Grace Under Pressure

“An executive coach and leadership educator highlights ‘how to achieve leadership through both change and crisis, and how to do it well.’

Baldoni, the author of numerous books on leadership, divides his latest into four tightly constructed parts. Part 1, which looks at how to care for an organization’s people during difficult times, concerns topics that include a definition of important values, such as moral integrity and humility; fostering resilience; “how leaders inspire during a crisis”; and leading with empathy. Readers familiar with the leadership book genre will undoubtedly recognize much of this material, but Baldoni ably packages these and other concepts together in succinct chapters that effectively emphasize key phrases, such as ‘Resilient leaders manage with redundancy in mind,’ and ‘laughter becomes more than a palliative; it becomes a unifier.’

In Part 2, Baldoni offers counsel on leading others during a crisis that’s pragmatic and cleareyed; for example, he advises one to pay attention to probabilities when making decisions and to ‘Look for solutions that benefit others more than yourself.’ A particularly insightful chapter in this part provides an overview of how bias and discrimination, even when unconscious, can have detrimental effects on both leaders and their subordinates.

In Part 3, Baldoni makes a solid case for building a strong sense of community in a workplace by, for instance, listening carefully to others before making decisions.

The book closes with a helpful summary (or ‘Handbook,’ as Baldoni calls it) as well as an actionable self-assessment for ‘Grace Under Pressure.’

Authoritative leadership lessons in a compact format." -- Kirkus Review
“John Baldoni shows his exceptional understanding of taking highly complex components and simplifying them. Grace Under Pressure analyzes great skills, which I think anybody who wants to become better at what they are doing should read. I would definitely recommend this book!” -- Martin Lindstrom, New York Times bestselling author of Brand-Washed, Small Data, and Buyology 
“John Baldoni once again offers us powerful lessons in leadership and life. His new book Grace Under Pressure will help you brace for the unexpected and hold it together when everything is coming apart at the seams. As you put these principles into practice, you’ll find you and your team can be at your best when circumstances are at their very worst.” -- Liz Wiseman, New York Times bestselling author of Multipliers and Impact Players
“In times of change, people look for a leader with the strength and resilience to persevere and the ability to lead with empathy and conviction. Grace Under Pressure by John Baldoni shows how leaders put people first, take care of themselves, and prepare for what’s next. This book is for executives looking to steady themselves and their teams for change and crisis.” -- Marshall Goldsmith, the world’s pre-eminent executive coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
“John Baldoni has done the world a favor by introducing the language of grace into our conversation about leadership. I was a huge fan of his wonderful book Grace, and Grace Under Pressure continues this tradition, showing why grace is most effective in times of maximum pressure. The ability to exhibit courage and calm in our most challenging moments is precisely what inspires others to trust us, giving them the confidence to stay engaged when the going gets rough. Grace Under Pressure is not only inspiring, it is practical. Throughout the book, John offers questions for our consideration to identify how and where grace might be operating in our own lives so we can let it influence our relationships and actions.” -- Sally Helgesen, bestselling author of How Women Rise, Rising Together, The Web of Inclusion
“Grace Under Pressure reveals what leaders must do to look ahead past the crisis the same time they are caring for their teams. It’s powerful preparation for every leader’s inevitable tough times.”  -- David Novak, former CEO of Yum! Brands, podcast host of How Leaders Lead, and author of New York Times bestseller Taking People with You and Take Charge of You
“Leadership is never easy, but when there’s great change or crisis, the heat is on. Fortunately, John Baldoni has provided leaders with a practical, powerful, and wise guidebook: Grace Under Pressure. This will be an essential tool for leaders under stress.” -- Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business 
“Leadership is revealed in times of crisis. Grace Under Pressure by John Baldoni provides insights into how to make your leadership resonate with purpose and grace. Leaders must care for their teams and themselves as they prepare for the future. Even better, they must do it with grace—caring, commitment, and courage.” -- Garry Ridge, the Culture Coach and retired CEO of the WD-40 Company
“With the spotlight shined on modern-day business leaders, there’s a greater demand to do more than be savvy and apply business acumen. Today’s leaders are expected to care and act out of concern not just for the company and its employees but to grasp how their role affects the greater welfare of all. Grace Under Pressure by John Baldoni shows us how to lead with courage, conviction, and compassion, especially in times of stress and urgency.” -- Donald Altman, author of The Mindfulness Toolbox, Simply Mindful, and Clearing Emotional Clutter 
“John Baldoni’s new book is a beautiful example of combining science, practice, real-life examples, and deep humanity to offer ways for a modern leader to lead. I particularly like John’s combining ‘taking care of self’ with the aspects of taking care of people and preparing for the future. The Considerations that anchor each chapter are great coaching questions and wonderful ones to ponder and resolve. Grace Under Pressure is an easy read and yet leaves you with great reflections and practical tools to move forward.” -- Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO, International Coaching Federation (ICF)