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Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘From Bud to Boss: Secrets to a Successful Transition to Remarkable Leadership’

Becoming the boss of people you have worked with for years is rarely spoken or written about. However, it’s an important subject given that this happens a lot in companies, and this book effectively deals with this issue that affects the bosses and employees who find themselves in this situation.

That said, the book is aimed at the person being promoted. The authors offer excellent advice on everything from how to manage your new job to how to deal with those you are now managing.

A key issue to consider when becoming a boss is that you now represent the company. That reminds me of the adage that people do not leave companies; they leave their managers—something I have always taken to heart.

The key to being a successful new leader is honest and open communication, especially in these times of change. A true leader leads her team through the sometimes scary journey of change. The authors offer key steps for bosses to accomplish this and to sell themselves as true leaders:

1. Sell individuals. Talking to people one at a time helps them see the vision.
2. Help people take ownership by helping them to also find their vision for their position.
3. Let people in on the process every step of the way. The unknown is always worse than the known.
4. Call it a journey. Make it an adventure.
5. Ask questions. Be genuinely interested in their ideas.
6. Sell small. Build a new status quo one small step at a time.
7. Celebrate progress. This will help build momentum.
8. Take responsibility for everything.  You are in charge of making it happen.

As the book points out, as a leader, you are the one who must make things happen. More importantly, you are the one who must bring the rest of your team along. In short, you must explain changes and show them how the changes will affect them and the entire organization for the better.

This is not only an important book for new leaders who are going from bud to boss, but also a good book for all leaders.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.

Title: From Bud to Boss: Secrets to a Successful Transition to Remarkable Leadership
Authors: Kevin Eikenberry and Guy Harris
Publisher: Copyright 2011, Jossey-Bass
Pages: 320
Price: $29