She is very correct in asserting leaders need operational, personal and strategic networks, to get things done but also to develop and 'act' like better leaders. As opposed to insight, outsight will then help change the way you think as a leader: about what kind of work is important; how you should invest your time; why and which relationships matter in informing and supporting your leadership; and, ultimately, who you want to become. The problem is, you’re too busy dealing with all the other requirements that your role keeps throwing at you, to even get a moment to think about how to develop like a leader. Of course you are expected to have a good grasp of the law; but the biggest differentiator is the judgement you apply to that knowledge – knowing what is relevant in the context of a business, plus when and how to take a risk. The platform can be inculcated by actions such as getting involved in projects outside your area, participating in extra-curricular activities and creating slack in one's schedule.

Of course, there is no doubt that it takes more than good clothing attire to become a good leader, but the point here is that interestingly my wife’s advice was not far from the messaging in Ibarra’s book (act like a leader, think like a leader). The goods do not need to be in their original packaging however in a sellable condition, and at your own cost and risk. While many academics can talk a good game, Professor Ibarra definitely 'practices what she preaches' when it comes to redefining your network. Ibarra argues, ‘If you are not very quickly able to distil and understand the big themes, you are going to be completely overwhelmed when your boss suddenly pulls a question you weren’t expecting out of the hat.You have to be far more external, more cosmopolitan, have a more global view than ever before, to define your company's place in that, its purpose and value. That was the point, when I started to reflect on what happen and all my knowledge came to the rescue only after the storm. The only way to think like a leader is to first act: to plunge yourself into new projects and activities, interact with very different kinds of people, and experiment with unfamiliar ways of getting things done.

Rather, this is in the sense of communicating why and conveying what is important through story telling. One book in particular that caught my attention was Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra.My favourite part is chapter 4 where it helps you understand your new possible personalities and how to tackle the imposter feelings you get while exploring new parts of yourself. The move from individual contributor to first-time 'leader of people' is one of the most daunting career moves for many employees. My personal leadership experience helped me to "feel" what leadership is in action as opposed to "knowing" what leadership is based on my readings. She says, ‘One of the presentations that I most enjoy making is to our new hires and relates to career planning. Feeling unfulfilled, burned out, or just plain unhappy with what we’re doing, we long to make that leap into the unknown.

Applicability of cancellation rights: Legal rights of cancellation under the Distance Selling Regulations available for UK or EU consumers do not apply to certain products and services. Having her breadth of knowledge and experience in the domain of leadership and career transitions did a wonderful job of not only giving the examples and techniques, but also gave strong supporting evidence for each of them.

I mean, it's just a lengthy reflection of the author on management and leadership, without clear specifics.

I am surprised it is not a NY times best seller as I learned much more from this book compared to many other famous leadership books!There are several self-tests and presentations of different types of network relationships, enough for the reader to conduct "a network audit" to realize the structure and quality of one's business and other professional networks. Herminia is the Paris-based Cora Chaired Professor of Leadership and Learning at INSEAD, one of the world's leading and very popular graduate business schools.