Adored

About the Author

Tom DeCotiis is the co-founder and CEO of CorVirtus. With over thirty years of experience, he has worked with various start-up, fast-growth, and turnaround companies, as well as not-for-profits. DeCotiis focuses on emphasizing values, execution, and excellence in industries as the foundation of growth. His experience as a teacher, entrepreneur, and CEO provides a rich background for his insights into leadership.

DeCotiis's extensive career has allowed him to gain valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership and organizational behavior. His approach to leadership is deeply rooted in his personal values and commitment to making a positive impact. Through his work, he has helped numerous organizations achieve their goals by fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. DeCotiis's practical experience and academic background make him a credible and inspiring voice in the field of leadership development.

Main Idea

In "Adored: The Leader Your Team Needs You to Be", Tom DeCotiis explains how leaders can transcend from being merely effective to being adored by their teams. By leveraging personal values and focusing on habits of excellence, leaders can make a significant positive impact on their organizations and colleagues. DeCotiis provides practical advice and personal anecdotes to illustrate how leaders can become truly adored by combining achievement with human goodness.

The central premise of the book is that being a successful leader goes beyond achieving business goals; it involves earning the genuine respect and admiration of your team. DeCotiis argues that adored leaders are those who integrate their personal values into their leadership style, creating an environment where both the organization and its members can thrive. He emphasizes that leadership is not just about what you do, but also about how you do it – with integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Elephant’s Dilemma
2. Get Out of the Bubble
3. You Are Capable of Creating Change
4. Tugging the Chain
5. Stepping Out of Stagnation
6. Identify Your Impact
7. Imagine Change
8. Diversity of Thought
9. An Ecosystem of Kindness
10. Permission to Break Free
11. Create An Inspired Legacy
12. Make Your Mark on the World
13. A Sense of Urgency

Introduction: The Elephant’s Dilemma

DeCotiis begins by discussing the concept of the "elephant’s dilemma," where individuals, like elephants tethered to a post, feel stuck in their roles. He emphasizes the importance of movement and taking bold steps forward to achieve a fulfilling career.

"The antidote to being stuck in a career rut is to move. Moving. Leaping forward." - Tom DeCotiis

The elephant’s dilemma is a powerful metaphor for the psychological chains that hold people back from reaching their full potential. DeCotiis uses this metaphor to illustrate how many leaders feel confined by their circumstances, unable to break free and pursue more meaningful work. He argues that the key to overcoming this dilemma is to embrace change and take proactive steps towards personal and professional growth.

DeCotiis also explores the reasons why people remain stuck in their roles, such as fear of failure, comfort with the status quo, and lack of confidence. He encourages readers to confront these fears and take calculated risks to achieve their goals. By doing so, they can break free from the constraints that hold them back and create a more fulfilling and impactful career.

Get Out of the Bubble

DeCotiis discusses how modern environments create bubbles that limit connection and innovation. He highlights the need to engage with the wider world to drive significant change.

"The same old work doesn’t engage your mind. You get used to all the conformity, all the sameness." - Tom DeCotiis

In this chapter, DeCotiis delves into the concept of "bubbles"—social and professional environments that insulate individuals from broader perspectives and innovative thinking. He describes how these bubbles, whether in suburban neighborhoods or corporate offices, create a sense of security but also stifle creativity and meaningful connections. DeCotiis encourages readers to actively seek out diverse experiences and viewpoints, which can lead to more innovative and impactful work.

He also explores the societal implications of living in bubbles, noting that they contribute to a culture of complacency and division. By isolating ourselves from differing opinions and experiences, we miss out on opportunities for growth and collaboration. DeCotiis urges readers to step outside their comfort zones, engage with their communities, and seek out new challenges that push them to think differently and innovate.

• Engage with diverse perspectives to foster innovation.
• Challenge societal complacency by seeking bold changes.
• Interact with your community for new insights.
• Explore new professional networks.
• Attend conferences and workshops outside your usual industry to gain fresh ideas.
• Participate in volunteer work to connect with different segments of society.

You Are Capable of Creating Change

DeCotiis encourages readers to think beyond their immediate circumstances and consider their broader impact. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and taking risks to create meaningful change.

"Wherever you’re at, break free from there. Shake off the chains of life as you know it." - Tom DeCotiis

This chapter focuses on the potential each individual has to drive significant change, both in their personal lives and within their organizations. DeCotiis shares stories of well-known innovators and change-makers who have defied conventional wisdom and taken bold steps to achieve their visions. He emphasizes that meaningful change often requires taking risks and embracing uncertainty.

DeCotiis also discusses the importance of a growth mindset, which involves seeing challenges as opportunities for learning and development. He encourages readers to adopt this mindset and to believe in their ability to make a difference. By doing so, they can overcome the fear and inertia that often prevent them from pursuing their goals.