadership communication. What sets Steve Denning apart is his authenticity. He is one of the rare few who write about it from intensely personal experience. This book offers a genuinely refreshing perspective and an uncommon insight into the narrative life of leadership."

--Jim Kouzes, coauthor of the best-selling The Leadership Challenge and A Leader's Legacy

"The Secret Language of Leadership has been instrumental in helping me overcome the challenges of rapid growth and intense competition. It's all about the story."

--Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix Inc.

How do leaders connect and engage with their audiences? In this sequel to The Leader's Guide to Storytelling, business narrative expert Steve Denning explains why traditional approaches to leadership communication don't work and reveals the hidden patterns that effective leaders use to spark change. The book shows how anyone can inspire enduring enthusiasm for a cause, even in skeptical, cynical, or even hostile audiences.

The book introduces the concept of narrative intelligence--an ability to understand and act and react agilely in the quicksilver world of interacting narratives. It shows why this ability is key to the central task of leadership, what its dimensions are, and how you can measure it.

The book's lucid explanations, vivid examples, and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parents--anyone who is setting out to the change the world.

Review Quotes

Named one of the "Best Business Books of the Year" (2007) by Financial Times "Leaders don't just execute strategy, they must inspire others to follow...This book explains how." (Financial Times, December 8, 2007)

"Denning cohesively links the importance of narrative intelligence and telling stories to leadership success." (Library Journal, December 2007)

"...if there's one person who knows more than anyone else about the power of business narrative it's...Steve Denning." (MyCustomer.com, Friday 7th December 2007)

"This book's lucid explanations, vivid examples and practical tips are essential reading..." (PublicNet.co.uk, Tuesday 4th December 2007)

"...an array of glowing testimonials from truly famous people. Definitely one for those interested in transformational change." (Strategic Communication Management, December 2007)

"...an educational and informative book that can be effortlessly read from cover to cover." (Inside Knowledge, September 2007)

About the Author

The Author

Stephen Denning is senior fellow at the James MacGregor Burns Leadership Academy at the University of Maryland and the author of The Leader's Guide to Storytelling and Squirrel Inc. from Jossey-Bass. He is former program director, knowledge management, at the World Bank. In 2003 he was named as one of the world's Top Two Hundred Business Gurus. His articles have appeared in leading business publications such as Harvard Business Review and Strategy & Leadership.