Community | Book Club WITH PPAI’S NORTH AMERICAN Leadership Conference, International Leadership Summit and Women’s Leadership Conference all taking place over the next two months, there’s no better time to review and recommend a book about leadership in business. Leadership and SelfDeception: The Secret To Transforming Relationships & Unleashing Results by The Arbinger Institute is a transformative exploration into the subconscious barriers that hinder effective leadership and personal relationships. Presented as a compelling narrative, the book follows a fictional executive’s journey as he uncovers the pervasive nature of selfdeception and its impact on organizational dynamics. Why I chose this book: I love it when a book shows the impact this style of learning can have on individuals. During a meeting with a colleague at PPAI, this exact concept came up, and immediately this book ended up on my to-be-read list. In leadership literature, many works focus on strategies and external behaviors. However, Leadership and Self-Deception delves into the internal mindset, emphasizing how our own perceptions can obstruct genuine leadership. Its storytelling approach makes complex psychological concepts accessible and relatable, offering profound insights applicable both professionally and personally. I recommend it for: Anyone seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and interpersonal relationships should read this book. Its lessons are invaluable for managers, team leaders and individuals aiming for personal growth. The narrative style ensures that complex ideas are conveyed in an engaging and understandable manner, making it an easy read for those who prefer lighter educational content. Key Points: The Box: Central to the book is the metaphor of “the box,” representing the self-imposed constraints we place on our perceptions, leading us to view others as obstacles or tools rather than as individuals with their own needs and challenges. Self-Betrayal: The narrative illustrates how acting contrary to our own sense of what is appropriate for others initiates self-deception. This betrayal leads us to justify our actions, distorting reality to align with our self-justifications. Title: Leadership and SelfDeception:The Secret To Transforming Relationships & Unleashing Results Author: The Arbinger Institute Get ready for a transformative exploration into the subconscious barriers that hinder effective leadership and personal relationships. By Jessica GibbonsRauch, MBA, CAS Leadership And Self-Deception: The Secret To Transforming Relationships & Unleashing Results 72 • MAY 2025 • PPAI
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