PUTTING THE LEAD INTO LEADERSHIP
If You Can Lead a Dog, You Can Lead a Team
Most leadership books overload you with jargon, theory, and complicated frameworks you'll never use. This book is different.
Using relatable dog-owner analogies, this book simplifies complex leadership concepts into practical, real-world lessons that are easy to understand and even easier to apply.
What if becoming a great leader was as simple as being a great dog owner?
You wouldn't give unclear commands and then blame a dog for getting it wrong.
You wouldn't ignore good behaviour and only focus on mistakes.
And you definitely wouldn't treat every dog the same.
So why do so many managers lead people that way?
Putting the Lead into Leadership offers a fresh and engaging approach to leadership for those who have been thrust into management roles without formal training, as well as experienced leaders looking for reassurance that they are on the right track.
Avoiding corporate buzzwords and academic language, this book focuses on leadership behaviour through the comparison of being a leader and being a dog owner, guiding you through every crucial aspect of leadership with clarity, warmth, and actionable insight.
What You'll Learn- Set crystal-clear expectations that build trust and accountability
- Understand personality types and improve emotional intelligence
- Motivate, coach, and develop people without micromanaging
- Delegate effectively (without "puppy dumping")
- Handle difficult behaviours and challenging conversations with confidence
- Run focused, productive meetings that people actually value
- Build high-performing, loyal, and engaged teams
- Lead change without losing your pack
- Develop quiet, credible leadership confidence
- Use consistency, trust, and positive reinforcement to get the best from people
This Book Is For You If You Are:
Newly promoted and figuring leadership out as you go
An experienced manager wanting reassurance you're doing it right
A leader who never received formal management training
Responsible for leading people and improving team performance
Tired of leadership theory that doesn't translate into real life
Packed with memorable insights and real-world examples, this book will help you become a more effective leader from day one.
It also includes practical self-assessments to help you understand your leadership style, emotional intelligence, and personality preferences, enabling you to lead people more effectively and authentically.
No jargon. No fluff. Just leadership that works.
About the AuthorKevin Weare BSc (Hons), MSc (Leadership), MSc (Strategic Leadership), MCIPD
Kevin Weare is an experienced leader and leadership development specialist with decades of experience developing leaders across a variety of sectors. A Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Kevin combines extensive practical leadership experience with advanced academic study, including two Master's degrees in leadership and management and doctoral-level research into leadership development.
His unique approach blends humour, empathy, and real-world practicality, making even the driest leadership theory feel like a walk in the park.
Whether you're leading your first team or refining your leadership approach after years in management, this book provides practical tools, memorable lessons, and the confidence to lead with clarity and purpose.
If you can lead a dog, you can lead people.
Ready to unleash your full leadership potential?