Streamlined Title: Workplace Drama-Free Leadership: Driving Results by Eliminating Entitlement

Cy Wakeman, the New York Times bestselling author of Reality-Based Leadership, rejects the current trend of "engaging" employees and the emotional drama of "meeting their needs." Instead, she advocates for a return to leaders taking charge and businesses focusing on productivity. For years, leaders across industries have accepted two false assumptions: that change is inherently difficult, and that employee engagement drives results. These beliefs have led to expensive efforts to shield employees from change, involve them in high-level decision-making, and keep them satisfied with endless "satisfaction surveys" and workplace perks. However, Wakeman argues that these engagement programs do the opposite of what they intend. They inflate expectations, sow unhappiness, and leave employees unprepared to adapt to even minor changes necessary for an organization's survival. Rather than driving performance and creating efficiencies, these programs fuel entitlement and drama, costing companies millions in time and profit.

It is time to reinvent leadership thinking, Wakeman says. Instead of worrying about your employees' happiness, focus on their accountability. Wakeman teaches you how to hire "emotionally inexpensive" people, solicit only the opinions you need, and promote self-awareness in your entire team. Her book, "No Ego," disposes of unproven HR maxims and offers a complete plan to transform your office from a den of discontent to a happy, productive workplace.

Wakeman's approach challenges the conventional wisdom that employee engagement is the key to organizational success. She argues that the current obsession with engagement is misguided, as it often leads to a culture of entitlement and drama rather than increased productivity and efficiency. Instead, Wakeman advocates for a return to leaders taking charge and holding their teams accountable.

To achieve this, Wakeman provides practical strategies for hiring the right people, soliciting only the necessary input, and fostering self-awareness among your employees. By hiring "emotionally inexpensive" people, you can reduce the drama and distractions that often come with trying to cater to every employee's needs and desires. And by soliciting only the opinions you need, you can avoid the pitfalls of involving employees in high-level decision-making that they may not be equipped to handle.

Ultimately, Wakeman's message is that true leadership is about accountability, not engagement. By shifting the focus away from employee happiness and towards their responsibility, leaders can create a more productive and successful organization. "No Ego" offers a refreshing and practical alternative to the current fads in HR and leadership, and a clear path forward for leaders who are ready to prioritize results over drama.

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