As mentioned in an earlier post, I have a forthcoming book review on the e-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-t new management and leadership book Managing the Gray Areas, from author Jerry Manas. It's not your typical leadership book, it's written by a noted PM and leadership guru and is quite interesting. I'm expecting some great insights from guest voice Lisa Forsyth's pending review and am sure many will want to read Gray Areas - it's certainly on my list of must-read leadership books for this year.

If you're already intrigued and want to learn more now -  check out Jerry's recent article at PMWorld: How to address the “Gray Areas” ! Tough Questions for Leaders (PDF). Here's an excerpt:

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to  begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.” - Francis Bacon

Leaders face dilemmas every day. Decisions we make are translated into real-world outcomes, with each decision cascading into other actions. Sometimes, we mentally frame difficult choices and decisions in terms that simplify them—at least on the surface. We turn them into black or white just to get some clarity around them, yet in reality, they are not black or white, not either/or—they are gray.

How we address these difficult choices—as black and white, or as gray—will determine the feel of our organization. It will determine how people interact, and how work gets done. It will determine the strategies of both our present and our future.

Read complete paper in English (PDF)

PMWorld (scroll to bottom) also included some background on Jerry and his book, and I'm always interested in learning more about the folks whose books I read and blogs I follow:

An organizational architect with a specialty in project management and virtual team dynamics, he is passionate about helping leaders create flexible, yet integrated, organizations and teams. Pulling lessons from history, science, and the arts, he writes and consults on principle-based leadership and project management, using the cornerstones of simplicity, engagement, and trust. Jerry is president of The Marengo Group, co-founder of the popular blog site, PMThink! (www.pmthink.com), and a member of The Creating We Collaborative.

Visit his website at www.marengogroup.com.

I received an email this week announcing that the archived Webinar Managing the Gray Areas–Leading with Humanity is now available for viewing. You can access this free and informative Webinar from Jerry Manas here:http://www.rmcproject.com/webinar/webinar-grayareas.aspx. If you're PMP certified you'll be happy to hear this webinar is registered with PMI for one PDU - another easy way to keep your accredication current. And if you're looking to purchase Managing The Gray Areas, check out this great deal:

Also, to purchase the book Managing the Gray Areas at an exclusive Webinar Discount of 40%, please visit the following page:

http://store.rmcproject.com/Detail.bok?no=135

To earn the discount, simply enter the coupon code GRAY40 in the provided field prior to checkout. Also, please feel free to forward this and discount code to any friends, colleagues or co-workers who you believe may be interested.

Related reading:

• Executive Summary for Jerry's new book: http://www.rmcproject.com/product/GrayAreas.aspx
• Table of contents for Gray Areas: http://www.rmcproject.com/product/gray-areas-table-of-contents.aspx
• Managing the Gray Areas 4-CD set: http://store.rmcproject.com/Detail.bok?no=143

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posted by Raven Young at Raven's Brain under Leadership
Tags: Leadership, Leadership Books, Jerry Manas, Gray Areas, Managing The Gray Areas