Creative Execution: What Great Leaders Do to Unleash Bold Thinking and Innovation

FROM THE FOREWORD

"The leaders [profiled] in this book are willing--even eager--to break rules. Battles are not won by generals who fight 'by the book, ' and success in business or war usually depends on identifying new strategies. That, in its turn, requires the leader to persuade his people to do unfamiliar things so the leader must communicate and gain the trust of large numbers of people. ... Whether you're the newly-appointed CEO of a company wondering how to chart a course for the future, or steering a public-sector agency in an era of austerity and high anxiety, this book will help you set in motion the critical leadership decisions that will make you successful. There is a Creative Execution leader inside all of us, and there is an unbounded supply of opportunities and challenges around the world that will require all of us to apply these leadership qualities." -- Richard Boggis-Rolfe, Chairman, Odgers Berndtson

"Bravo! Eric Beaudan has got it right! With a brilliant grasp of history and the lessons of great leaders, past and present, he takes us through a virtual master class in the Creative Execution of strategy. This book takes us from theory to action with many compelling examples at warp speed. In my years at the helm of Thomas Cook, I worked with many colleagues to make our strategies work in several hemispheres by engaging our key stakeholders. We embraced most of the principles that Beaudan espouses and, by the way, there is a great story of Creative Execution in Thomas Cook Americas. A great read and source book."-- John Donaldson, former Chief Executive, Thomas Cook UK

"What do a luxury hotel chain, a world class auto manufacturer, a successful Internet company and the U.S. Coast Guard all have in common? Each has had a leader who embodies the qualities and characteristics defined by Beaudan as essential to someone with 'creative execution.' From Alexander the Great to Issy Sharp, founder of Four Seasons Hotels, these men and women have redefined what it takes to lead an army, whether on the battlefield or the board room. Read Creative Execution to unlock your own leadership potential."-- Marshall Goldsmith is the author of the New York Times bestsellers MOJO and What Got You Here Won't Get You There.