Typical leadership development focuses on a single direction: downstream in the organizational hierarchy. Leadership that is mission critical requires that you lead well in all directions: up, across, down, and inward. Mission-Critical Leadership is the book for you if you have ever: Felt stuck in your job - Been frustrated with your boss - Experienced a lack of cooperation from peers at your same leadership level - Wondered why the team you supervise fails to perform to your expectations This guide will show you how to build influence and relationships that deliver impactful results. With these strategies your organization will have more engaged employees, better talent retention, and a plan for developing the next generation of leaders. When the stakes are high, smart leaders focus on what’s mission critical to cut through the clutter, clear away distractions, and ensure their teams are devoted to what’s truly essential. "Learn to build a culture that produces exceptional leaders across all levels in your organization. Mission-Critical Leadership is your guidebook to make that kind of culture a reality." - Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and only two-time #1 Leadership Thinker in the world. "Jon Lokhorst is spot-on. You can be a great boss for your team but neglect the importance of building relationships with stakeholders in all directions. This book will help you actively engage the S Curve of Learning to become a great leader and lead at the top of your game."- Whitney Johnson, one of Thinkers50 top business thinkers in the world and the award-winning author of Build an A-Team "In the realm of leadership development, you seldom find a resource as valuable as Jon Lokhorst's Mission-Critical Leadership . This methodical approach allows leaders of all stripes to quickly find practical insights that can be immediately employed in a wide range of organizations and circumstances." - Maya Hu-Chan, Founder of Global Leadership Associates and Best-Selling Author of Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust "Here is your compass for mission-critical leadership! Jon has created a superb, comprehensive guide to resource leaders at all levels. His detailed research, practical stories, and years of experience shine through this entire book." - Dave Stachowiak, founder and host, the Coaching for Leaders Podcast and Academy "I have been teaching and coaching leaders for nearly 40 years. I consistently find that no matter how well they learn to lead their direct reports, they are often derailed because they neglect managing up and sideways. Mission-Critical Leadership gives substance to 360 perspective and development. The tips and examples will help you start implementing new ways of connecting and influencing today." - Dr. Marcia Reynolds, internationally recognized leadership coach and author of The Discomfort Zone: How Leaders Turn Difficult Conversations into Breakthroughs " Mission-Critical Leadership is the book for our times. Jon Lokhorst dives into the complexity and challenges facing business today and shares his practical, actionable roadmap for leadership success. Filled with real-world examples, contemporary research, straightforward how-tos, and insightful challenges, this book offers what leaders need to help their organizations, employees, and themselves reach their mission outcomes." - Julie Winkle Giulioni, Co-Author, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Want "Jon shared the Mission-Critical Leadership framework with our team during a significant time of growth for our organization. Many of our managers and supervisors had little or no formal leadership training at that point. Jon inspired a fresh understanding among our entire leadership team about what it takes to be an effective leader, not just a good boss. I highly recommend this book for all leaders who want to maximize their impact on the people they serve." - Steve Gray, Founder and CEO, Family Innovations Inc. "Jon Lokhorst creates a whole new meaning to the phrase "all-around great leader." Today's leaders must be multi-directional and omni channel, providing influence that is visionary, clear and smart. His riveting stories, profound wisdom, and pragmatic takeaways make Mission-Critical Leadership a must-read for leaders committed to the success of their organizations." - Chip R. Bell, author of Inside Your Customer's Imagination "Effective leadership in the 20th century was about DOING. That is no longer enough. We have learned that effective leadership in the 21stcentury is about BEING, specifically BEING someone that others want to follow. Unfortunately, recent events have left leaders feeling pressured to resort back to a focus on DOING and outcomes. Mission-Critical Leadership is a timely reminder that if leaders want to effectively navigate their increasingly complex environments, they must elevate their BEING. Let Jon Lokhors