“Decency: A Strategy for Success”
Interview with Fred A. Manske Jr., author of Core Strategy for Success: How to Lead the Pack in a “Dog-Eat-Dog” World
By Linda Hatcher
“This might come as a shock, but to win big in corporate America, it pays to not be selfish and greedy … In the long run, it is more profitable to be an ethical and caring for others person … So says a recently released book by Fred A. Manske Jr. called Core Strategy for Success: How to Lead the Pack in a “Dog-Eat-Dog” World” (quoted from January 11, 2012 article by David Lauderdale, columnist for the McClatchy newspaper chain)
In his new book, the author outlines a powerful personal development strategy that leads to long-term leadership success. The other day I caught up with Mr. Manske and asked him a few questions to give our readers a better idea of why they should buy the book.
Q: Let’s get right to the key question; why should someone buy this book?
A: After reading Lauderdale’s comments in the newspaper, one of my friends sent me an email saying, “Your book is what corporate America needs today because it is written by a successful leader who made it by doing what is right and decent.”
I have been through just about everything you can imagine in business. These extraordinary experiences at all levels have given me many practical insights on how one can succeed in this very difficult and competitive work environment. In the book, I share ideas to help people succeed the ethical way.
The point of the book is: a person can maintain the highest ethical standards in his or her career and still be successful. Core Strategy for Success provides specific ways to lead without bending under pressure to adopt “dog-eat-dog” tactics.
Q: What do you mean by “dog-eat-dog” tactics?
A: We have all experienced co-workers using “dog-eat-dog” tactics to make themselves look good relative to others – back-biting, distorting information, spreading false or malicious rumors, covering up, or even cheating. What Core Strategy for Success does is encourage the majority of the people with good values to stand firm. By adopting the E.C.L. Core Strategy for Success in the book, they can be more than competitive – they can shine!
Q: What motivated you to write Core Strategy for Success: How to Lead the Pack in a Dog-Eat-Dog World?
A. Several years ago I was asked to be the keynote speaker for the College Ethics Symposium that was held in Hilton Head Island, S.C. It struck me that the primary interest of seniors about to enter the workforce was how to prepare themselves to be successful and ethical. I presented a template for personal success based on my leadership experience and my observations of successful leaders who possessed strong values. Thus was born the E.C.L. Core Strategy for Success that is the central focus of the book.
Q: Why did you choose only three “key leadership values” to build the book around?
A: I believe that the three key values I choose are the most important ones that drive personal success. Second, I wanted the values to be memorable. Thus, I summarized them in an easy-to-remember Core Strategy for Success Formula. I’m hoping that the formula will guide leaders throughout their careers.
Q: What is the “core strategy” to developing ethical organizations?
A: In the book, I share specific steps that a leader can take to ensure high ethical standards in his or her organization. Maintaining an ethical culture is a difficult task, especially during poor economic times like what we are currently experiencing. With steadily declining sales, the pressures to obtain new business and cut costs are extraordinary. But, in good or bad times, it is possible to have an ethical organization. It all depends on the leader. He or she has to do a number of things such as fighting for reasonable targets, encouraging all levels of open communication, rewarding ethical behavior, and insisting on a corporate climate that seeks to do the right things for all stakeholders.
Q. What is the most important leadership value of all, and why?
A: Without a question, it is being ethical – doing what is right, good, honest, and fair.
Core Strategy for Success – How to Lead the Pack in a “Dog-Eat-Dog World” is available at www.amazon.com (CLICK HERE). In addition, it can be purchased at www.leadershipdevelopment.com. (CLICK HERE) Telephone orders can be placed by calling the publisher toll-free 1-888-325-3987 (discounts are available).
About the Author:
Fred A. Manske Jr. is a successful business leader and author of inspiring, practical leadership development books. For ten years, he was President and CEO of Purolator Courier Ltd., the leading distribution company in Canada. Prior to that, he was instrumental in developing the exceptional business of FedEx, where he served as Senior Vice-President of U.S. Operations and Sales and Senior Vice-President -International. During his tenure at FedEx, Dun’s Business Month named FedEx one of the best-managed companies in the U.S. In the book The Best Managed Companies to Work for in America, FedEx was ranked among the top five best companies. Mr. Manske has taught MBA programs and has been a keynote speaker at international and national business conferences. His first book, Secrets of Effective Leadership - a Practical Guide to Success , is considered a classic in the field of leadership.
