12 Lessons to Change from Bad to Badass Leadership
Michelle Reines delivers a well-written winner
I had the pleasure of discussing writing, communications, and consulting with Michelle Reines at a recent international conference. Michelle develops the up-and-coming generation of leaders with an unconventional brand that fuels passion and builds cohesive teams. By her own admission, it has not always been that way. Michelle has migrated from being a bad leader to a badass leader.
Her book is a worthy read. It is straightforward, easy to understand and transferrable to any business. There are three things I like most about the book.
Personal Stories
Michelle lays it on the line beginning in Chapter 1. She was extremely successful early in her career with getting things done. She stunk at the people side. She got fired. Those “bull riding” days were hard on her and everyone around her. She learned.
Her personal stories and lessons learned appear in every chapter of the book. She is refreshingly candid given that she is now a successful business leader, keynote speaker, and consultant. Michelle delivers her personal stories in an honest and open style. Michelle is a good storyteller.
#Hashtags
Michelle told me that the literary use of hashtags in the book is questionable. She liked the idea, so she stuck with it. Michelle is right — the hashtags do come across a little goofy, at least in the beginning. They grow on you. In the end, the hashtags are one of the literary constructions that make the book memorable.
What are the #hashtags? The hashtags are used like bolding or italicizing keywords. The hashtags are compiled at the end of each chapter. The hashtags are used instead of a Lessons Learned or Summary section. Michelle writes that she hopes the #hashtags will be fun and create a different experience. She is right.
Favorite Chapters
Each lesson has its own chapter. Lesson 1 is ‘Don’t Be An Ass’ and addresses the most poignant part of Michelle’s story upfront. It is a great, brutal story. The chapter sets the hook for the rest of the book.
Lesson 4 is about putting your people first. “So why is important to prioritize our people? At the end of the day, your people are the ones who are following through with processes, procedures, and guidelines. They’re executing and getting results.” Michelle says that it was essential for her to reexamine her priorities after her bull ride days. “Focus on communicating with and treating them the way they like to be treated. In other words, lead people the way they like to be led.”
‘Be An Epic Coach!’ is Lesson 5. “When I think of the EPIC coaches,” writes Michelle. “… they knew exactly how to connect, what to say, when to say it, and most importantly, how to say it.” In my world, that is communicating with FINESSE.
Lesson 7 is about creating the struggle. In other words, stretch the team and take some risks with the people. Failures are inevitable if you are developing people and teams. Badass leaders embrace the struggle.
Thinking About It
You will find “From a Bad to Badass Leadership” to be a relevant and worthwhile read. Michelle Reines has produced a well-written book with some unique literary style in the #hashatgs and numerous personal stories. From a person who specializes in Communicating to Decision Makers, she delivers a meaningful contribution to what it means to be a leader.
Visit https://www.jdsolomoninc.com for more on business strategies, communication, and leadership.
