There have been seismic changes to work over the last four decades. It's now more Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA). And most of us are still engaging with our work in old ways. The VUCA world has crept up on most of us. As a result, many are suffering from time poverty, distraction, and weariness, all leading to a sense of hopelessness. It is becoming overwhelming.
This book sets out a new emergent way of working which helps us all not merely to just get by, but to prosper and grow. We don't need to work faster, bigger, cheaper. We can simply choose to change the way we engage with our work
The book is divided into two major parts:
A. The Physics of Self-Leadership. This covers margins, space, time and energy, the major dimensions with which knowledge workers manage their lives. This is the visible area where we can realise "quick wins" of productivity.
B. The Soul of Self-Leadership, covering one's Identity, Presence, Destiny, and handling Relationships. These aspects of the Soul, if shaped well, provide a more sustained free life leadership.
"Rarely do I read a book that combines the substance and practical application in a way that this book does."
David Elverson, author of Engaging Leadership Cultures.
Industry Reviews
Sometimes I read a book and I'm impressed by the substance and the knowledge of the author. Many times I read a book and I find it refreshingly practical, but perhaps lacking in rigour. Rarely do I read a book that combines the substance and practical application in a way that this book does. It draws on solid themes found in cornerstone publications such as Sharmer's Theory U and Csikszentmihalyi's Flow. However, it makes it practical, normal and accessible for everyone. I found this book incredibly useful personally and have implemented many strategies as a result of reading it for this review. I can't recommend it highly enough to you. - David Elverson
If you feel that your daily challenge resembles eating an elephant then this book is for you! With holistic explanations and empowering tools and techniques this is for everyone who wants to drive their personal projects and productivity, irrespective of job role, seniority or experience. With Leading Yourself it's possible to overcome the tyranny of busyness and turn from victim to victor.""If you feel that your daily challenge resembles eating an elephant then this book is for you! With holistic explanations and empowering tools and techniques this is for everyone who wants to drive their personal projects and productivity, irrespective of job role, seniority or experience. With Leading Yourself it's possible to overcome the tyranny of busyness and turn from victim to victor. - Adrian Boorman
In the complex world of self- management too many solutions work by offering help and advice on external actions only with scant regard for the primary internal issues of self- awareness and motivation. Patrick's book brilliantly avoids this error, rather he delves deeply and yet clearly into the individuals personal makeup of identity, emotional intelligence and relationships to examine the real determinates of our work performance. He successfully holds up a mirror to anyone willing to look below the surface and really master their internal mechanisms. Full of great insights there are also a multitude of practical applications in each chapter. This is not only a powerful how to book but a route map for personal transformation. I recommend it highly. - David Webster
I seem to be at the point in my life now when I have the increasing urge to ensure that I achieve all that I am able to and want to - the need to leave a legacy. That calls for self-leadership, the subject that Patrick addresses throughout this excellent book. There is so much in this work that I could comment on - the relationship between space, time and energy; the need to address clutter in our lives; and the encouragement to re-engage with classic tools such as pen and paper, and to-do lists. It's that type of book, full of ideas, concepts, ideas and tips, all of which address ways in which we can better lead ourselves.
I like this book a lot, and I believe that it is incredibly helpful. I think you will like it too, and I am pretty sure that you will also find it very, very helpful. - John Edmonds
In the workplace we have a tendency to use our time ineffectually. Patrick has addressed this issue and reduced the risk of ineffectual and inefficient work, in a way that helps us to spend more time doing the work that delivers. He offers a number of techniques, with their validation, as to how to address the issues we face in everyday life.
There have been many versions of books like this. This one though, is the first one that I have read and immediately thought it could help reduce the likelihood of these common problems rearing their ugly head. It is the first time I have actually tried some of the suggested techniques (of which there are many) virtually immediately and to good effect. Lists are a very powerful tool and Patrick's way of utilising them is but one small element that really delivers. Thank you, Patrick for the time you have given back to me!
