Becoming the Boss

About the Author

Lindsey Pollak is a keynote speaker, corporate consultant, and internationally recognized expert on millennial workplace issues. She is an official ambassador for LinkedIn and the author of "Getting from College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World." Forbes selected her career advice blog as one of the Top 100 Websites for Your Career. Pollak's book "Becoming the Boss: New Rules for the Next Generation of Leaders" offers a fresh and relevant approach to career success, especially for Millennials stepping into leadership roles.

Main Idea

The main idea of "Becoming the Boss" is that the leadership landscape is undergoing a revolution as Millennials step into leadership positions. Pollak reinvents the concept of management for this new generation, providing actionable tips and insights to help young professionals become effective leaders. The book emphasizes the importance of developing a personal leadership style, building a strong personal brand, and mastering the classic rules of excellence that never go out of style.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Learn
• Lead
• Manage
• Prioritize

Introduction

Pollak introduces the concept that enormous demographic, economic, and technological shifts are taking place in business, government, law, media, health care, and the nonprofit sector. These shifts are fundamentally changing the world in which leaders operate. The leadership advice of the past is not enough to prepare for today's complex realities. Pollak stresses that new leaders need to build skills in communicating with and managing people of different generations, leading within economic constraints, and leveraging technology.

"You will lead through a demographic, economic, and technological revolution. It is a moment that will require a new generation of leaders who are as dynamic and revolutionary as the times we are experiencing." – Lindsey Pollak

Learn

Pollak emphasizes that effective leadership begins with self-leadership. Building knowledge, mindset, and attitude are essential before leading others. She provides five key ways to become a leader on the inside:

• Don't fear the fear: Career fear is natural. The key is to keep moving forward despite the fear.
• Fill the tanks: Be a sponge for ideas from various fields to foster creativity.
• Three steps to fill the gaps: Assess current skills, take immediate action to improve, and practice daily.
• Make new friends: Create a support network of people who understand your leadership goals.
• Develop global competence: Engage with people from other countries and cultures.

"Leaders don't wait for someone to guide them to where they need to be; they take a deep breath, roll up their sleeves, and pursue the necessary action." – Lindsey Pollak

Don't Fear the Fear

Pollak reassures readers that fear is a natural part of the career journey, especially when stepping into leadership roles. The trick is to keep moving forward despite the fear. She encourages aspiring leaders to decide that they want success more than they are afraid of failure.

"Career fear is totally natural. The trick is to keep moving forward despite the fear." – Lindsey Pollak

• Admitting to feeling nervous about a new role but taking it on anyway.
• Preparing thoroughly to mitigate the fear of the unknown.

Fill the Tanks

Pollak advises leaders to be sponges, absorbing ideas from various fields to foster creativity and innovation. She highlights the importance of continuous learning and broadening one's perspective.