Are leaders born, or made? And what’s the single most important quality a real leader should possess? Philosophers and management theorists have endlessly debated-and just as endlessly written about-these subjects for centuries. Finally, here’s a book that cuts to the chase. In 68 of the most succinct, no-punches-pulled pages you’ll ever read, acclaimed author-speaker-coach John Baldoni maintains that “leadership presence” is a form of communication that can be learned, and then provides the hows and the whys of learning it. He starts by defining what genuine leadership presence is, and discusses right and wrong ways to demonstrate leadership taken from real-life examples. Baldoni explains how to communicate your objectives in ways that encourage people to buy into the process-even if it includes tough subjects like layoffs, closures, and terminations. Along the way he adds some provocative comments on the importance of ethical actions in tough times as well as good-including why merely thinking good thoughts and voicing good intentions are never enough.

Leaders today need to be mindful of their circumstances as well as mindful of their own strengths and shortcomings. They need to have the disposition to succeed as well as the inner resourcefulness to persevere. Leaders must be willing to do things differently but also draw on tried and true traits, such as courage and gumption.
Moxie is a concept that the modern leader is wise to adopt-one part courage, one part can-do spirit, and one part recognition. In Moxie: The Secret to Bold and Gutsy Leadership, author John Baldoni uses concrete, tried-and-true steps to bring out the inner leader in everyone. For management and employees alike, Moxie provides a roadmap to inspire innovation and effective leadership. Whether you’re already at the helm of your organization or still looking for a way up the ladder, Moxie is the leadership tool you can’t do without. Built on the MOXIE framework, leaders learn how Motivation, Opportunity, an “X” factor, Innovation, and Engagement work together for success.