Care to Dare, by George Kohlrieser
Emma De Vita reviews the new book by George Kohlrieser
Unleashing Astonishing Potential Through Secure Base Leadership is the subtitle of this book by the former hostage negotiator George Kohlrieser, who now teaches at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland.
The book has been praised by Daniel Goleman, the man who popularised the concept of emotional intelligence: he appreciates its argument for "the business case for kindness as the platform that allows leaders to challenge their followers". But what does this actually mean?
The idea is that, as a leader, you should be providing your team mates with a sense of protection and safety. As a secure base leader, you will spur people to take risks and seek challenges in order to outperform your rivals. It's a bit like rock climbing: you're the expert providing reassurance so that your colleagues can brave the heights and push themselves to their limits.
As a secure base leader, you should demonstrate nine characteristics. These include staying calm, seeing an individual's potential and encouraging risk-taking.
One word of caution: don't push your colleagues into arrogance. You don't want a 127 Hours situation on your hands, do you?
Emma De Vita is books editor of Management Today
