First, I hope you, your family, and friends are safe during this exceptionally challenging time. That said, I hope you’re celebrating and enjoying this Memorial Day weekend with family and …find a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
I may have mentioned my passion for the concept of leading ‘from the middle’ in the past and the book I’m writing. Now it’s actually happening - Unauthorized Progress – Leading ‘from the Middle’ is launching today (Tuesday, May 26th)! UP is for proactive people aspiring to initiate or influence positive change to make meaningful impacts, from wherever they are. It contains stories of ordinary people leading ‘from the middle’ to achieve extraordinary results, and the strategies they used to succeed. Admiral Thad Allen, 23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard, wrote the inspiring foreword.
My vision is to get this book’s concepts to proactive people today so they can immediately apply proven strategies to increase their effectiveness. We’re significantly discounting the eBook – today only (Tuesday, May 26th) - from $8.99 to $0.99. Also purchasers can receive the UP Toolkit for free, which contains summaries of key book components: a flowchart for leading change from the middle, criteria used to evaluate initiatives, 12 implementation strategies, and much more! The paperback version should be available in 2-3 weeks.
My hope is to encourage, inspire, and create a community of positive change agents. If you (or someone you know) would like to develop your skills to lead more effectively from wherever you are, I highly recommend this book - and maybe letting others know, including today’s one-time special price. Also, it’s a great gift idea for grads, Dads (Fathers Day), and military members/veterans and first responders in light of Memorial Day this week.
You can order the book on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088FYQSGL/ I hope you enjoy the inspiring stories and learn some valuable and effective strategies that may enhance your personal, professional and organizational success. Thanks!
Best regards, Geoff
Oh, by the way….a few people who got a sneak peek are raving about the book.
“… no one has a corner on the market of good ideas. The superior leader encourages idea generation from the troops actually doing the work and rewards those who identify a better way to accomplish the mission.”
- James Loy, Admiral, former Coast Guard Commandant, TSA Administrator, and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
“Unauthorized Progress provides a template for action for those seeking to achieve success and make a difference at any level. Geoff Abbott is an outstanding role model and mentor! His sage guidance will empower you to lead at any level. His methodical process will help you recognize opportunities to take charge even when you are not! He quantifies a ‘never give up’ strategy that gives you the strength to continue regardless of the obstacles. This is a must-read book for anyone, especially those who aren’t privileged to have a mentor but who truly desire to break out of the ordinary and become a transformational leader.”
- Donna Barbisch, Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
“…Prior to 9/11 I was a young Coast Guard Lieutenant who saw things that could be improved but felt powerless in a large organization to do anything about it. I was fortunate to have Capt. Abbott as my mentor. He shared his paper on ‘Leading Change from the Middle,’ which this book expands upon, and helped empower me by realizing we were all leaders at various levels of whatever organization we were in. His guidance and support helped me implement five agency wide innovation projects and truly make a difference. I deployed with him to New Orleans immediately after Hurricane Katrina and while there, numerous people from throughout the Coast Guard came up to Capt. Abbott and thanked him for transforming their lives the same way he had transformed mine. This book will give you the tools needed to make a difference no matter what level you are in any organization.”
- Chris Kluckhuhn, Rescue Helicopter Pilot, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (Retired)
Coast Guard Annual Innovation Award Winner
Founder and CEO of Avwatch, Inc.
“Both practical and passionate, Geoff Abbott believes that with the right strategies, tools, and support, anyone can lead from wherever they are—and helps you believe it too! Organizations willing to upend the traditional hierarchical pyramid and empower their frontline and mid-level employees to take initiative and blaze trails will more quickly solve complex workplace challenges and seize opportunities to better serve their customers, employees, and communities.”
- Ken Jennings, author of The Serving Leader
“What I appreciate so much about this resource is that it’s not only an encouraging challenge and inspiring call to action; Geoff provides practical guidance, grounded in real-life experiences, and a step-by-step guide for leading from the middle. After all, ‘we are all in the middle.’”
- John Riordan, Senior Consultant, John Riordan Leadership & Organization Development
Coach, Excellence in Government Fellows (1999-2019)
Unauthorized Progress is the catch phrase of Geoff Abbott, Matt Kern, Stephen Hoogasian, Chris Kluckuhn & company.