I’ve purchased hundreds of books from Amazon over the years. But I never really thought one with my name would end up in its search engine. Last week that changed.
I haven’t spoken much about this book project in this space. Maybe I wasn’t sure it would actually happen. Maybe I thought those nights and weekends would be in vain. Maybe I thought that the dream would die. After all, I’ve been down that road before.
But teaming up with Dr. Larry Little and Melissa Hambrick-Jackson of the Eagle Center for Leadership, we’ve put together a book that I think has a chance to move the needle on human relationships. “Make a Difference — Growth in Leadership” is a chance to “expand your influence and to impact your world.”
Yes, it’s a leadership book — and there are hundreds if not thousands out there. But this one is based on the collective research from hundreds of leaders who have been coached and trained by the Eagle Center. It’s a book of reflection — their insights, their victories, and their lessons on how to lead. It’s a book of collective leadership that is both honest and inspiring at the same time.
It wasn’t always easy. Finding themes and relevancy. After all, leadership is about experience and opinion. And everyone seems to have a different approach. But after a while, the research showed some interesting similarities. So that made it easy.
But now I’m faced with a big question hanging: Will it resonate?
I’ve spent my lifetime writing essays — I’m at my best with about 900 words to develop a problem,
- Growth in Leadership
propose a solution, and then drive home a thought-provoking twist.
A book of 40,000 words is quite different. To be honest it was daunting. I kept wanting to close the package, to tighten the knot, to end the story. But there was so much more to say.
It was funny reading the book months after I had put it to bed. I was a reader instead of a writer. And to be honest, I liked it. I was afraid I wouldn’t, that my secret flaws would ooze through the pages. But it’s something I can stand behind. And I think you’ll like it. You don’t have to be a leader to appreciate it. In fact, its more about influence than leadership. And we all have some degree of influence in the world around us.
So…if you are inclined, please pick up a copy and say a few words about it at your blog, on Facebook or Twitter. It’s $3.99 at the Kindle store. You can see all the purchasing options there — hardcover and soft cover. We’re not great promoters, so any help you can provide would be appreciated. If you are willing to review the book, I can get you a copy at no charge. Contact me here.
Thank you for sharing in this personal day of joy.
(And i just realized that by entering my name in Amazon’s search engine, the best you’ll get is Rupert Grinch. Sigh.)
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