Trust: The One Thing That Makes or Breaks a Leader

By Les T. Csorba

Book Overview

We are in the midst of a crisis. The evidence is all around us. From the ashes of Enron, Adelphia, and WorldCom, there can be little doubt that the leadership that dominates corporate America is failing and extending to our other modern institutions as well-political, religious, family, and media. Our culture's legacy of leadership is in trouble, and the crisis is not one of competence but of character. When Les Csorba writes "leadership is character in motion," few can make this claim credibly. Csorba is a recruiter with the world's premier executive search firm, who draws from more than twenty years of leadership experience serving a United States senator, a governor, and as special assistant to President George H. W. Bush in the White House. Trust explores the nature of leadership as a distinctly moral calling. Csorba's urgent call is for a new moral leadership over today's dominant pragmatic brand. And as Csorba takes a look at the leadership style of today's more well-known leaders, he unveils the "7 Principles of Trust," demonstrating how the most influential leaders are: Purified in the fires of their own suffering Shaped by mentors, individuals who are willing to "build their lives into others" Called for a purpose that transcends personal ambition At the heart of this journey is a call to integrity, character . . . and trust. The critical question, then, for today's leaders and for a new generation that holds the potential to change the future is this: How will you keep the trust? Whether you have already embraced the call to lead, or you are part of a new generation of emerging young leaders, Les T. Csorba challenges you to step up and become a leader of character. The need is great. The time is now. And with Trust , the future is full of possibility. Endorsements : "Les Csorba gets to the root of the leadership dilemma: we are all self-interested, yet true leaders master the urge to safeguard their positions and instead consistently put the interests of the groups they lead before their own." -Sherron S. Watkins , Former Enron Corp. Vice President and Time Person of the Year 2002 "Les is right on target in emphasizing how important trust is in becoming a great leader . . . he centers on the most important principles in life-honesty and integrity-and gets an A+ in my book." -Drayton McLane Jr. , Chairman, McLane Group (Owner, The Houston Astros) " Trust is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding what character traits make a great leader. When it comes to leadership, character still counts!" -Joe Scarborough , Host of MSNBC's Scarborough Country and Former U.S. Congressman "Placing our trust in leadership is, indeed, an act of faith on our part. Perhaps at no time before has our need for wise instruction in this arena been so critical-for the sake of the survival of the world . . . and no book better at clarifying the scene than Les Csorba's!" -Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein , Founder and President, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews "I've read several manuscripts during the last 10 years, mostly on leadership, and Trust is the most comprehensive, readable, and accurate book that I have read." -Archie W. Dunham , Chairman, ConocoPhillips "Les Csorba puts into words a lesson I learned in business, politics, and diplomacy: Without honesty and trust, even simple problems can ripen into disasters; with honesty and trust, even the most contentious disputes can be settled." -James A. Baker, III , Former United States Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785261540
• ISBN13: 9780785261544
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Trust blasts Pragmatism

If you have been wondering why you're so frustrated watching the News, you need to read this book. Les Csorba has identified a major defect in our culture. Our motivation is all screwed up. We need to do what we do because it is the right thing to do - not just to get the results that we want. This book calls a spade a spade and gives helpful solutions to a broken and bleeding culture. It calls us all to be leaders. Very worthwhile reading.

Blends experience, business school theory, & practical steps

If you care about becoming a better leader in your work or civic organizations or in your home, this is a practical book. The author helped me understand not only cutting edge business school thinking about leadership but also gave me concrete practical insights. The illustrations are dynamite. For example, the author gives behind the scenes accounts of working in the White House that are riveting. Also, he did a beautiful job of using the movie Emperor's Club to make his point about the importance of moral leadership over merely practical leadership. What hooked me was the blend of the author's career experience in leadership, explaining the work of leadership gurus Jim Collins and Warren Bennis, and vivid stories. He takes his insights and applies to them to leadership in politics, corporate America, and other areas of life. This is a fascinating, fast paced and very helpful read. I recommend it.

Valuable Insight

Trust provides valuable insight into the leadership crisis in America. Its study of the political arena, the corporate world, the church and the family are thorough and timely. A must read for leaders at all levels!

Trust is a Must!

Trust: The One Thing That Makes or Breaks a Leader is a great book. I found it very helpful and insightful for learning how to be a better leader in my work and family. It also highlights the tremendous need we have to raise up a new generation of leaders in these areas as well. Trust is also very relevant as we draw closer to the 2004 Elections.

You can trust in TRUST!

TRUST offers a comprehensive and timely view of a stewardship that has been both abused and assaulted in recent days. It provides a depth of knowledge from a variety of sources as well as highly relevant, up-to-date examples across all of life. It is a smooth, inspiring and compelling read. Since all of us lead in some regard, this book should serve as a clear trumpet call in many lives. While some of its implications may be uncomfortable to consider, the challenge and the impact will be worth any short-term pain. Read this book for the sake of your leadership and for the sake of your followers - your family, your business, your community, your country and keep the trust! Read some of the praise about TRUST: Les Csorba puts into words a lesson I learned in business, politics and diplomacy: Without honesty and trust, even simple problems can ripen into disasters; with honesty and trust, even the most contentious disputes can be settled. - James A. Baker, III TRUST is a must read for anyone interested in understanding what character traits make a great leader. Les makes a very compelling argument that when it comes to leadership, character still counts! - Joe Scarborough If trust is the currency of public and private life, we are in serious financial straits! Les Csorba reminds of trust's value and shows the way to reclaiming what should be our personal and national inheritance. - Cal Thomas TRUST says it all. Trust is the indispensable ingredient to successful leadership. Les Csorba gets to the root of the leadership dilemma, we are all self-interested, we are born that way, yet true leaders master the urge to safeguard their position, their reputation, their personal net worth first and foremost, and instead consistently put the interests of the groups they lead before their own. TRUST strikes a particularly poignant nerve when Les makes it personal, reminding leaders that they are most responsible for and to their families, it starts in the home. -Sherron S. Watkins In the midst of our cacophony of words about leadership, a compelling harmony emerges from the pages of Les Csorba's pivotal treatise on frontrunners. Few writers combine the public service experience, the journalistic skills and the deep compassion for people that makes TRUST a classic on leadership, and compulsory reading for every thinking citizen who eyes the future with discernment. - Howard G. Hendricks Les Csorba has provided a thoughtful book about moral leadership - certainly one of the compelling issues of our time. The decline of trust in America's leaders is surely a cause of great concern and manifests itself in many ways in all walks of life, public and private. The insights set forth in this work should prove most useful to today's leaders in every field of endeavor. - Richard Thornburgh Les Csorba has provided a valuable perspective for leaders that trust is the foundation upon which ideas can flourish and impr