LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP The 7 Fundamental Management Skills For Leaders At All Levels By Jack Stahl Publisher: Kaplan Publication Date: July 2007 Price: $22.00/hardcover ISBN: 978-0-7931-9474-2 "This book is based on years of personal experience in building and leading the right teams for achieving great results. I believe that my frameworks for leadership can bring you additional focus and enhanced management skills for developing your team and building your organization's capabilities for achieving great and lasting results." -- Jack Stahl, from LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S FOREMOST BUSINESS LEADERS SHARES HIS INSIGHTS ON BUILDING AND MANAGING A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION Jack Stahl, former President Of Coca-Cola And CEO Of Revlon, Presents Seven Frameworks For Effective Leadership In New Book Jack Stahl spent twenty-two years at Coca-Cola, five of them as president of the company's North America group. He also served as head of the global corporation. He then moved to Revlon where he served as CEO for nearly five years. With his strong background in finance - he was Coke's youngest CFO at age thirty-six - combined with his deep understanding of brands and his hands-on, accessible management style, Stahl has become one of America's top business leaders. In his new book LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP: The 7 Fundamental Management Skills For Leaders At All Levels (Kaplan, July 2007), Stahl simplifies the complexities of running a business by sharing seven frameworks that cover many of the situations that leaders confront in building world-class organizations. Stahl's advice is based on his own experiences in the corporate world, as well as the lessons he learned directly from many exceptional leaders such as the late Coca-Cola Company CEO Roberto Goizueta. "These mentors were masters at managing situationally as well as strategically and their real-world lessons, many of which I share in these frameworks, expanded upon my training in economics and finance." In addition to examples from Coca-Cola, Stahl draws upon his experiences at Revlon, leading its executive team. "Leading effectively and building capabilities is not complicated, but it is very hard work," writes Stahl. "It requires creating and communicating a clear picture of your organization's destination and plan, developing a capable team of skilled people, and executing successfully. It also requires that you develop and capitalize on your own skills and leverage the strengths you bring as a result of your background, experiences, and personality." The frameworks presented in LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP cover the following areas: Leadership and management - This framework provides important techniques for developing strong leadership at all levels of an organization. Stahl explains how to develop a compelling destination and strategy for an organization, and how to communicate and execute a plan for getting there. Creating a high-capability organization - Stahl presents a blueprint for developing organizational capability which he defines as an organization's ability to work together to effectively market its brands, manage its relationships with customers, execute its financial strategies, and perform other functions critical to success. Organizational capability is the backbone of any business. Without it, no company can survive. Developing people - Stahl explains that this framework is his favorite, because building teams of exceptional, motivated people who can achieve great results has been the most enjoyable part of his career. Stahl presents his strategies for hiring and supporting strong performers, and for creating growth and learning opportunities. He urges leaders to capitalize on every opportunity to develop people. "It's well worth the tremendous time and energy it takes," he says. Brand positioning with consumers - Stahl discusses brand positioning and related marketing actions that make a product or service a recognized brand - distinct and different from other brands that delivers real benefits to the consumer. Using examples from both Coca-Cola and Revlon, he shows what leaders need to do to implement effective branding and marketing programs. Customer relationship management - "Even with strong leadership and brands, your organization will not maximize its value unless you work to develop unbreakable bonds with your customers," writes Stahl. In this framework, he explains how to develop and implement successful customer relationship programs, using specific examples from Coca-Cola and Revlon as well as other companies. Financial strategy and management - This framework is all about maximizing long-term value. Stahl explains how to determine the value of a business, and urges leaders and financial people to focus on long-term free cash flow as a key driver of value. He packs this framework with solid financial advice including strategies for communicating with investors, methods for determining financial policies, and ideas for building effective control and information reporting systems. Separate appendices contain additional financial guidelines. Influencing people - Stahl calls this framework the linchpin for all the others, "because success in any leadership role depends on your ability to effectively influence people to take actions to achieve success." Stahl uses his own experiences to illustrate his points. His approach includes taking the time to gain an understanding of one's audience - identifying their beliefs, goals, and motivations, and determining any assumptions they may already have in order to develop a communication plan to effectively move your organization towards success. LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP is a thoughtful exploration of the role of the leader in any company, no matter what its size or what it does. Jack Stahl has clearly identified the frameworks that are relevant to managing key functions within an organization. But more importantly, the book is infused with Stahl's enthusiasm for business success and the joy he takes from helping individuals and organizations achieve greatness. # # # About the Author Jack Stahl began his career at Arthur Andersen. In 1979, he joined The Coca-Cola Company, eventually becoming at age thirty-six, the company's chief financial officer. Then, after successfully leading the company's businesses in North America and Latin America, he served as president of The Coca-Cola Company, before leaving in 2001. Stahl became president and CEO of Revlon in 2002 and led the company through a five-year period during which its market share, profitability, and balance sheet were strengthened. He left Revlon in 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the United Negro College Fund and sits on the Board of Governors of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Stahl received a bachelor's degree in economics from Emory University and a master's degree from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
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