Glow

For every new project or high-profile assignment, there is a mile-long line of wannabes waiting to grab the brass ring. But those consistently at the forefront have something truly extraordinary in common.

You know them at first sight: teammates or colleagues, direct reports or bosses who radiate enthusiasm, positive energy, and inspiration. Even when confronted with circumstances that work against them they, Glow with an attitude that inspires others, fosters a great working experience for themselves and everyone around them, and creates empowering relationships. And Lynda Gratton can make sure you’re one of them.

In her book Hot Spots, Gratton explored how pockets of energy and innovation are created in organizations. Now she zeroes in on how you can become a source of energy and innovation yourself. Drawing on years of original research, Gratton identifies three principles that people who Glow live by: they cultivate a cooperative mind-set, they are adept at reaching across traditional boundaries—what Lynda calls “jumping across worlds”—to gain great new ideas and powerful insights, and they are able to ignite inspiration and energy in others. For each principle, Gratton outlines three actions anyone can take to put it into practice, illustrated with dozens of examples and personal stories. Easy-to-use tools enable you to evaluate where you are now and measure your progress.

Success isn’t about just working harder—there’s always someone out there who will put in longer hours. But if you can learn to Glow, you will add tremendous value to your organization in a way that will make your work more satisfying and fulfilling.