Leadership Isn't For Cowards: How to Drive Performance by Challenging People and Confronting Problems

Acknowledgments

Years ago I wrote the keynote “Leadership Isn’t for Cowards.” Thousands of people have heard it in various versions. To all of you, thank you for unknowingly helping me create this book. Your participation in those keynotes helped me form my thoughts and solidify what I believe it means to live and lead with courage.

My deepest thanks to my coaching clients who prove every day that leading courageously really is the best way to lead. In particular I am thankful to the members of StaverConnect. Your leadership and willingness to share openly and honestly with each other is an outstanding example of courageous leadership.

To the team at The Staver Group, Bobbie Stanton, Mary Anne Rybak, Sondra Ulin, and Maxx McInerney, thank you for keeping our customers happy, things running smoothly, and me sane. I am grateful for your unique and important contributions to the lives of the leaders we serve.

Deborah Schindlar, Peter Knox, Tiffany Colon, and everyone at John Wiley & Sons, thank you for all you have done to make this project successful. You have each been supportive and smart, and that is a great combination! A special thanks to Dan Ambrosio, editor at Wiley, from our initial conversation right through the entire project you have had a perfect blend of enthusiasm and guidance. Thank you for this opportunity.

Amy Claire, not only are you an amazing artist of the English language but you are also the perfect blend of insight, critique, and support. Your understanding ...