A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self . . . So You Can Master Your World

Worth

A Time to Lead

Mastering Your Self… So You Can Master Your World

Craig Dowden, PhD

Bestselling Author of Do Good To Lead Well with Alan Mulally and Sarah McArthur

Praise for A Time to Lead

The hardest part of leading others is often managing yourself. This is a rare leadership book that combines science and practice to show how you can regulate your emotions, handle hard conversations, and build resilience.

—ADAM GRANT, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife

"Leadership demands self-insight and self-mastery, yet building those skills is challenging. Enter Craig Dowden. In A Time to Lead, Dowden captures the science of leadership and translates that into practical—and transformative—lessons."

—DANIEL H. PINK, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, When, and Drive

"The world is calling out for this book: A Time to Lead. We are in an Era of Accelerated Impermanence driven by technology. That means that organizations and their people will have to adapt at the speed of technological change and that will require a new way of leading and a new way of working. This book has rightly focused on Mastery of Self as the new leadership mantra. I highly recommend it. A Time to Lead is the pathway to effective humanistic leadership in the Digital Age."

—ED HESS, Bestselling author of Hyper-Learning and Humility Is the New Smart and Professor Emeritus of Business Administration, Batten Executive-in-Residence Emeritus, Darden Business School, University of Virginia

"Craig Dowden has followed up on his outstanding book, Do Good to Lead Well, with another insight-packed book aimed at helping anyone improve their leadership capabilities. In addition to providing evidence-informed principles, Craig has partnered with Alan Mulally—probably the best living CEO on the planet—to provide practical guidance and personal experiences. This spectacular team has produced a book that you won’t want to put down."

—KIM CAMERON, author of Positively Energizing Leadership and Practicing Positive Leadership, and William Russell Kelly Professor Emeritus of Management & Organizations, Ross School of Business, and Professor Emeritus of Higher Education, School of Education, University of Michigan

"Great leadership begins with great self-leadership. A Time to Lead powerfully and effectively conveys this message from the opening pages. With a compelling foundation of leading-edge science combined with insightful and actionable practices, this book equips leaders with the why, the how, and the what of leadership excellence."

—LIZ RODBELL, Group President at Steve Madden, Chair of Board of Governors at Parsons School of Design

"The world needs better leaders now more than ever! If you are looking to be one of those game-changing leaders, you need a coach. In this book, you get two! Craig Dowden and Alan Mulally will coach and guide you through a master course of leadership and life. The lessons in this amazing book will not just make you a better leader, they will make you a better person. Read it. Study it. Live it. You will have no regrets!"

—CHESTER ELTON, Bestselling author of Leading with Gratitude and Anxiety at Work

Craig Dowden’s newest book is a Masterclass in CEO training, refocusing our attention on the power of mastering our emotions and challenging our fixed mindsets for the improvement of our companies, teams, and ourselves. It’s jammed full of amassed advice from industry professionals, delightful stories, and even fun facts (such as that an average airplane has four million parts). It is exactly as billed: an evidence-informed roadmap to help you maximize and realize your potential and become the leader the world needs you to be.

—MICHAEL GARRITY, CEO Financeit

As an insightful expert on leadership and a trusted advisor to corporate executives, Craig Dowden offers invaluable advice for how leaders can navigate their organizations through our increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. Craig’s central message—that leadership begins with mastering ourselves and our environments—is particularly timely as leaders are being called on to stand at the forefront of societal change.

—GOLDY HYDER, CEO Business Council of Canada

In this inspiring and powerful book, Craig Dowden provides invaluable insight into the key qualities that leaders must master to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Using a combination of scientific research and engaging masterclasses from one of the top CEOs of all time, Craig provides an actionable roadmap for how we can maximize our leadership impact every single day.

—FRANCESCA GINO, Harvard Business School professor, author of Rebel Talent, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 most influential management thinkers by Thinkers50

Craig Dowden has crafted another must-read primer for anyone in leadership navigating today’s perilous workplace environment. Be prepared to abandon your comfort zone and be reinvigorated through self-reflection so that you’re fully prepared to tackle the complexities of employee engagement in today’s highly dynamic organizations.

—DON ROMANO, CEO Hyundai Canada

"Craig’s relentless passion for bringing out the best in leaders and the teams that they lead is present on every page of this book. Using his powerful and persuasive approach of combining compelling research with actionable practice, A Time to Lead provides an invaluable roadmap to any leader who is looking to thrive in the new world of work. I walked away inspired and empowered to be a better leader after reading this book."

—DAN TURNER, CEO Xperigo

We are living in times where, as leaders, we are having to lead through situations that were unimaginable only a short while ago. Craig provides a path of insightful and actionable approaches to help leaders improve their own potential to lead more effectively.

—GERRARD SCHMID, former CEO Diebold Nixdorf

"Craig Dowden brings his tremendous humanity combined with solid leadership science from the best-run companies to help navigate these unprecedented times. An incredible executive coach and guide, Craig challenges us with lessons on not just how to be, but also, what to do to master authentic leadership. A Time to Lead goes well beyond raising our inspiration and insight—it provides us with a detailed plan to be the best leaders we can be!"

—SUE HUTCHISON, CEO Equifax Canada

"I have had numerous opportunities to discuss leadership issues and qualities with Craig, both individually and with Craig’s CEO Mastermind colleagues, over the past few years. A Time to Lead combines the powerhouse duo of Craig with Alan Mulally, former CEO of Ford Motor Company and Boeing. Their mixing of science with extensive leadership experience powerfully outlines the fundamental qualities leaders need in order to be successful at all levels. In reading this book, I have taken many notes and have paused for reflection on how I can incorporate some exciting ideas into my leadership toolbox. A must-read."

—KEVIN FORD, CEO Calian, CEO of the Year Award Winner

"What I love most about A Time to Lead is that it showcases not only who you need to be as a leader, but what you need to do as well. Drawing on insightful Masterclasses and thought-provoking research, this remarkable book provides an evidence-based framework for mastering self-leadership. A Time to Lead must be included on the top shelf of your leadership library."

—ANDY TAYLOR, CEO Gore Mutual Insurance

The bar for great leadership has been raised! It is time we step up to the challenge, sharpen our skills, and revisit what leadership is all about—managing ourselves so we can serve our people to accomplish great things. Craig does a masterful job of articulating the fundamental building blocks of leadership excellence while weaving in the personal touch and many insights of legendary CEO Alan Mulally—what a treat! This will be required reading for my leadership team. Well done!

DREW COLLIER, CEO LGM Financial Inc.

Leadership has become exponentially harder just in the last few years, and leaders need a reliable playbook to guide them during these challenging times. Craig Dowden brings the most essential aspects of leadership to life with concrete examples and actionable takeaways, providing a valuable guide for our times.

—ADAM BRYANT, managing director The ExCo Group and bestselling author of The CEO Test: Master the Challenges That Make or Break All Leaders

"As an exceptional coach and trusted advisor to senior executives, A Time to Lead brilliantly captures Craig’s passion for the science and practice of effective self-leadership. Drawing on his extensive coaching experience, combined with a solid foundation of compelling research, this book provides inspiration and insight into the evolving landscape of leadership and equips readers with the tools they need to drive their success in the teams and organizations they lead."

—ANNE WHELAN, CEO Seafair Capital.

"In this expertly researched and thought-provoking book, Craig Dowden outlines the leadership qualities that are essential for our success, both as individuals and as organizations. Backed by evidence and enriched by insightful case examples and masterclasses, A Time to Lead is a must-read for executives who desire to be at the top of their game. This is a powerful resource you will want to refer to time and again."

—ROB PATERSON, CEO Alterna Savings

"Having spent many hours in virtual conversations with Craig and fellow CEOs during the pandemic, I have experienced firsthand Craig’s ability to translate leadership concepts into tangible actions we can take away and implement. He regularly brings together a network of highly accomplished business and academic leaders and the outcome is a masterclass in authentic leadership, which is what his new book delivers. A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self… So You Can Master Your World is an invaluable resource for CEOs and leaders looking to excel."

—KIM FURLONG, CEO Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association of Canada

Craig Dowden is an inspiring thought leader who truly understands the essence of leadership. He challenges you to ask yourself the tough questions and prompts you to reconsider your approaches and perspectives. Most importantly, he provides you with concrete and actionable insights that will positively impact your success and the organizations you lead.

—CHARLES BROWN, CEO LifeLabs

Craig’s passion for positive leadership is both thoughtful and inspiring. He challenges leaders to consider who they need to be and what they need to do to be effective. This is an essential read for any leader or executive who is searching for a powerful and clear roadmap to be at their best.

—YOUSRY BISSADA, CEO Home Capital Group

Craig continues to chart a course for personal development and growth. He provides practical insight and perspectives in order to help individuals to ‘lead self’ in an effort to be a better leader overall. This is table stakes reading for anyone in a leadership role or aspiring to do so.

—DUANE GREEN, CEO Franklin Templeton Canada

Craig Dowden shares incredibly timely insights into the reality of leadership today, as we continue to navigate an era of extraordinary uncertainty and ambiguity. In an engaging and approachable style, he thoughtfully distills the leadership qualities that we need to succeed, for the challenges of today and tomorrow. This is an absolute must-read for leaders who are passionate about unlocking their potential.

—JUDY GOLDRING, President and Head of Global Distribution AGF Management Limited

"With legendary CEO Alan Mulally providing wonderful insights throughout, Craig Dowden’s book A Time to Lead is chock-full of relatable, timely, and impactful techniques to help you master the art of leadership. A book well worth your investment in time and application."

—DAN PONTEFRACT, Leadership strategist and bestselling author of Lead. Care. Win.

"We find ourselves leading in a world that will continue to demand the best of us. As leaders, the ability to be personally prepared has never been more important. Craig’s understanding of our leadership challenge and his focus on seven areas of mastery provides strong guidance on how we can step up and respond. A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self… So You Can Master Your World helps us understand how to do just that."

—MIKE WARD, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer IKEA Canada

"A Time to Lead holds excellent advice for leaders navigating volatile times. Self-mastery is, indeed, the foundation of great leadership! Craig Dowden combines science with very practical exercises. He and Alan Mulally show how these principles can produce the results you need."

—MARILYN GIST, Bestselling author of The Extraordinary Power of Leader Humility and Professor Emeritus and former Associate Dean at the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University

"In A Time to Lead, Craig Dowden expertly builds an evidence-based business case for the key leadership qualities for today and tomorrow. This compelling book takes the science of leadership excellence and translates it into powerful practice. Craig provides a masterclass on the being and doing of high-level leadership."

—DR. GRAHAM SHER, O.C., CEO Canadian Blood Services and Order of Canada recipient (2021)

Foreword

I loved A Time to Lead!

Some management and leadership books can be justly criticized for having too much theory and almost no practical how-to application, which is needed to illustrate how a real world leader can make the theory come to life. Others can be criticized because they present a leadership success story with little of the underpinning theory, which explains why the leader was successful. In putting together A Time to Lead, Craig Dowden has successfully captured the best of both worlds. He shares a very comprehensive list of qualities that are essential for the personal development of any leader and then provides a Masterclass from an amazing leader on how the theory can be used to make a huge positive difference.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must share my history with Craig’s wonderful collaborators, Alan Mulally and Sarah McArthur—both of whom I have known well for over twenty years.

As an executive coach, I have had the privilege of working with over two hundred outstanding CEOs. My far-from-secret opinion is that Alan Mulally is the greatest corporate leader whom I have ever met. He