The Blueprint

About the Author

Douglas R. Conant is a distinguished figure in the world of leadership and business. He is the only former Fortune 500 CEO who is also a New York Times best-selling author, recognized as a Top 50 Leadership Innovator, a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, and one of the 100 Most Influential Authors in the World. Conant's impressive career includes his roles as the founder and CEO of ConantLeadership, former president and CEO of Campbell Soup Company, former president of Nabisco Foods, and former chairman of Avon Products.

Amy Federman, the co-author, is a highly experienced writer and marketer. With a passion for corporate and digital communications, business writing, and publishing, Federman brings a meticulous editorial eye and a love for reading to the collaborative process. Together, Conant and Federman have crafted The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights, a book designed to transform and elevate leadership practices.

Main Idea

The Blueprint is a powerful guide for leaders looking to revolutionize their approach to leadership. Douglas Conant shares his personal journey from being unexpectedly fired in 1984 to becoming a highly successful and influential leader. Through six practical steps, Conant teaches leaders how to build a solid foundation for leadership, enabling them to achieve significant, lasting change in their organizations and their lives. This book is a combination of a leadership manifesto and a practical manual, offering exercises and practices that fit into the busy lives of modern leaders. Conant emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and the development of a personalized leadership style that aligns with one's values and beliefs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Raw Materials of Change Are Already Within You
2. Part I: Blueprint: Get Unstuck
   • Step 1: Envision: The Power of Intention and Purpose
   • Step 2: Reflect: Dig Deep
   • Step 3: Study: Lay Your Groundwork
   • Step 4: Plan: Design Your Leadership Model
   • Step 5: Practice: Build Your Leadership Profile
   • Step 6: Improve: Reinforce Your Foundation
3. Part II: Manifesto: Maximize Your Impact
   • What Is Leadership?
   • Inspire Trust
   • Integrity
   • Humility

Introduction: The Raw Materials of Change Are Already Within You

Conant begins by assuring readers that they already possess the raw materials needed to change their leadership lives. However, the fast-paced modern world requires practical, manageable steps to harness these materials effectively. The book offers a solution: six steps that help leaders fulfill their potential while enjoying the journey. These steps provide a framework for self-reflection, enabling leaders to build a customized approach that aligns with their unique voice and style.

Part I: Blueprint: Get Unstuck

Part I of the book focuses on laying the foundation for leadership success through a six-step process.

Step 1: Envision: The Power of Intention and Purpose

The journey begins with envisioning a leadership future anchored in intention and purpose. Conant emphasizes the importance of being intentional every day, starting with answering three pivotal questions: