Contents of the Book

The thirteen passages discussed in this book are not necessarily the only ones that occur in the life of a leader, but they are the most common ones. As we said earlier, there is a chapter devoted to each passage, and most chapters include discussions of four topics: (1) diverse work experiences, (2) career and work adversity, (3) diverse life experiences, and (4) difficult life experiences. In each chapter, you’ll find stories that bring the passages to life and tips and techniques that will help you derive maximum learning from them.

The first two chapters put the book’s themes in context. We begin by defining what constitutes effective leadership today and how an individual’s attitudes and actions within the passages increase or decrease the person’s effectiveness. The next chapter emphasizes the importance of a learning mind-set as people make these journeys. We’ll discuss how some are adept at picking up nuggets of self-knowledge, whereas others are oblivious to what is going on inside of them. To be an eager and aware learner is crucial for leaders, and we’ll look at how to develop this knack for learning.

The book’s last two chapters provide perspective for individuals and organizations. For individuals, the discussion suggests the traits that help leaders become good passage-makers; for organizations, it focuses on ways they can support executives who are in the midst of a passage and increase the odds that the experience facilitates their development as leaders.

In between these opening and closing chapters, you’ll find thirteen predictable, intense passages. Yes, they can be emotionally draining and stressful. Yes, they can also be tremendously meaningful and thought provoking. This book will guide you through the highs and lows and help you emerge from them with greater leadership self-awareness and skill.