One Piece of Paper

About the Author

Mike Figliuolo, a distinguished leader and founder of thoughtLEADERS, LLC, is a seasoned professional in leadership development. His journey began at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he cultivated a deep understanding of leadership principles. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army, Figliuolo transitioned to the corporate world, holding significant roles at McKinsey & Company, Capital One, and Scotts Miracle-Gro. His extensive experience in both military and corporate settings has equipped him with a unique perspective on leadership, making him a sought-after expert in the field. He is the author of "One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership," a book that distills complex leadership ideas into a practical and accessible format.

Main Idea

"One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership" by Mike Figliuolo offers a practical and accessible method for defining and articulating one's personal leadership philosophy. The central premise of the book is that every leader can and should have a clear set of guiding principles or maxims that can be encapsulated on a single piece of paper. These maxims are derived from deep introspection and cover four key areas: leading yourself, leading the thinking, leading your people, and leading a balanced life. By crystallizing these beliefs into succinct statements, leaders can consistently align their actions with their values, thus enhancing their effectiveness and authenticity.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Leadership Maxims
2. Leading Yourself
3. Leading the Thinking
4. Leading Your People
5. Leading a Balanced Life
6. Making It Real

Introduction to Leadership Maxims

The book begins by introducing the concept of leadership maxims, which are simple, personal statements that encapsulate a leader's beliefs and guiding principles. Figliuolo argues that many leaders struggle to convey their leadership philosophy because it often lacks clarity and coherence. By distilling their philosophy into a series of maxims, leaders can communicate their values and expectations more effectively. These maxims are not corporate buzzwords or clichés; they are deeply personal and resonate emotionally with the leader. For example, a maxim might be as straightforward as "Lead with integrity," but it carries profound personal meaning and guides behavior consistently.

Leading Yourself

In the first section, "Leading Yourself," Figliuolo emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal accountability in leadership. He posits that a leader cannot effectively lead others without first understanding and leading themselves. This involves introspection and the articulation of personal values, motivations, and goals. Figliuolo suggests that leaders ask themselves critical questions to uncover their core beliefs, such as "Why do I get out of bed every day?" and "What do I want my epitaph to say?" These questions are designed to provoke deep reflection and help leaders define their personal maxims.

Learning to Lead Yourself

Figliuolo argues that self-leadership is foundational to all other forms of leadership. He introduces the concept of personal maxims, which are short, memorable statements that capture the essence of one's personal leadership philosophy. These maxims should be clear and simple, free of jargon, and deeply personal. They serve as daily reminders of what is important and guide leaders in their decision-making and behavior. For instance, a leader's maxim might be "Pursue excellence relentlessly," which reflects a commitment to high standards in all aspects of life.