I recently had the opportunity to interview Richard T. Levene, founder of Dignity Leadership Consulting and Master’s of Science holder in Leadership & Change from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. Rich has spent over 25 years studying how people work together and is passionate about leadership development and improvement.
During our author interview, Rich emphasized the importance of putting people first when it comes to leading effectively and discussed his core skills which include change management, team building, and operational improvement. He shared how he helps individuals, teams, and organizations build their cultures by developing core leadership skills as well as offered some practical advice for those looking to become better leaders themselves.
It was an inspiring interview that provided valuable insight on his new book You Are Doing it Wrong!
We asked Richard to tell us about You Are Doing it Wrong!
The main idea of You Are Doing it Wrong! is that leadership can be learned, but it must be practiced. I encourage leaders to put trust in their employees because they can do great things if given the right tools and encouragement. I emphasize that if leaders focus on these traits both inside themselves and with their work teams and clients, they will be able to help their businesses grow and maximize their potential.
What is the PRIMARY benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book?
If you’re looking for a book that will help you understand the differences between managing and leading, then this is the book for you. It contains real-world examples and anecdotes from my career, so you’ll be able to relate to my experiences as well as learn from them.
You’ll learn about how to effectively lead, not manage, your team, what makes a good leader and the steps they took to get there, and how to build strong relationships with other people.
If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?
I am a fan of the For Dummies book series for its simplicity. This book would be along those lines. Straight to the point, easy to comprehend, and enjoyable to read. I recommend it for managers who have recently been promoted as well as anyone looking for a refresher course on how to better lead their team.
Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book?
This book will give you answers. Answers about why most organizations are managed, not led. Through real-world examples and specific, actionable guidance, it provides a terrific blueprint for anyone aspiring to be an effective leader in business or any kind of organization.
Who is your target audience?
My book is for managers who are struggling to lead and are willing to learn. Those that are looking to better themselves and those around them. I have been in your shoes; I understand where you are coming from.
I have learned a lot about leadership over the years, some of it was from the school of hard knocks, but most of it was by observing others and studying the behavioral science aspect to leadership. I want to share with you what I have learned and how you can apply that knowledge in your career.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?
I used both my upbringing and environmental conditions as factors to set the tone for my book. I think it’s very clear that the environment we grow up in has a huge impact on the way we see the world and how we behave. The same holds true for leadership.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work.
First, I published a book–that’s a new feat for me. Then, I received feedback from readers who were able to put my writing into practice and make their careers better. An older, retired gentleman told me that if he’d known half of what I’d written when he was a production manager in his career, he would have been more successful.
How would you describe your writing style?
I like to keep my writing as simple and straightforward as possible. I don’t like to use flowery language or jargon, and I never write in circles—I always just tell you what’s going on and why it matters, with as little fluff as possible.
What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it?
I believe that being a leader is more than just having a title and being in charge; it’s about being able to inspire others. I want to inspire others to do their best, but also to be the best versions of themselves.
That’s why I’m passionate about what I do. Every day, I get up and think about how I can help people reach their full potential. And if they don’t know how? Then it’s my job to show them!
The reason why I am who I am today is because of the people who have come before me—people who inspired me and taught me what it means to be a good leader.
