Book Review - Connected Leadership by Andy Lopata
READ: 5 mins
AUTHOR: Robert Craven reviews Andy Lopata
Andy is the man to listen to when talking about what we used to call networking: meeting and connecting with people. I have known is for at least a decade!
He knows his subject well and has written before in Recommended: How to Sell Through Networking and Referrals and the brilliantly named And Death Came Third: The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public. He is popular on the speaking circuit as he has an assured and practical manner.
In this new book, professional relationships expert Andy explores just how important strong relationships are and how to build a network of people who are:
In a position to support you
Want to support you
Know exactly what support you need
The chapter headings alone are worth the price of the book! Andy has clearly thought through what people need to consider when they try to enhance the quality of their relationships. You could take any chapter heading yourself and reflect on how to get 10% better. Fortunately, Andy does that for you.
Why Great Leaders Rely on Strong Professional Relationships
Building Professional Relationships
Managing Your Profile and Personal Brand
The Importance of Influence
How to Protect Your Reputation
Making the Room Work for You – Being Strategic Around Events and Conferences
How Social Should You Be?
Nurturing Professional Relationships
Leveraging Professional Relationships – Winning Referrals
Loneliness in Leadership – The Importance of a Support Network
All Hands on Deck – How to Delegate the Relationship Role and Build A Relationship Culture
Afterword: Professional Relationships and Covid-19.
The Professional Relationships Wheel.
The chapter list not only explains the content of the book but also demonstrates Andy’s systematic and thorough approach to the subject.
His style is calm and encouraging. He doesn’t ask you to do anything ridiculous and he doesn’t make outrageous claims. His is the voice of a coach encouraging and nurturing you to achieve the results you know you are capable of. His book offers an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary approach to improving your professional relationships.
