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"Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism"
This book is a self-compassion blueprint for leaders who are closed-off, constantly on the verge of burnout, and/or trapped in the myth of perfectionism.
In today’s breakneck world, we idolize hard-edged leadership, often at the cost of our humanity. Ever felt your leadership is driven more by fear than purpose? Ever drowned in relentless self-criticism? In "Human First, Leader Second," dive into the revolutionary concept of self-compassion, debunking myths that it makes us weak or complacent.
Using the experiences of working with over 3,000 leaders and backed by rigorous research, this book is a clarion call to reclaim our humanity. Because to lead others effectively, we must first lead ourselves with kindness.
Whether you're an entrenched CEO or an emerging leader, learn how compassion towards oneself can catalyze groundbreaking leadership. Take a pause, pick this up, and discover the untapped power of leading from the heart.
So many leadership and compassion books seek to remind leaders to “behave human” and treat those around them with care. But the truth is that leaders are human. They’re not playing at being human or calling forth their humanity on demand. Their struggle in marrying leadership and compassion stems from leaders ignoring self-care—the lack of compassion toward their subordinates is just a symptom.
Human First, Leader Second introduces leaders to the practice of self-compassion through a 6-step framework designed to ease even the most hard-headed and hard-assed leaders into thoughtful, and productive, introspection - showing them how to care for themselves so that they can care for others.
Backward: Biography, Biology, Backstory
Forward: Purpose, Values, Priorities
Inward: Intentions, Feelings, Thoughts
Outward: Intent, Actions, Behaviors
Leeward: Self-care and Personal Accountability
Windward: Regret and Self-forgiveness
Offering strategies for a personalized exploration of self-compassion—and what works best for the individual—this book will help leaders grow awareness to the importance of self-care while debunking the myth that compassion equals weakness. Regardless of our title or influence, we are all humans first, who need compassion.
Testimonials
“This book shows leaders how to unlock the power of self-compassion so they can stop beating themselves up and start living with greater authenticity, purpose, and impact.”
“Backus delivers a masterclass in self-compassion, offering actionable tools for transformative leadership that begins with one’s self.”
“Yes of course, if everybody who leads understands themselves more deeply, we can have a better world. The question is how to do it. Massimo gives you dozens of ways to get started, so you can feel it out for yourself alongside him.”
“What a unique leadership book this is! The author choose a topic that could not have been easy to write and did a superb job. It took guts to write so honestly about himself and use his experiences to support others. My hat is off!”
“Massimo Backus has shown us that as leaders, self-kindness is not a luxury or a weakness, but a strategic advantage”