Changing Altitude

About the Author

Dennis O’Neil has decades of applied leadership and teaching experience. As an executive coach with leadershipForward, a professor of strategic leadership, and a trusted advisor to CEOs, public and non-profit boards, senior government and military officials, and multinational organizations, O’Neil brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Greg Hiebert is the co-founder of leadershipForward and a bestselling author of You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have. He has served as a leader and mentor for organizations like the United States Military Academy, the United States Army, McKinsey & Company, and the Yale School of Management.

Main Idea

Changing Altitude: How to Soar in Your New Leadership Role by Dennis O’Neil and Greg Hiebert is a guide for new leaders to navigate the complexities of their roles. It provides strategies focused on three key elements: yourself, your people, and your environment. These elements are crucial for achieving deeper growth, understanding, and success in leadership positions.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. You: Know Thyself
3. Your People: Form and Live Collective Values
4. Your Environment: Understanding and Adapting
5. Conclusion

You: Know Thyself

The journey to effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is fundamental to personal growth and leadership success. O’Neil and Hiebert emphasize the importance of knowing yourself deeply to build a strong leadership foundation.

The Seven Critical Characteristics of Leadership

• Inspiring Engagement
• Advocating for Experience
• Planning and Implementing
• Driving for Results
• Leading Change and Innovation
• Influencing Others
• Practicing Teamwork and Collaboration

Leaders must evaluate themselves against these characteristics, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Self-assessment is a continuous process that helps leaders remain effective and adaptable.

The Importance of Feedback

Feedback is a critical tool for increasing self-awareness. The 360-Assessment tool, for example, can highlight areas for growth and provide a deeper understanding of consistent strengths. Engaging in feedback mechanisms like after-action reports and working with coaches can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness.

Flying at Optimal Altitude

Self-care is vital for maintaining performance at high altitudes of leadership. O’Neil and Hiebert recommend incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing practices into daily routines. These practices help leaders stay focused, energized, and aligned.

"When these are addressed, you find yourself feeling more aligned, focused, connected, and energized." – Dennis O’Neil & Greg Hiebert

Your People: Form and Live Collective Values

Effective leadership extends beyond personal attributes to encompass how leaders engage with their teams. Building collective values and fostering positive communication are essential for a cohesive and motivated team.

Forming Collective Values