Leaders and aspiring leaders looking to be successful in their company or organization must accept the role that politics plays in the daily happenings of the workplace. Great leadership includes the ability to not only be competent, educated, and well-versed in the tenets of the role, but also be perceived by others as competent in most all aspects of the mission with which he has been charged. At times, using perception appropriately will provide a sense of security that is needed for the leader to navigate political situations accurately and efficiently. This only truly occurs if one uses perceptive tools and techniques to ensure that one is viewed in a positive light even though they may not be the most qualified in a specific area of his role. It is impossible for one individual to be great at all things; however, an individual can be perceived that way. This books is an excellent resource for aspiring leaders looking for promotion in the workplace.
Richard D. Tomko PhD, has been in leadership roles in non-profit, government, and private business organizations for the past 21 years. His expertise and research lies in the areas of leadership, management, policy, and business administration. Since 2003, he has successfully opened and managed several firms to assist clients with confidential strategic consulting, marketing, and the professional development of managers and leaders.
Foreword Preface Acknowledgement Why Read this Book? Chapter 1: Politics 101 Chapter 2: Perception in Workplace Politics Chapter 3: Why Do We Cut Our Grass? Chapter 4: Perception Defined Across Careers and Industries Chapter 5: Polioptics Chapter 6: Using Perception to Navigate Workplace Politics Chapter 7: Becoming Aware as a Leader Chapter 8: Modeling Your Skill Set Chapter 9: Pride in Performance Chapter 10: Competitive Persuasion for Leaders Chapter 11: Diction in Leadership Chapter 12: Every Day is an Interview Chapter 13: Perception and Planning (Short-term and Long-term Goal Setting) Chapter 14: Words of Power and Promise to be (or not to be) Perceived As Chapter 15: Learning from the Leadership of Others: Change Leadership vs. Change Management Chapter 16: Culture, Perception, and the Workplace Chapter 17: Competency Chapter 18: The Gold Standard Rule: Question Before Comment Chapter 19: Using Perception to Navigate Workplace Politics Chapter 20: Perception is Key
Leadership is vital today, perhaps more so than ever before. An essential component to sustain successful organizations is strong and collective leadership. Rich Tomko's book Perception is Key: How Leaders Today Can Navigate Workplace Politics provides a plethora of suggestions to help those practicing leadership to identify specific actions and attitudes that will enhance their ability to read, acknowledge, and influence others. As a student in my MBA class on leadership, Rich demonstrated strong ability to connect ideas and frameworks to practical applications. Connecting theory and practice is an important value for leadership development. Readers of this book will find similar value to their own development. -- Rick Milter, PhD, professor, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
