VisuaLeadership

About the Author

Todd Cherches is the CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball LLC, a management and leadership consulting firm based in New York City. Cherches is an adjunct professor of leadership at NYU and a lecturer on leadership at Columbia University. He is also a TEDx speaker and was one of eight global finalists for the Thinkers50 “Distinguished Achievement Award” in Leadership in 2021. His expertise lies in leveraging visual thinking and visual communication to enhance leadership effectiveness.

Main Idea

VisuaLeadership by Todd Cherches emphasizes the power of visual thinking and visual communication in leadership. By utilizing visual tools and techniques, leaders can improve attention, comprehension, and retention among their teams, ultimately enhancing performance, productivity, and potential. The book provides a comprehensive guide on how to incorporate visual elements into leadership practices to become more effective and inspiring leaders.

Table of Contents

1. What is VisuaLeadership?
2. Leading with Visual Models
3. Leading with Visual Metaphors
4. Leading with Visual Stories
5. Leading with Visuals: What Now, What Next
6. Ten Tough Questions Every Self-Aware Leader Needs to Answer

What is VisuaLeadership?

VisuaLeadership exists at the intersection of visuals and leadership. It involves applying visual thinking and visual communication tools to manage and lead effectively. Cherches sums up this concept with a formula: VL = (VT + VC) x (M + L), where Visual Thinking (VT) and Visual Communication (VC) are multiplied by Management (M) and Leadership (L).

"Visual thinking and visual communication have the power to communicate, to innovate, to manage, and to lead." - Todd Cherches

Cherches explains that visual thinking helps leaders conceptualize and communicate ideas more clearly. By using visual imagery, mental models, metaphors, and visual storytelling, leaders can make complex information more understandable and memorable.

Leading with Visual Models

Visual models are frameworks that help leaders simplify and clarify complex information. These models aid in decision-making, problem-solving, and gaining consensus. Cherches presents several models, including the ABC Decision-Making Tool and the Passion/Skill Matrix, to illustrate how visual models can enhance leadership effectiveness.