As a senior IT manager, I found Paula Davis's "Lead Well" to be a practical guide for modern leadership challenges. The book introduces five key mindsets for creating an engaged and resilient workforce, which are particularly relevant in the fast-paced IT world.

Davis's approach shifts focus from individual performance to team dynamics and organizational culture, resonating with my preferred approach to IT leadership. The book's emphasis on practical, actionable strategies is particularly valuable. The concept of "Tiny Noticeable Things" (TNTs) offers small but impactful changes that can be quickly implemented to improve team dynamics.
The chapter on workload sustainability was especially insightful, addressing the pervasive issue of unmanageable workloads in the IT sector. The author's focus on improving processes and teaming practices offers a systematic approach to this problem.

While some concepts may feel "familiar" to more experienced leaders, Davis's integration of these ideas into a cohesive system for leadership development adds value. The book's research-backed strategies lend credibility to its recommendations, which is particularly appealing in the data-driven IT field.

One minor criticism is that the book could have included more industry-specific examples. However, the principles presented are broadly applicable and can be easily adopted or adapted to technology leadership.

"Lead Well" offers a comprehensive approach to leadership well-suited to the challenges of modern IT management. Its focus on creating sustainable, resilient, and engaged teams aligns with the needs of our rapidly evolving industry, making it a valuable resource for both emerging and established IT leaders.

In "Lead Well," Paula Davis presents a thoughtful and research-backed framework for modern leadership, focusing on resilience, engagement, and adaptability in an era of workplace upheaval. She introduces five key mindsets designed to help leaders foster trust, align team values, and prevent burnout. The book offers practical tools, including “Tiny Noticeable Things” (TNTs), small but meaningful actions that can enhance team cohesion and morale. Davis effectively connects leadership theory with actionable steps, making this a useful resource for those looking to build a more supportive and future-ready work environment.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

The book provides a timely exploration of leadership strategies, particularly in the wake of post-pandemic challenges and the growing role of generative AI in the workplace. Drawing on extensive research and her background in resilience, Davis offers a solid framework aimed at improving team well-being, enhancing trust, and combating burnout.

The book introduces five mindsets to help leaders foster engagement, align values, and improve work-life balance among their teams. It also emphasizes practical tools like the "Tiny Noticeable Things" (TNTs), which encourage small but impactful changes within teams. While these insights are certainly valuable, much of the content feels familiar, especially for those already well-versed in leadership or organizational development literature.

Davis does an excellent job at highlighting the need for change in leadership approaches, particularly in managing stress and creating cohesive teams. However, the book doesn’t offer many new revelations for readers who have already explored similar resources on burnout and team dynamics. While the research-backed strategies are certainly helpful, they don't drastically differ from existing leadership frameworks.

Overall, Lead Well is a solid read with practical advice for navigating the complexities of modern leadership. It offers a valuable toolkit for leaders looking to address employee disengagement and burnout, but for those already familiar with these topics, the book might feel more like a reinforcement of well-established concepts rather than introducing groundbreaking ideas. As such, it earns a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a good resource, but nothing especially novel for experienced leaders.

Lead Well by Paula Davis is a total game-changer for anyone trying to navigate leadership in today’s chaotic work world. It’s packed with super practical advice on how to keep your team motivated, engaged, and resilient—even when everything feels overwhelming. I loved the concept of the “5 mindsets” and the little actions (TNTs—tiny noticeable things!) you can take to make a big impact on team morale and cohesion.

The examples feel real and relatable, and I actually walked away with things I could start using right away. Some parts dive deep into research, which might not be for everyone, but if you’re a leader who wants to be more supportive and future-ready, this book is a must-read. Definitely a solid pick if you care about leading with empathy and purpose! 👏

Lead Well: 5 Mindsets to Engage, Retain, and Inspire Your Team by Paula Davis offers a solid framework for navigating today’s leadership challenges, especially in the face of burnout and constant change. The focus on resilience, team cohesion, and fostering purpose is both timely and practical.

The book’s strengths lie in its actionable strategies, like “Tiny Noticeable Things” (TNTs) that can be quickly implemented, and its emphasis on aligning team values and well-being with organizational goals. It’s clear that Davis’s research and experience with leaders bring credibility to her insights.

That said, while the concepts are helpful, they aren’t especially groundbreaking. If you’re familiar with modern leadership trends or resilience-focused management approaches, much of this might feel familiar. The writing occasionally leans a bit too heavily on explaining concepts rather than diving into deeper, more nuanced applications.

This is a useful read for emerging leaders or those looking to refresh their leadership toolbox. However, for more seasoned leaders seeking advanced strategies, it may not offer enough new ideas to stand out. Solid and practical, but not revolutionary.