Heart First by David Grossman | The Grossman Group

Naturally,

the global pandemic and mounting racial unrest of 2020 handed leaders one of their biggest challenges yet, with a level of social and economic tumult not seen in more than a century.

post-it note the year that changed everything

Despite the

Upheaval

many leaders rose to the occasion, often by drawing not just from experience and wise counsel, but from being human as they led – what Grossman calls Heart First leadership. In Heart First, Grossman explores the many aspects of being more authentic in leadership and how that can profoundly inspire a team and move them to achieve remarkable things, especially in times of change or crisis.

Take a look inside

Praise for Heart First

During the pandemic, I was searching for a playbook to help leaders, and undoubtedly, this is it!

Matt Snow, Chief Executive Officer, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

David does a beautiful job capturing real-life lessons learned from the frontlines of pandemic and social change related communications.

Cy Wakeman, New York Times Bestselling author of No Ego

If you want to lead effectively through significant crisis or change, consider Heart First your playbook to do it right.

John Greisch, Chairman Of The Board, Viant Medical

David has captured the essence of what it takes to lead and succeed through the most demanding of circumstances.

Lucia Stetson, Chief of Staff and Director of PMO, Form Technologies

The knowledge and teachings in Heart First have never been more important or urgent.

Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University

Inspired and inspiring — that is what Heart First is for leaders.

Farah Speer, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Novartis Gene Therapies

His simple yet profound message about the power of kindness, authenticity and caring will inform…and dare I say, transform…even the most skeptical of leaders.

Jeff Outten, Chief Change Officer, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

If you read only one leadership book this year, make it this one.

Eric Jacobson, Vice President of Media Development, Ascend Integrated Media; Leadership & Management blogger

About the Author

David Grossman

ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA

David helps leaders drive productivity and get the results they want through authentic and courageous leadership communication. He’s a sought-after speaker and advisor to Fortune 500 leaders, and member of the Forbes Communication Council.

An award-winning five-time author, David is CEO of The Grossman Group, a leading strategic leadership development and internal communication consultancy. His leadercommunicator™ blog has been ranked the number one blog on communication by Feedspot eight years in a row.

David is often quoted in media, providing expert commentary and analysis on how leaders and companies can build trust and keep employees engaged through crisis and change, employee well-being and burnout, and more. He’s been featured on “NBC Nightly News,” in CBS MoneyWatch, Directors & Boards, Forbes, Great Place to Work, Newsweek, and the World Economic Forum.

His vision is to empower every leader and communicator with insights on leadership so they Lead with Heart. As part of his mission to pay it forward, he’s giving away copies of Heart First – for free – to leaders who want to make the workplace better. To date, he’s given away more than 15,000 copies of his Heart First books.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does Heart First leadership really mean?

Heart First sums up what David Grossman believes is the key to inspired – and effective – leadership. Now more than ever, leaders play a pivotal role in connecting, calming and inspiring their teams. A big part of that is leading with Heart First.

What main themes emerged from David’s interviews with leaders featured in the book?

Many leaders said the key to effective leadership boiled down to leading with greater empathy and understanding, which naturally involves being a better listener. However, there were many other sub-themes, which are detailed in the following chapters:

Lead Yourself First
Know Your Audience and their Needs
Show Your Human Side
Communicate Regularly
Frame the Context and Make it Relevant
Talk Openly About What’s Happening
Be Respectfully Authentic
Be Ready to Answer Questions
Use the Right Channels to Communicate with Impact

In Heart First, what does David have to say about leading through change, which is what all leaders must do in today’s constantly evolving business environment?

David’s message here is that change is constant in leadership, now more than ever. This can be especially challenging for leaders who are now required to respond and evolve at a faster pace than ever before. The book offers practical insights and guidance to help leaders understand what they can do on a daily basis to navigate this type of business environment. The many leaders he interviewed from various industries were also candid in their advice on this topic.

Who is this book for?

Employees and leaders at every level of experience – from those aspiring to be leaders on up to the CEO – will find real value in Heart First. The insights from David as well as a variety of leaders in a range of prominent positions will help anyone who wants to excel at inspiring and motivating themselves and their teams to achieve great things.

Is Heart First available outside the United States?

Currently, Heart First ships via Amazon to the U.S. If you live outside of the U.S. and want to place a bulk book order, please submit your inquiry here.

Can David deliver a keynote or otherwise help with training for my organization?

David is one of America’s foremost authorities on communication and leadership inside organizations, and the team of experts at The Grossman Group regularly deliver leadership and communication trainings and keynotes both virtually and in-person. Hundreds of organizations of all sizes have turned to The Grossman Group to provide inspiration, practical guidance and trainings on a wide variety of leadership and communication topics. If you’d like to learn more about the organizations we’ve helped and book a custom communication or leadership training, let us know here.

When will my book arrive?

Amazon Prime members are eligible for free 2-day shipping. Shipping for non-members depends on your selected shipping option. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico can take up to 7-10 business days.

Is there an audiobook or eBook version of Heart First?

Heart First isn’t your typical business book in content – or design. It’s best consumed in its condensed, easy-to-read paperback format.

What type of clients does The Grossman Group serve? Do you work with only large firms or organizations of different sizes?

The Grossman Group has worked with companies and organizations of all types and sizes, including Abbott, Amsted, Form Technologies, Hillrom, KeHE, Lockheed Martin, Novartis, SC Johnson, Southern New Hampshire University and Tecomet, among hundreds of others. Twice-named Boutique Agency of the Year by PRWeek and Employee Communication Agency of the Year by PRvoke (formerly The Holmes Report), The Grossman Group’s work has won all the “Oscars” of communication. Prior to founding The Grossman Group in 2000, David was the director of communications for McDonalds.

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With stories from more than 30 leaders,