The Secret Language of Leadership

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.

Preface: My Leadership Journey vii Part One: What Is Transformational Leadership? 1 Introduction: Ten Mistakes Transformational Leaders Make 3 1 The Secret Language of Leadership 21 Part Two: The Language of Leadership: Key Enablers 51 2 Articulating a Clear, Inspiring Goal 53 3 The Leader’s Own Story: Committing to the Goal 65 4 Mastering the Audience’s Story 80 5 Cultivating Narrative Intelligence 92 6 Telling Truthful Stories 116 7 Leadership Presence: The Body Language of Leadership 132 Part Three: The Language of Leadership: Key Steps 147 8 Getting People’s Attention 149 9 Stimulating Desire 166 10 Reinforcing with Reasons 187 11 Continuing the Conversation 199 12 Epilogue 211 Appendix 1: Presentation to the Change Management Committee of the World Bank: April 1996 221 Appendix 2: Templates and Exercises 229 Appendix 3: What’s Your Narrative Intelligence? 235 Notes 245 Acknowledgments 265 About the Author 267 Index 269