Donald J. Palmisano - On Leadership: Essential Principles for Business, Political, and Personal Success

MORE PRAISE FOR
ON LEADERSHIP

Donald Palmisano has built himself into not only a successful surgeon and businessman, but a strong leader as well.

Bobby Jindal
Louisiana Governor

Louisiana Governor Leaders must have courage and integrity. Dr. Palmisano has expertly written all that needs to be said about the subject of leadership and each home should have a copy.

Leonard Bud Lomell
D-Day Ranger and recipient of the Silver Star

D-Day Ranger and recipient of the Silver Star Dr. Palmisano has provided a compelling analysis of the road to STERLING leadership and how it can be attained. His advice and guidance, along with words of encouragement for perseverance, provide the reader with a sensible understanding of the many contributing factors which certify the acquisition of real leadership.

Edward Annis, MD,
AMA President, 196364

Donald Palmisano's dissection of the components and attributes of leadership identifies some of the most critical and often overlooked elements, namely the essential role that personal courage and persistence play in outstanding leaders. His use of real life examples transforms what would otherwise be dry abstract thoughts into tangible, reality-based lessons.

Jim Bagian, MD, P.E.,
Director, National Center for Patient Safety and
Chief Patient Safety Officer for Veterans Health
Administration, U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs

Donald Palmisano has awed and inspired audiences for years. On Leadership transforms into written word his unequalled power to inspire and motivate. A must read for any aspiring leader!

Patti Herlihy,
AMA Alliance President, 200203

I am enthused to learn Dr. Palmisano's thoughts about leadership based on his substantial experiences and Leadership roles in the two fields of medicine and law. He has recognized not only the role of leaders but also the collateral position as follower, a responsibility leaders do not often see for themselves. His use of specific experiences to make clear the attributes of leaders and leadership are valuable and clarifying contributions to his thoughts.

Robert D. Sparks, MD,
President and Chief Programming Officer, W. K.
Kellogg Foundation (Retired)

I couldn't put this book down. Its true stories exemplifying leadership are compelling and engrossing. They clearly and logically lead to lessons that painlessly can boost your leadership skills. Whether you are in the catbird seat or you'd like to be, you'll benefit from reading Donald Palmisano's seminal lessons about leadership.

Dr. Gwynn Akin Bowers,
Vice President, Syntex Corporation (Retired)

Whether you're looking to improve a management style or inspire others, this book is an invaluable tool.

Bill Frist
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader

A magnificent outpouring of the truths learned by the careful observations of a questioning mind.

Ronald J. French, MD,
Reigned as Rex, King of New Orleans Mardi Gras, in 2007

Nobody I know is as committed to excellence as Donald Palmisano. He symbolizes everything that is good about our country. If Horatio Alger were alive today, he'd want to be just like Dr. Palmisano, one of the true Renaissance men I've had the privilege and pleasure of knowing! On Leadership continues in his tradition of excellence.

Paul Galanti
Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired), former POW

ON LEADERSHIP

ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES
FOR BUSINESS, POLITICAL,
AND PERSONAL SUCCESS

Donald J. Palmisano

Foreword by
Bobby Jindal,
Governor of Louisiana

Copyright 2008, 2011 by Donald J. Palmisano
Foreword copyright 2008, 2011 by Bobby Jindal

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61608-231-4

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Palmisano, Donald J.

On leadership : essential principles for business, political, and personal success / by Donald Palmisano.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-61608-231-4 (pb : alk. paper)

1. Leadership. 2. SuccessPsychological aspects. I. Title.

BF637.L4P35 2008

158.4dc22 2010049498

Printed in China

This book is dedicated to my grandchildren, youngest to the oldest: Nicolas, Pablo, Diego, Alexis, Marco, Ryan, and Brittany. They are a constant source of joy for their Nana and me. My hope is that this book will serve as a North Star for leadership in their generation. As the grandchildren review this text in the years ahead, my efforts will be doubly rewarded if they reflect fondly on their practice speech sessions with Paw Paw as they delivered their version of Do your homework, have courage, and don't give up! Words mean something; actions have consequences! I thank them for all of the love and wonderful memories.

DJP 2008

As we know all too well in my home state of Louisiana, strong leadership, or a lack thereof, can affect the lives of thousands. The world watched in horror following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, as leadership at seemingly every level broke down and failed the people of the Gulf Coast.

At a time when leadership was needed most, so many failed to step up to the cause. We heard every excuse in the book as to why help did not arrive in a timely manner, or as to why food, water, and other supplies could not get to those who needed it most. It is at times like these when a leader must step up, risk the consequences, and push forward without excuses. Indeed, in contrast with the bureaucracy, many churches, businesses, Coast Guard and National Guard members, sheriff's deputies, volunteers, and many others did not worry about permission or credit, and instead did what had to be done to save lives.

However, leadership often manifests itself on a smaller scale, but with consequences just as important. Be it someone with the courage to stand up in the face of oppression, or with the heart and compassion to help those less fortunate, leaders play a vital role in our everyday lives.

Too often however, those with the capability to lead lose sight of what is important, be it for wealth, fame, or any other number of things. As Dr. Donald Palmisano notes in this very book, there is a significant difference between achieving success and being a leader. In fact, many times leaders must sacrifice their own personal goals and dreams in order to help those around them.

I have known Donald for quite a few years now, and feel confident in saying that he exemplifies many qualities befitting a leader. Learning lessons from his father, a New Orleans police officer, he has built himself into not only a successful surgeon and businessman, but a strong leader as well.

You will read a quote from me later in this book about what it means to be a leader, as well as the thoughts of many other accomplished professionals. I can only hope that you take some of these thoughts and ideas to heart, and become a leader in your own right.