Become the best: bringing your best self to work

What does it mean in practice to be a values–based leader?When faced with real situations, how can you be your best self andcreate best teams while also being a best partner withcustomers and vendors, a best investment for your stakeholders, anda best citizen making a difference in the world? It′s a tall order,but these are the expectations for world–class organizationstoday.

In his bestselling book From Values to Action, HarryKraemer showed how self–reflection, balance, true self–confidence,and genuine humility are the traits of today′s most effectiveleaders. In Becoming the Best, his highly anticipatedfollow–up, Kraemer reveals how, in practical terms, anyone canapply these principles to become a values–based leader and to helpcreate values–based organizations.

Drawing on his own experiences as the former CEO and chairman ofBaxter International, as well as those of other notable leaders andorganizations, Kraemer lays out a pathway for understanding theprinciples and putting them into practice, showing specifically,how to:

• Use self–reflection to become your "best self" as you leadyourself and others more effectively
• Create a "best team" that understands and appreciates whatthey′re doing, and why
• Forge "best partnerships" through win/win collaboration withvendors and customers that enhance the end user′s experienceSupport the mission, vision, and values of the organization togenerate returns that distinguish a "best investment"
• Make a difference in the world beyond the organization bybecoming a "best citizen"

Powerful case studies from Campbell′s Soup, Ernst & Young,Target, Northern Trust, and many others demonstrate the fourprinciples of values–based leadership in action and show howthinking beyond the corporation can trigger positive outcomes forboth the company and the world.

Regardless of level or job title, individuals can make adifference in their organization and beyond by embodying theessential traits of a great leader. Becoming the Best offersa definitive, actionable guide to show anyone how to apply inpractice the principles of values–based leadership personally andprofessionally, making it an indispensable manual for the new waveof better leaders.