From the Inside Flap
In this anticipated book, Harry Kraemer, professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and former chairman and CEO of Baxter International, a multibillion-dollar health care company, argues that, as the global economy becomes even more competitive, organizations will turn to values-based leaders who, in doing the right thing, deliver outstanding and lasting results.
Kraemer knows about delivering results. During his leadership at Baxter, the company experienced consistently strong growth. And Kraemer also knows about doing the right thing; not only did he step up to the plate when things were going well but also when faced with change, controversy, and crisis, as he did throughout his career. In From Values to Action, Kraemer argues that the journey to becoming a values-based leader starts with self-reflection, which he identifies as the first of four principles that guide leaders to make choices that are aligned with their values. The four essential principles are:
Self-Reflection: The ability to reflect and identify what you stand for, what your values are, and what matters most.
Balance and Perspective: The ability to see situations from multiple perspectives, including differing viewpoints, to gain a holistic understanding.
True Self-Confidence: More than mastery of certain skills, true self-confidence enables you to accept yourself as you are, recognizing your strengths and your weaknesses, and focusing on continuous improvement.
Genuine Humility: The ability never to forget who you are, to appreciate the value of each person in the organization, and to treat everyone respectfully.
Drawing from first-hand experience, Kraemer offers current and aspiring leaders a framework to adopt the four principles of values-based leadership to make their organizations beacons of enduring value in the world. Insightful and inspiring, From Values to Action comes at a critical time when true leadership in every facet of society is greatly needed.
From the Back Cover
Praise for From Values to Action
"A worthy read for any aspiring leader. Kraemer leverages his unique collection of world-class experiences to bring the leadership journey to life in a compelling and practical fashion."—Douglas R. Conant, president and CEO, Campbell Soup Company
"Values-based leadership has never been more important. For anyone wanting to be a better leader, every page of Kraemer's book offers practical advice."—Greg Case, president and CEO, Aon Corporation
"Kraemer's engaging book takes you into the heart of genuine leadership: the practices and habits that enable leaders to be reflective, self-aware, and genuinely humble. Like learning from a superb mentor, Kraemer shares his deep experience and inner secrets of what it takes to lead a great organization."—Bill George, professor, Harvard Business School; former chair and CEO, Medtronic; and best-selling author, True North and Seven Lessons for Leading in Crisis
"There's a difference between doing things right—and doing the right thing. This is the essence of values-based leadership, which Kraemer captures in this lively and highly readable book. A must-read for traveling the road ahead."—Gary Burnison, CEO, Korn/Ferry International
"In an increasingly fast-paced and turbulent world, leadership based on character and values will be essential for impact and success. This book provides a wonderfully clear and practical view of what values-based leadership means and how it can be applied in our everyday life."—Dominic Barton, global managing director, McKinsey & Company"Values and culture are paramount to corporate leadership. This book provides leaders with the tools to develop their talent." —Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO, General Electric Company
About the Author
Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr. is a professor of management and strategy at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where he teaches in the MBA and the Executive MBA programs. He is an executive partner with Madison Dearborn Partners, one of the largest private equity firms in the United States, where he consults with CEOs and other senior executives of companies in MDP's extensive portfolio. Kraemer is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter International Inc., a multibillion-dollar global health care company. He was voted the Kellogg School Professor of the Year in 2008. Visit www.fromvaluestoaction.com
