Tracy Spears - What Exceptional Leaders Know

In every group effort, from athletics to the battlefield to the boardroom, there is no single element more critical to success than strong and effective leadership. Identifying and explaining the broad range of qualities that comprise such a leader is no easy task. In What Exceptional Leaders Know , Wally Schmader and Tracy Spears meet this challenge by specifying, analyzing, and explaining each of the key characteristics of outstanding leadership. They use language that is clear and compelling, while providing the reader with a road map to becoming an exceptional leader him or herself.

- Mike DOrso , New York Times best-selling author, winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, and six-time Pulitzer Prize nominee

" What Exceptional Leaders Know is a must-read book for anyone in a leadership position today. Whether in a corporation, faith based organization, government or not-for-profit organization, the tools and strategies you'll take from this book will be hugely valuable in your overall success."

- Justin Sachs , Author of The Power of Persistence and eight other best-selling titles

Tracy Spears and Wally Schmader provide the reader with a blueprint for exceptional leadership. They help the reader understand what being a learning leader really means, and the crucial importance of humility. This book can transform your career.

- Jim Stovall , Best-selling author of The Ultimate Gift and many other titles

Any company wishing to improve their bottom line should make the book, What Exceptional Leaders Know , mandatory reading prior to anyone being offered a management position. The book will be a wise choice for entrepreneurs as well. This book reveals smart leadership based upon the authors many years of combined experience. Eliminate the revolving door syndrome in your business, buy the book!

- Elinor Stutz , CEO of Smooth Sale, Author of Inspired Business and other best-selling books

All leaders, whatever their career level, will find much to stimulate their thinking in this book. It will provoke thought and emotion as you uncover ways your actions,views, and choices shape your leadership. Leaders will be compelled to moveforward intentionally.

- Amanda L. Smith , MHA, CMPE, President, TenSmith LLC

No one is more focused and intense in her zeal to deliver than Tracy Spears.

- Phil Ross , author, The Ross Organization

Tracy Spears and Wally Schmader provide both emerging and established leaders with insightful leadership concepts presented in crystal clear and refreshingly simple ways. Readers will experience a number of ah ha moments that they can successfully translate into their professional, volunteer and personal lives. This book is a welcome and valuable addition to any leadership library.

- Anna B. Goldenberg , Principal, Goldenberg Consulting, LLC

"In What Exceptional Leaders Know Tracy Spears and Wally Schmader have compiled a plethora of resources and concepts for you add to your own leadership skill set. What Exceptional leaders Know will give you practical leadership coaching and help you to avoid some common leadership potholes.

- Debra Wiggs , Vice Chair MGMA, CEO Trinity Management Solutions

Tracy Spears possesses and imparts superb insights to those she interacts with a leads. She was instrumental in sharing her perspectives, along with her team development and motivational skills.

- Steve Richards , President & CEO, Mood Media

Wally Schmader has been a student of effective leadership for many years. He has packaged his best recommendations in a way that makes them easy for others to learn. These lessons are practical and get results.

- Fortune Radio

Wally Schmader has very intriguing ideas. This kind of practical advice can be very hard to find.

- Mike Mooslin , CEO, CMM Enterprises

After working with Tracy Spears, our staff is now functioning as a team with purpose and our sales have increased, even in this tough economy.

- Sallie Hughes , SR Hughes, Inc.

Wally Schmaders unique and perspective allows him to combine the best of top-tier management and leadership studies with a "from the streets" approach, to make complex leadership and management topics accessible.

- Ken Eissing , President, North America, Mood Media

What Tracy Spears delivers is not a run-of-the-mill workshop. We are a more cohesive group because of Tracy.

- Bentonville Public Schools

What Exceptional

Leaders Know

High Impact Skills, Strategies & Ideas for Leaders

Tracy Spears & Wally Schmader

Published by Motivational Press, Inc.

7777 N Wickham Rd, # 12-247

Melbourne, FL 32940

www.MotivationalPress.com

Copyright 2014 by Tracy Spears & Wally Schmader

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means: graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system without permission, in writing, from the authors, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, article, book, or academic paper. The authors and publisher of this book and the associated materials have used their best efforts in preparing this material. The authors and publisher make no representations or warranties with respect to accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the contents of this material. They disclaim any warranties expressed or implied, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The authors and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. If you have any questions or concerns, the advice of a competent professional should be sought.

Manufactured in the United States of America.

ISBN: 978-1-62865-136-2

Dedications

To Ronda, whose constant support I never take for granted. Thank you for your belief in me and your enthusiasm for this project. And to my Dad, whose definition of success influenced how I have decided to live my life.

-Wally

To Rosemary, for her support, for making me laugh every day, and for always picking me up at the airport. Thank you.

To my Parents, for a lifetime of lessons that served to push me to never be comfortable with the status quo.

-Tracy

A special thank you to all of the colleagues, mentors, coaches, thinkers, managers, trainers, good examples and bad examples who have influenced our understanding of what it means to be an exceptional leader.

-Wally & Tracy

Foreword

by Jim Stovall

No venture or organization can ever succeed and sustain success without leadership. The concept of leadership can seem elusive and mysterious because there have been so many books written, courses taught, and speeches made on the topic of how to be an effective leader. Unfortunately, many people purporting to tell you how to be a leader have never been one, nor have they studied, tested or quantified what makes a successful leader.

In my twenty-seven books, four motion pictures, hundreds of syndicated columns, and countless arena and corporate speeches, I have advised people to never take advice from those who dont have the experience or expertise to coach them. They need to find teachers and coaches who have accomplished what they hope to accomplish. Tracy Spears and Wally Schmader are these kinds of coaches. In these pages, they will present you with a blueprint for exceptional leadership. This blueprint can transform your career, but it is only as good as your willingness and motivation to apply the principles they present, and commit to becoming an exceptional leader yourself.