Leading in the Trenches: A Strategic Guide to Becoming the Leader You Want to Be and Your Team Needs

Get the leadership skills you need to move from team member to trusted leader before you're promoted.
The path to the coveted leadership title is often paved by generic advice in leadership development books or maybe impersonal leadership training courses. Whether you're a mid-level employee planning your next move or just starting out in your professional career, developing your leadership skills needs to start before you get the official title. Gain the tools you need to lead effectively with Leading in the Trenches.

With over 40 years of leadership experience in the retail and aerospace industries and as a John Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member, David Graddy has mentored countless professionals through the transition from team member to effective leader. His mission is simple: to give you the practical tools and leadership mindset to lead with purpose, wherever you are. Now he offers a powerful bottom-up, proven strategy to help you grow into the leader your team needs, long before anyone gives you the title.

Inside, you'll discover how to:

Clarify your core leadership values, so you can lead with authenticity and innovation. Decode your team's dynamics and strengths to build trust that drives performance and organizational success. Effectively work with six common manager types, including the Self-Preservationist and Captain Chaos. Become the go-to person on your team, earning influence by demonstrating your leadership skills through meaningful actions. Advance through the three phases of leadership growth—from learning, to doing, to mentoring others.

 

Each chapter builds on the last in a strategic process, leading to a clear framework for becoming a leader your team can trust and follow. Whether you're in corporate, retail, or small business, this is your road map to becoming a respected, capable leader—starting now.
Don't wait for a promotion to become the leader you were meant to be. Start leading in the trenches today.