Russell Newman - The New CEO in You!

This book is dedicated to my family

my loving wife, business partner and supporter Linda Smith,

my beloved children, partners and grandchildren

as well as to my life-long friend and mentor John Batros, who has guided and encouraged my development in so many ways.

* * * * *

To Bob Jolly and Frank and Annie Tait at MGS, with thanks for your unwavering support throughout Duets 20 years!

And to my many clients with whom I have developed enduring friendships

thank you!

First published in 2013 by Russell Newman.

Russell Newman 2013
The moral rights of the author have been asserted

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review), no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the author.

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry:

Text design by Michael Hanrahan (www.mhps.com.au)
Cover design by Peter Reardon (www.pipelinedesign.com.au)
Cartoons by Michael Leunig. Used with permission.

Disclaimer
The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice where appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.

Contents

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Russell Newmans coaching and consulting are based on some 25 years experience across private and public sectors, in general management, marketing, human resources and organizational development management roles embracing health, IT, finance, manufacturing, consulting and sporting industries. He worked initially in public hospitals in finance, HR and general management functions, and then transitioned to the private sector, into Westpac, DMR Group and McDonnell Douglas Information Systems.

Having post-graduate qualifications in Organizational Behaviour, he began Duet Consulting Pty Ltd in 1993 as a strategic organizational improvement, coaching, change facilitation and strategic human resources management practice. Russells subsequent OD studies, research and years of post-graduate tutoring reflect a career-long interest in understanding, mastering and conveying the principles and practises of how to optimize performance at individual, team and organizational levels. His interventions build engagement with staff, management and key stakeholders towards organizational effectiveness, profitability and sustainability.

Foreword

I am delighted by the opportunity to write the Foreword to this eminently useful book.

When I was Director of the Australian Institute of Sport, I appointed Russell Newman as the external Culture Change Consultant over a number of years to work together with me and my AIS team (along with the Australian Sports Commission) as we reinvented our organization and set a clear path for the future delivery of our services and expertise.

It all came down to leadership, and the time for me was marked by personal growth and a developing confidence in my ability as a leader exploring new leadership dimensions and processes to meet the burgeoning demands on the AIS working with Russell and a wonderfully committed new senior management team who got right behind me with these changes.

Now as I read Russells more expansive explanations of his style of coaching, guidance and support throughout the culture change process, keynotes for me were the importance of authenticity, engagement with my staff, and constant, consistent messaging of our intent.

Importantly, he opened my eyes to some of the barriers to success such as the Forces of Darkness which became easier to recognize, and the management of these became easier. I was always impressed by the power of clarity of direction and empowerment of staff that I was able to unlock by embracing many of the insights that you are about to read.

Russell Newman clearly demonstrates his experience and thoughtful approach to his craft. He reads widely, he analyzes and synthesizes ideas and approaches to practice, and presents an evidence-based frame of reference for the CEO who wants to develop his or her leadership in the face of contemporary challenges. His methodology is robust and in my view entirely valid.

Beyond that, I found Russells friendly but often provocative delivery of ideas and questions aroused in me and many of my senior team self-reflection and our recognition of the potential for improvement. As always these processes are a never-ending journey the rewards of which keep coming if one sticks to the task.

I commend this book as a readable, practical and long-term resource for the CEO who wants to take on the voyage of personal development as a leader.

You will see a return on your investment!

(Professor) Peter Fricker OAM

Former Director, Australian Institute of Sport

Canberra