The Unleadable Have Grown More Unleadable: Why a 2nd Edition of Leading the Unleadable
Readers of the first edition of Leading the Unleadable loved how it helped them navigate the toughest relationships—those with people who resist change, challenge authority, or simply refuse to play by the rules.
Since I wrote the first edition, the world has changed.
Things are more complex, more distributed, and disrupted by emerging technologies—all of which make the workplace more emotionally charged than ever.
And here’s the twist: We actually need more mavericks, cynics, divas, and others often labeled “unleadable.”
We need their talents and skills more than ever.
These are the people who don’t just respond to change—they make change happen.
But often, the drive these people have to change things can also lead them to behaviors that negatively impact others. Even when their intent is good, they cause disruption; they break things that should not have been broken.
Leaders are facing more challenges than ever:
- Hyper-resistance to feedback (some call it oppositional defiance)
- Quiet quitting
- Losing their “radar for trouble” as they lead remote teams
- Burnout backlash
- Political tensions
- Values collisions across generations and cultures
- Volunteer groups that dissolve when faced with an “unleadable” team member
This second edition isn’t just a refresh—it’s a response. This edition brings new tools, new stories, and sharper strategies for today’s challenges.
A Promise: I worked to ensure we kept the heart of the first edition while updating it with new learning and new chapters.
When people heard I was writing a second edition, many reached out. One message captured the spirit of what so many asked for:
“Please ensure the next edition retains the feeling that I and many others experienced while reading it. We felt seen and heard in our struggles. We appreciated the loving-kindness that was called for by leaders and those they are leading. As you wrote, most people—even those who make us the angriest—are trying to do the right thing. You provided guidance on how to create a culture where people help each other overcome the problems of leading the unleadable—and of being the unleadable. Please maintain that feeling of hopefulness, where we know we can grow and nurture our humanity while working to accomplish our important missions in the world.”
My reviewers and I believe I made good on that promise.
Whether you’re a first-time reader or someone returning for new insights, I hope you find valuable ideas that support and enhance your leadership journey.
My reviewers and I believe I made good on that promise.
Whether you’re a first-time reader or someone returning for new insights, I hope you find valuable ideas that support and enhance your leadership journey.
Free resources that augment this book are available at www.exceptionaldifference.com/unleadable (Note: we keep adding new content – so watch that space!)
📚 The second edition of Leading the Unleadable is available now!
➡️ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers
Next Steps
At Exceptional Difference, we help engineers, leaders, and executives become the best versions of themselves. Leadership Growth Cycle (LGC) is one of our key offerings – it is an elite offering for leaders seeking to grow both the breadth and depth of their leadership toolkit. Years before joining Exceptional Difference, I was in the inaugural cohort of LGC and always felt it was the best leadership training I ever received. We also offer mentoring for individuals and teams looking to learn and grow from industry experts through a variety of circumstances.
Contact us at info@exceptionaldifference.com or visit www.exceptionaldifference.com to learn more about these offerings and how we can help your team.
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