The Connected Leader

In today's fast-paced world, leaders must do more than just adapt; they need to anticipate the radical shifts happening all around them. Too often, the focus on immediate challenges blinds them to the sweeping changes reshaping their environment. True success demands agility, a keen awareness of evolving stakeholder expectations, and a bold cultural transformation.

In this fully updated edition of The Connected Leader Emmanuel Gobillot makes a compelling argument: traditional leadership models are relics of the past. He builds the case for a new kind of leadership that leverages informal social networks to reconnect with what stakeholders truly value.

Packed with original international case studies and unique diagnostic tools, The Connected Leader is a treasure trove of insights. Gobillot’s global bestseller is essential reading for professionals aiming to harness the combined power of people and performance to create thriving organisations and drive meaningful change.

• A proven, globally adopted approach to leadership theory
• Brings dialogue to the forefront of leadership strategy
• Unique diagnostic tools for leaders to assess their skillset

Described as "the first leadership guru for the digital generation" and "the freshest voice in leadership today", Emmanuel has advised organisations across the globe on developing leaders, establishing teams, and changing cultures.

One of Europe’s most sought-after leadership speakers, he is the author and co-author of 7 UK and US bestselling books, the latest of which This is Not a Leadership Book published by Routledge has sealed his place as one of the world’s foremost management thinkers.

For over 20 years his work has been based on his mantra – "there must be a better way and together we can find it".

A French National, Emmanuel moved to the UK in 1985. He holds an International Baccalaureate from the United World College of the Atlantic, a MA (Hons) from the University of St. Andrews and a Diploma in Management Science from the Nottingham Trent University. A father of two, now adult, children (Charlotte and George) Emmanuel lives in London with his wife Katherine Thomas.

"The Connected Leader belongs on the shelves – and in the hearts and minds – of leaders everywhere." – Terence Mauri, bestselling author of The Upside of Disruption

"This updated edition of Emmanuel's seminal text is an essential read for anyone looking to energise, inspire and transform their organisation." – Neil Mullarkey, Comedy Store Player and bestselling author of In The Moment

"This second edition of The Connected Leader is not merely an update, it is a thoroughly new and refreshing way to look at the challenges of leading change in organizations. Gobillot emphasizes agility and relationships. He shows that with agility and openness to new ideas organizations grow, without it they atrophy for lack of innovation. Everything in our lives is transformed through the medium of our relationships. Caring and inspired relationships are the fertile ground for growing new ideas, products and services. Instrumental relationships result in the motivation crisis we now have, as evident in the lousy engagement numbers." – Richard Boyatzis, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University, Co-author of the international best seller Primal Leadership and the new The Science of Change

"The insights from Emmanuel Gobillot's The Connected Leader are indeed profound and resonate deeply with the challenges and opportunities present in today's dynamic business environment. His emphasis on agility, not merely in the technological sense but as a core characteristic of successful organizations, aligns closely with our understanding of how adaptive and responsive cultures can drive performance. The notion that connections—whether cultural, structural, or interpersonal—are central to navigating the complexities of modern organizations is a cornerstone of effective leadership.

Gobillot's discussion on the efficiency/intimacy conundrum and the balancing of the wobble board metaphor are particularly compelling. These concepts illustrate the delicate act leaders must perform in harmonizing diverse and often conflicting stakeholder demands, a theme that echoes through our work on reconciling cultural dilemmas. By fostering trust, purpose, and dialogue, leaders can effectively bridge the gaps between efficiency and intimacy, ensuring that organizations do not lose sight of their human-centric missions amidst growth and professionalization.

The challenges leaders face in fostering connections within their organizations are manifold. They must navigate the intricacies of organizational dynamics, harness the power of technology without becoming overly reliant on it, and maintain a clear sense of purpose that resonates with all stakeholders. How do you think the insights from The Connected Leader could address these challenges?" – Fons Trompenaars, Thinkers50 and Business magazine top management thinker and author of Riding the Waves of Culture