Leading Quietly: An Unorthodox Guide to Doing the Right Thing

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Most of us think of leaders as courageous risk takers, orchestrators of major events. In a word: heroes. Although such figures are inspiring, their larger-than-life accomplishments are not what makes the world work. 

Instead, it is the sum of millions of small yet consequential decisions that individuals working far from the limelight make every day. Badaracco calls these individuals "quiet leaders"-  people who choose responsible, behind-the-scenes action over public heroism to resolve tough leadership challenges. Quiet leaders don't fit the stereotype of the bold and gutsy leader, and they don't want to. What they want is to do the "right thing"- for their organizations, their coworkers, and themselves- inconspicuously and without casualties. 

Drawing from extensive research, Harvard Business School professor and author Joseph Badaracco presents eight practical yet counter-intuitive guidelines for situations in which right and wrong seem like moving targets. Compelling stories illustrate how these "non-heroes" succeed by managing their political capital, buying themselves time, bending the rules, and more. From the executive suite to the office cubicle--Leading Quietly shows how patient, everyday efforts can add up to a better company and a better world.

Joseph L. Badaracco, Jr. is a Professor at Harvard Business School, and the Chair of the M.B.A. Elective Curriculum.