Building the Best

About the Author

John Eades is a renowned author, podcast host, and sought-after speaker known for his expertise in leadership development. As the CEO of LearnLoft, a leadership development company, Eades has made significant contributions to enhancing the way professionals lead in the modern workplace. His work includes numerous blogs, podcasts, and videos that have garnered over 7 million views. In recognition of his contributions, he received a Readership Award from TrainingIndustry.com. Eades is the author of "Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success," a book that encapsulates his extensive knowledge and practical insights into effective leadership.

Main Idea

"Building the Best" by John Eades presents a transformative approach to leadership, emphasizing the balance of "love and discipline" to elevate others to success. The book outlines eight proven principles that guide leaders in fostering a positive and productive organizational culture. Eades argues that great leadership is not about achieving a destination but embarking on a continuous journey of growth and development. The core message revolves around the idea that true leadership is about inspiring, empowering, and serving others to bring out their best over an extended period.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Shift in Leadership
• Part I: Change Your Heart
• Part II: Start With the Fundamentals
• Part III: Balance People and Performance
• Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Leadership

Introduction: The Shift in Leadership

Eades begins by discussing the seismic changes in organizational culture and the evolving requirements of leadership in the 21st century. He emphasizes that traditional leadership styles, often characterized by authoritative control, are no longer effective in today's diverse and dynamic work environments. Instead, modern leadership demands a balance between empathy and accountability, a concept Eades encapsulates in the dual principles of "love and discipline."

"Leadership is inspiring, empowering, and serving in order to elevate others over an extended period of time." — John Eades

This definition sets the stage for the book's exploration of what it means to be a leader who not only achieves success but also elevates others. Eades highlights the negative impact of bad leadership, citing studies that show poor leadership can cost organizations significantly in terms of financial losses and employee well-being. For instance, a study by the American Institute of Stress found that managers and executives with high stress levels are 52% more likely to die earlier than their counterparts, underscoring the critical importance of effective leadership.