For better or worse, we all know what aggressive behavior looks like in the workplace. But little did you know -- or should I say, little did I know before I read Alpha Male Syndrome by Kate Ludeman and Eddie Erlandson -- that the alpha personality comes in four shades: the Commander, who dominates by intimidation; the Visionary, an everything-is-possible leader who often lacks grounding; the Strategist, a data-driven analyzer; and the Executor, the detail-oriented leader who loves a controlled environment. And these diverse alphas aren't exclusively male, either; former Dell Inc. VP of Strategy Louise O'Brien gets a nod.
The book details how to make the most of your alpha traits and manage an alpha boss without losing your mind. The authors note, for example, that your Executor-type CEO might withhold praise to prevent employees from slacking or slipping. With humor and real-world examples, this book dissects leadership styles and helps you separate the personal from the professional. (276 pages, $26.95)
Lauren Horwitz, former managing editor, production, for CIO Decisions, is now managing editor for TechTarget's Data Center Media Group. Write to her at lhorwitz@techtarget.com.
This was first published in December 2006
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