How Not to be a Leadership D*ckhead

As its title suggests, this is a no-nonsense book that gets straight to the point of addressing the toxic behaviours that some leaders exhibit and providing practical advice on how to avoid them.

Author Steve Sallis is a former footballer at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, which ended & led to an education career. He was short-listed for the National Teacher of the Year Award in 2008 & a Vice-Principal for 10 years in four Inner-London Schools. Today, he is a speaker and author who also works with professional footballers and golfers as well as in education & business industry. This includes High performance support for elite athletes, business leaders, headteachers and CEOs.

Sallis defines a "leadership d*ckhead" as someone who may possess authority and technical expertise but lacks emotional intelligence, humility, and the ability to foster positive, collaborative relationships. These leaders often rely on power and control, creating an environment of fear, disengagement, and frustration within their teams. The book highlights the key traits that define such leaders - arrogance, lack of empathy, poor communication, and failure to listen - while also offering actionable strategies for self-improvement.

One of the central themes in the book is the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. Sallis emphasizes that leaders who lack self-awareness or the ability to manage their emotions often contribute to a toxic work culture. He provides practical tools for leaders to develop greater self-awareness, practice active listening, and create open lines of communication. These skills not only help prevent the negative consequences of poor leadership but also promote a more engaged and motivated team.

Sallis also tackles the issue of accountability. He encourages leaders to take ownership of their mistakes and be transparent with their teams. By demonstrating vulnerability and learning from their failures, leaders can foster a culture of trust and mutual respect. The book further discusses the need for leaders to strike a balance between being authoritative and being approachable, highlighting that effective leadership requires a mix of decisiveness, empathy, and integrity.

How Not To Be A Leadership D*ckhead combines humour, personal anecdotes, and evidence-based leadership principles to make points that are clear and relatable. It also serves as a wake-up call for leaders who may be unaware of their negative impact on those they lead. Ultimately, the book is a call to action for leaders to focus not just on their business outcomes but on how they treat the people they lead.