Whether in the heat of military operations or the pressure cooker of corporate life, our instinctive response to crisis is fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. When the stakes are high, the mind narrows, options shrink, and leadership is put to the test.
Yet there is no magic Silver Bullet to leadership. No universal truth that says, “Do this in all situations”. Leadership is contextual. It depends on your people, your organisation, your sector – your moment. What works for one leader, in one company, in one climate, may fail for another.
That’s why you need more than tactics. You need bedrock – principles, values and a framework for thinking clearly when the pressure is on.
After decades of leading teams in uniform and coaching executives in business, I saw the need for this repeat itself, time and again. It’s why Leigh and I created ‘The CEO’s Compass’: a framework for finding your True North, so you can inspire others to follow – even when the way ahead is murky, uncertain, or changing by the hour. It’s why I chose The CEO’s Compass for this book.
It’s practical, it’s proven, and it’s built on over 40 years of leadership lessons, in-depth interviews and real-world experience, blending military precision with business acumen. It’s your leadership Swiss Army knife, a trusted companion for navigating uncertainty, making tough calls and inspiring your team to greatness.
Danny Payne CMG, former CEO of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Services (Podcast 54), knows what it means to lead through turbulence. He described this book as:
“A guide through tough times and a reminder of what really matters and what does not. When all around are stressed and losing perspective, it becomes my grounding force. I draw on my previous mistakes, wisdom and experience to provide clarity when there is so much uncertainty.”
”Calibrate – don’t catastrophise!” says Melanie Richards CBE
What is Inspiring Leadership?
