In an era where the foundational elements of business are being disrupted, Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership emerges as a crucial guide for leaders navigating the profound changes reshaping industries and markets worldwide.
This book, penned by a team of seasoned business and leadership strategists, offers a radical and necessary perspective on management transformation, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership in meeting the full potential of the technology age.
“Time's up on business as usual.”
The authors explain how to:
Unlock radical management transformation by leading with humanity at the forefront and addressing changing attitudes about labor, management, and organizational goals in a way that fosters growth and innovation
Adapt to the new business landscape, leveraging insights about managing distributed teams and incorporating emerging technologies like generative AI without losing the essence of your organization's talent and skills
Achieve immediate, impactful change for business and people with realistic strategies and actionable techniques backed by thousands of hours of original research and practical experience
Improve the way we live by revolutionizing the way we work—with a new human-powered leadership that honors the needs of the workforce and builds cultures of excellence within our organizations and beyond
Essential is not just a book; it's a roadmap for 21st-century leaders facing existential challenges in a rapidly evolving global market. Perfect for managers, executives, directors, founders, entrepreneurs, and any business leader aiming to steer their organization towards success in a transformed landscape, this book provides the tools and insights needed to lead with conviction and humanity.
Whether you're looking to redefine your leadership approach, adapt to the transformed market, or leave a lasting legacy, this book offers a compelling case for why now is the time for a leadership reinvention. Dive into this essential resource and begin your journey towards leading with greater impact and humanity in the business world of today and tomorrow.
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“A timely resource for giving people steady footing in an increasingly turbulent world. Drawing on rich experience and relevant data, Christie Smith and Kelly Monahan offer actionable advice for leaders to bring out the best in their teams.”
—Adam Grant, #1
New York Times bestselling author of
Hidden Potential and
Think Again, and host of the podcast WorkLife
“A must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to lead and manage effectively in an increasingly complex and disrupted workplace. This is the right time for this book—one that will challenge you to think differently, act differently, and lead differently.”
—Beth Ford, CEO, Land O’Lakes
“The world is in need of the kind of leadership Smith and Monahan outline in
Essential—courageous leadership that believes vehemently in human potential and knows the success that follows when people come before profit.”
—Alicin Williamson, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer, Yahoo!
“Smith and Monahan’s concept of the ‘emotionally mature leader’ in
Essential is one that resonates deeply. In today's increasingly atomized and automated world, we urgently need leaders who understand how to place the human individual at the center of all we do."
—Marcus Buckingham,
New York Times
bestselling author and Human Performance Researcher
“In the midst of unprecedented change, leaders are faced with more uncertainty than ever.
Essential provides actionable insights and a roadmap to reengage and empower our most vital resource: people.”
—Mike Wirth, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Chevron
“To transform an organization, you must first transform its leaders.
Essential shows the way forward for revolutionizing the way we work, through Smith and Monahan’s innovative approach to human-powered leadership.”
—Angela Ahrendts DBE, former Apple SVP and Burberry CEO.
“Essential provides a leadership roadmap that details how to harness the power of human intelligence in combination with AI to unleash true innovation and reach our fullest potential. This book provides a much-needed roadmap for unlocking and inspiring our workforces during this dynamic era - a critical tool for every leader driving business transformation as we embrace and build the future of work."
—Hayden Brown, CEO, Upwork
"Essential offers a visionary roadmap for modern leadership, blending the latest in AI technology with a deeply human approach. Christie Smith and Kelly Monahan expertly guide leaders on how to create thriving, adaptable teams in an era of constant change."
—Dorie Clark,
Wall Street Journal bestselling author of
The Long Game and executive education faculty, Columbia Business School
Meet the authors
CHRISTIE SMITH, PH.D
Dr. Christie Smith has over 35 years of experience advising the C-Suite of Fortune 500 companies.
Kelly Monahan, PH.D
Dr. Kelly Monahan is a Managing Director at Upwork, leading their future of work research program.
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