Hacking Leadership: The 11 Gaps Every Business Needs to Close and the Secrets to Closing Them Quickly

By Mike Myatt

Over the years I have had the privilege to get to know some of the smartest leadership minds on the planet. And occasionally, because of these relationships, I get to read their newest work before it gets published. Such is the case with Mike Myatt and his new book (releasing today) Hacking Leadership. I read an advanced uncorrected proof of this book, and for at least three reasons, I am glad I did.

1. I’m honored Mike gave me that chance.
2. I have had the chance to apply the lessons earlier than others.
3. (and most importantly), because of that fact, I get to share this recommendation with you on the day the book comes out.

Hacking Leadership has a clever and contemporary title – and the subtitle offers a big promise. While the promise of the subtitle is delivered by the book, the book is far from a light, clever read.

This is a book that will challenge you to consider your current practices. It will push you to think differently and it will make you a bit uncomfortable with your answers to some of the questions posed.

I believe that was Mike’s intent – to help us truly become more effective leaders.

The book is wrapped around this idea of getting better, or closing gaps in eleven specific areas, defined by Mike as:

• The Leadership Gap
• The Purpose Gap
• The Future Gap
• The Mediocrity Gap
• The Culture Gap
• The Talent Gap
• The Knowledge Gap
• The Innovation Gap
• The Expectation Gap
• The Complexity Gap
• The Failure Gap

Chances are you are already intrigued by one or more of these, and if so, reading that chapter alone would be worth the investment in the book. In fact, while I know you will gain value from the full book, I would encourage you to start with two chapters – the ones you are most drawn to – and the ones you think you need the least. Read and begin to apply those two chapters and then move on from there.

While the book isn’t long, I didn’t find it a fast read – rather it is an opportunity to seriously consider your current skills as a leader and build a plan for improving in each of areas discussed.

This is an important book on leadership and one that you can be among the first to read, if you buy your copy today.