The Radical Leap

The Buzz is Building!
Readers Rave about The Radical Leap

The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership is off to a … well … leaping start. Published by Dearborn in April, 2004 the book has received great reviews from Fast Company magazine (receiving the acclaimed Readers' Choice Award in the May issue), American Way, and Soundview Executive Book Summaries, to name a few.

The author, Steve Farber, is appearing on radio and TV news and talk shows around the country and speaking at numerous corporate and association events in both the private and public sector.

That's all very nice, to be sure; however …

The real news comes from the readers themselves. In this document, you're invited to "eavesdrop" on the emails that Steve has received from readers around the country. He's heard from all kinds of folks: college students to senior citizens; and CEOs to independent entrepreneurs. Some bought the book because they heard Steve speak, and others just grabbed it off the shelf in an airport or local bookseller.

In all cases, though, the message is clear and consistent: The Radical Leap is changing peoples' lives.

Read on …

Email From Readers

Dear Steve,
Thanks for Edg, Janet, Pops, your character and all the others in The Radical Leap. I truly enjoyed the story, the truths and the journey. I especially appreciate the experiential nature in which you wove this wonderful yarn. It wasn't until I finished the book, caught my breath and began to reflect on what I had read that I remembered how powerful a teaching tool experience can be, especially for those of us waaaaay past college age. Re-discovering Leap through your character's eyes ignited an even stronger passion for the truths that lie between the book's covers.

I also wanted to briefly share how The Radical Leap is changing my world. First, my wife wants to see the book that I could read in a single sitting. She is still in disbelief, as I am typically a slow reader, and she's quite curious as to what this LEAP is all about. Secondly, I shared my copy with our Director of Sales, who, upon finishing it, promptly encouraged all our sales managers and team leaders to purchase their own copies of it. Thanks again for everything!

****

Extreme Leadership Team,
I was in her office recently, when our office director excitedly told me about The Radical Leap. "Read this," she said. "It's amazing stuff." I went home that night and immersed myself in this fast-reading book and found that I agreed (My favorite part was the bathroom sign: priceless).

Now in the quest to make our next recognition/motivation event not just "another meeting", I would like to see if/when Mr. Farber is available to address our team regarding the Extreme Leadership principles.

****

I am a twenty-six year old college student. I picked your book up not knowing exactly why. After looking at it for 2 months I read it in 2 days. I will certainly read it again. It is a compelling vision and journey that I am very happy to have read. It has given me a challenge again and a focus that I have been losing lately. Thank you for sharing yourself.

****

WOW!! I finished your book last night -- after starting it on the train in the evening!! I do believe that is the only time that I have wished that my train ride was longer!! I have already recommended it to two of my former colleagues and will be calling Dearborn to find out about the quantity discounts for my staff! I loved it!!

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I read your book on the Fourth of July … while waiting for the fireworks to start! It was wonderful, so much so that I sat in the sun and burned not realizing how much time had indeed passed! So not only did I learn so much from your thoughts, I've also learned that next time I will use that new invention …

You know the one … SUNSCREEN!

****

In my corporate life I'm in an organization that is going through some painful changes. Yet several of us managers decided to start what we call The Leadership Network. We meet once a month and this month I'll be talking about your book. I sent a teaser email -- 'cause I didn't want to give away the nuggets of the story -- and offered to order the book for anyone who wanted to read it before the meeting. Many people asked me "What's an OS!M?" I told them they should read/buy the book or come and hear me talk about it to find out. I gotta say your book's a whole new spin on leadership that's relevant for what we're experiencing and I think it could help.

I just wanted to write to thank you. I just finished your book and the only way that I can put it is I have been returned to myself. I am a lawyer (who hates being a lawyer) trying to make the transition to coach/consultant. A couple of years ago, I wrote a seminar on employee motivation that threw the bar way out there. It was a challenge to business. It was a challenge to employers. It was a challenge to employees to change the way that work gets done. To create a culture of actual empowerment rather than just use the word empowerment.

I've delivered that seminar for almost 2 years to the day, and ever so slowly, ever so subtly, my message has been whittled away. In your words, I stopped being an Extreme Leader. Without even knowing it, I allowed my message to shrink to a place that business owners could hear, rather than challenging them to rise to where I was looking and see how amazing it could really be. I'm sure you won't be surprised, but my passion, creativity, and love for my work has just as slowly and just as subtly been lost. Your book was a reminder. It was also the first time that I can recall anyone 4 saying something so bold about business. It took me back to the moment that I had the epiphany which eventually became my seminar and reminded me that what I saw then was an idea; it was work that could consume my lifetime. It was a legacy I could leave. Even if I failed, it at least would have been a life worth living. It was my expression of saving the world.

In the last two years since then, I forgot. You reminded me. You reminded me that business can be about saving the world, that it should be about saving the world and perhaps it seemed that business "just wasn't interested" was only an illusion or a perspective whose time has passed.

I watch images on television of war, of violence, of life wasted. For me, the pain of life wasted in the walls of business is just as great. That's what I want to save!

So thank you. Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to take a stand like that in the world of business. That it's okay to take a stand like that in the world period. Thank you for teaching me, that it's appropriate that when I take a stand for altering the way that work gets done to a group of business owners, it should feel like an OS!M. It should be scary, because it is extreme. Thank you for reminding me that my job and my passion is based on piercing their reality of what's possible, tapping into their passion and raising them up, not shrinking down to their view of what's possible.

Thank you.

****

Perhaps our paths will cross one day. I just finished Radical Leap and I absolutely love it. I'm getting ready to do a training program and am sure I'll be able to use some of these GREAT IDEAS. Our national conference just concluded this year, and I actually found the book while stranded in an airport … I considered it a gift from the universe.

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Dear Steve,
We had corresponded following your presentation at NCOF in Chicago. After reading your book, I have been preaching "The Radical Leap" whenever I have the opportunity, primarily to our leadership team here at the Brookstone distribution center. The concept really does cut through the "stuff" and lays out what being an effective leader really is about. Last Friday I had the program for our local small town Rotary Club (Mexico, Missouri) and spoke on leadership principles. Needless to say I highlighted these concepts, as well. I was astounded by the response! I have lost track of how many people have told me, by email, phone messages, etc., how much they enjoyed the presentation and that they were going to buy your 5 book. I got an email from one guy today saying he had ordered several copies.

Just wanted to give you this update, but also wanted to thank you. After 30+ years in this business, it is nice to be so re-energized!

****

Dear Steve, I want to thank you for your book. I run 2 companies, have one child under 2, a puppy, an elderly grandmother who lives with me and type-1 diabetes. Somehow I managed to read your book in less than 2 days. Your book definitely left me many things to think about.

****

While I was San Diego bound this past weekend for the holiday I peeped in the airport book store to snatch a read. Browsing many as I normally do I came across the copy of your book Radical Leap. First it totally put me in the Cali mood but beyond it was completely invigorating. Here at the young age of 24, a Miami of Ohio graduate I sit wanting all the answers to where my life is headed. I am a driven, highly motivated individual that envisions a shinning successful future before her … the challenge is discovering how I am going to accomplish my dreams. Recently I have been contemplating my career path. Have I chosen the right occupation, am I stifling myself or better yet am I being stifled.

Yes, I understand I am at that stage in my life that we all go through, when we are overwhelmed with opportunities and choices. Saying that I wanted to thank you, thank you for aiding me in this quest for success.

Since a very young age I have thrived on making others happy. Looking back on my happiest moments, the moments I felt the most accomplished involve many of my leadership endeavors. My most prideful occurred during college when I experienced an OS!M. Imagine a room of 100 college girls being told by National Council they could not recolonize the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority on Miami's Campus … by far an emotional roller coaster. Filled with anxiety and determination I boldly stood as a freshmen and voiced my opinion. Convincing, I was, and that year we initiated 140 women. I spent the next four years dedicated to leading these women to establishing the successful foundation ZTA at Miami resides on today.

As I prepare myself to conquer the GMAT with the intent of pursuing my MBA I will keep in mind your insights and my answers to the Daily Handbook. If you have any friendly advice to this crazy thing we call life I am all ears:)

****

Dear Mr. Farber,

I am reading your book on extreme leadership and it is absolutely amazing. As a college student I have not completely formed a philosophy on business but this about sums up what I am heading toward. I have always aspired to do what I love to do despite how much money it makes, what anyone else thinks, etc. and it is refreshing to see that this philosophy is shared -- An aspiring leader.

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Dear Steve,

I hope your ears were burning. [a colleague] and I were just discussing you and The Radical Leap, and since I have currently gifted 7 copies of said book to friends and associates, I figured it was high time to contact you.

I would like to request permission to use some of your material from The Radical Leap in one speaking program and one training program this month. I will be working with a financial organization as well as an insurance organization, and I believe my topic for them would only be enhanced by a) referring to 'the Leap' and OS!M and b) giving them the homework assignment of reading your book!

I would be happy to provide you with any additional information on myself or my programs. Just say 'YES!'

****

Steve,
I particularly enjoyed Radical Leap, and as a writer as well as OD consultant, think you've done a good job in meeting your goal of writing a book that is "grittier" and more useful than the large number of unfortunate and patronizing parables. I have recommended it to a number of students in the leadership classes I teach at Duquesne University, and they too have responded enthusiastically.

****

I have to tell you that I was flying out for a business meeting on Friday and read a review of The Radical Leap in the airline magazine. It grabbed my interest, and I went out and bought it the next day. I finished it in a couple hours, and found it fantastic and extremely well-done! Just wanted to let you know that I was really impressed!

****

Hello Steve,
While on a layover in Houston, from Vancouver, Canada to Guatemala City -- I saw your book and felt it calling to me -- weird but that is not unusual for me. I just read it - and now understand why it called to me. It is part of a 7 package of courage that is being dealt to me during this time in my life. In my early business readings I steered away from parable writing - shouldn't have because the greatest teacher of all time used parable to communicate a message of love -- but lately have certainly experienced the power behind it. Thank you.

I am 52 years old -- grew up during the hippie movement -- and embraced many of the ideals -- thankfully not the lifestyle -- kept most of my brains intact -- guess I realized that I didn't have much to spare. I was so enthusiastic during those years -- played a role in student government in college etc. -- but as I entered the years of family and the contingent responsibilities, was often saddened with the apparent compromise or perhaps even loss of the great ideals of that generation. We had so many good ideas -- what happened? I am delighted to say, that in my case -- and I believe in many others - those ideals just lay dormant for a while. I believe there may be a resultant wave of transformation in business evolving, which excites me enormously -- this wave has the ability to make the world a better place - in a sustainable manner -- because business by nature has to sustain its own life and in doing so has the greatest opportunity to bring about positive change.

In my own case, I am learning, along with my fine colleagues, what it means to be alive. One of our companies is Hallmark Retirement Corp. -- www.hallmarkassistedliving.ca -- perhaps an odd industry to learn about living -- but let me tell you -- it has been an amazing learning environment. If you have the time to go to our website you will see a link to what we are doing in Guatemala -- and perhaps get a taste for what Guatemala is doing in us -- just go to the link and open the video footage from our recent trips. As part of our life together -- we have chosen to support and learn from others in need. We travel on an annual service trip to Guatemala once a year. Our residents make items year round -- a sense of purpose with each piece, as they pass their love on through a blanket, a toy, clothing or whatever, to someone they will never meet. We actually include residents in the trips -- a 91 year old participated in one of our adventures.

All this to say, thank you for allowing me to sit at your feet and to read about your journey. Thank you for taking the time to write it out.

A fellow traveler
p.s. loved the line on the tombstone: "he tried!"

****

I just purchased "The Radical Leap" and can not put the book down. It is wonderful! I am curious as to whether you have ever considered writing a 8 book for coaching and inspiring lawyers and employees at law firms and/or in-house counsel positions. I am currently in-house counsel for a top-notch hospitality company, although was previously in private law practice for a number of years, and find that I am not quite "energized" by the vision (maybe it's just the practice of law in general that's the problem! … as lawyers are a "special" breed, aren't they?!).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

****

Dear Steve, We met briefly when I requested your autograph for my copy of The Radical Leap. Your presentation at the California Conference on Tourism in March was so impressive. I wanted to know more.

Well, I finally took the time to read it. You might chuckle to know that it traveled with me on a recent business trip to Australia. The schedule was so busy that I never had the time to read it "down under". Upon return, with the significant jet lag, the other night I found myself starting the book at bedtime. My sleeping cycle is still a mess and I ended up staying up all night reading The Radical Leap. The real fact is that couldn't put it down! I was intrigued and inspired.

I plan to read it again and make LEAP a part of my life. I would also like to introduce your ideas to more friends and colleagues. Please call me when you have a chance. And thanks again for the incredible lesson!

****

Hello Mr. Farber,
My name is Michael Neely and I am the Company of Friends volunteer coordinator for the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Special Interest Group. I want to congratulate you on your book, "The Radical Leap."

In a style that, I dare say, reads like Richard Bach having coffee with Peter Drucker and Steven Covey. With naming those three authors you have superseded the three most influential books of my life, "Illusions," "Innovation and Entrepreneurship," and "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." I have also enclosed my very personal results from reading your book and applying it to my life. You're right … the rest now is easy …

Have a great day!

****

The book was a wonderful quick read and I absolutely loved reading about the LEAP concept. What an innovative approach to leadership you have. Great writing ability. Hope to hear more from you in future books. Best wishes for much success in the future.

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Mr. Farber,
I finished "The Radical Leap" about 5 minutes ago. Just when you thought there were no more angles to the leadership prism, voila! You found one. And a great one at that.

I just received my professional designation as a certified life coach, and my angle is leadership and management development within corporate USA. Congratulations on a solid contribution to the leadership library. Keep up the great work.

****

Steve, I was so fortunate to see your presentation at the Intentia Users conference in Las Vegas. I was totally taken in with the OS!M and now I want to seek out and tackle every challenge! You have raised my confidence level. I just completed your book! Could you please send me your powerpoint that you shared at the Intentia Conference? I would like to recommend you to some friends.

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Dear Mr. Farber:
I had the privilege to hear your presentation at the recent AMA Leadership in Washington, DC. And today, I blew another San Diego phenomenally beautiful day, in my back yard reading "The Radical Leap", your novelized book on Leadership. Whether the story is true or invented, it strikes true to me since it made me relive all the places you described. I have read about faraway places in a novel before, but to read about a novel describing the neighborhood that you live sure has an eerie feeling I have never experienced before. Indescribable!

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Good Morning Mr. Farber,
When I go to Stacy's book store on Market Street in S.F., I discover small gems of knowledge. I saw the cover of your book (which is great), picked it up and BAM!!!

I admire Tom Peters, enjoyed the books by Patrick Lencioni, and have tried The Leadership Challenge several times and could not get through it. I read The Radical Leap over this passed weekend and I have made a "Radical Leap" in my life. THANKS. I was into the thinking of "What's Love got to do with It?" from Tina Turner's big hit. I fell in Love with your writing, which sparked a feeling so deep inside of me that was so lost. I LOVE the OS!M, the characters are wonderful and I couldn't wait to start using the Daily Handbook of Extreme Leaders, starting with my family.

I look forward to seeing you one day soon. I bought several copies last night. I'm giving one to my boss and one to a business associate. I can't wait for the CD so I can get deeper into the concepts. I want to teach, coach and inspire greatness in others.

Coaching has been a dream I've carried in my heart for a long time. Now I have a way to help my family, friends and associates take "The Radical Leap" in life. Have a great day, and THANKS.

Good Morning Mr. Farber [Part Two], "The Radical Leap" is catching on in my office. I told a colleague who went off and bought a copy and left it on her desk. Someone saw it, picked it up, started reading and went out and bought a copy. It's getting around that I read it over the weekend and I made a "Radical Leap" in my life. WOW, I've never seen so much excitement over one book. I'm so happy and excited for you.

As I was listening to President Bush's speech last night, I kept telling my family about your book and that Mr. Bush must have read it. He looked like he was having an OS!M.

Have a great day.

I'm looking for my OS!M for today.

****

Hello Steve:
Your book was fantastic; it was as good as I have ever read on leadership. I have a company of over 400 employees -- we have 82 branches and are in the mortgage business. We have a sales seminar once per year and we also get our top 15 managers get together once per year. I would like to see if you have anything available in a small group format and to see what you provide to companies individually. I very much enjoyed your book and want to see if we can incorporate you and your information into a "company meeting" format. Look forward to your response.

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Mr. Farber: Recently a colleague gave me your book citing that it reminded her of my views on leadership. For whatever reason I've always been motivated by love and firmly believe in doing scary things everyday (I actually think my mother's rearing of me has something to do with it). I've just always instinctively felt that love is the driver for all endeavors large and small. It's the greatest fuel for motivation and courage. Anyhow, first, I 11 naturally enjoyed your book. It was entertaining and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing your insights with the world.

****

Dear Steve,
I picked up Radical Leap on the way out of town and am connecting with the concepts in the book. I'll have to find a clever way to inject LEAP into my management staff of reserved Brits, Swedes and Norwegians. They think I'm crazy already -- this just may confirm it!

Keep up the good work.

Readers Rave on Amazon.com

Earlier this spring I completed my first reading of The Leadership Challenge and as a result had become a real fan of Kouzes and Posner. I had also (a few weeks prior) completed the Leadership Challenge LPI as a part of an Executive Training program at the Darden School. A coworker dropped The Radical Leap on my desk and mentioned that I might be interested. That night I inhaled the story in one sitting and held on to the book for reference for a period of another four days. (The owner then wrestled it from my possession) The story captivated me, challenged what I thought were my strengths, exposed personal opportunities as well as the folly of some of my perceived "weaknesses". I also just flat-out pumped me up. Steve Farber has rolled up the best of Kouzes and Posner, Marcus Aurelius, Churchill, Mr. Ed, and Phil Jackson. He has woven them into a tale of open-mindedness, willingness and personal responsibility.

If you're a leader, it'll rock your world and validate your daily struggle. Who will benefit from it? Teachers, coaches, managers, supervisors, parents, and heck, just about anyone else who deals with human beings on a regular basis.

Thanks Steve, you've changed MY world.

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I found this book so useful that I've already read it twice. The Radical Leap inspires me to consider greater possibilities for my work. It seems like work has become a world separate from the world most of us want to live in. Today's work environment considers emotions a weakness, ambitions beyond growth and profit irrational, and personal growth an unnecessary indulgence. Perhaps this explains the countless soulless institutions where behavior we would never accept in our own families is deemed not only okay, but considered heroic. Many organizations have created internal environments grossly out of alignment with individual beliefs, values and goals.

****

We don't need scientific data to know that the performance of such organizations is impacted immensely by disenfranchised employees and customers. Farber's book describes a way of leading that can bring organizations back in alignment with shared human needs, values and beliefs. If only more leaders had the courage to practice what The Radical Leap promotes, our organizations could become institutions we could be proud of and, in the process, change the world.

****

This book is so well written that it's a joy to read and hard to put down. It's funny, with up-to-the-minute humor. It's an intriguing mystery. It takes a stand for real leadership. Real leadership that inspires human development and organizations that matter. Not heroics. Not techniques. Not rooted in the limitations of financially-driven management. But leadership that can restore the beauty of human possibilities.

****

Buy The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership; Observe and absorb its lessons; refer often to the Daily Handbook for Extreme Leaders which is offered at the end as a guide for putting extreme leadership into practice; buy lots of copies, give them to your colleagues and employees; set aside some time to talk about the principles and how you might put them into practice so that you can each, in your own way, change the world for the better. And let us hope that this first week in A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership is followed by many more that will inspire us all to take the risks -- The Radical Leap -- to develop as human beings and leaders.

****

No matter if you are a student of life or a hard-driving CEO this book is a must-read! The three most influential books in my personal and business lives have been overshadowed and enhanced by Steve's astoundingly obvious conclusions. Buy it, read it and pass it on to a loved one.

****

Within the last month, I have had the pleasure to hear Steve Farber speak on Extreme Leadership and to read this book. Its marvelously communicated paradigm for leadership not only lives up to the other 5 star reviews on this site, but has become an invaluable part of my daily life leading, managing, and enjoying the people I serve. Extreme Leadership has changed my world and inspired me to seek opportunities to do the same. Do yourself a favor: buy this book NOW. Read it as soon as it arrives. Prepare to delight in 13 sharing this powerful paradigm with your friends and colleagues who also aspire to lead and serve people. You'll be glad you did.

****

Incredible book! I enjoyed reading it so much, I almost didn't notice I was being taught powerful leadership lessons. Steve Farber is a masterful story teller, and has a wonderful grasp of what leadership is all about. Let's hear some more Mr. Farber!

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When is the last time you returned to the idealism of your youth grounded in the bedrock of adulthood? Steve Farber has written a book that flows with the magnetism of a great novel. I read the whole thing on a plane ride, and finished it with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. He offers advice through personal experience from people who weed out empty drivel from the mainstream and condense their priceless ideas into punchy concepts that pack a wallop. Farber's writing matches the excitement of his speaking (Hard to pull off, I assure you.) Like the best of the best, he unites business and personal passion. The book will lead you to greater enjoyment and achievement in business and life.

****

I loved this book. It was a great journey and reminded me of EXACTLY what I needed to be reminded of in my leadership responsibilities. I keep it on my desk so that I don't forget about what it takes … it's a short story, and you won't need a MBA to enjoy it!

****

I loved this book. It was a real page turner. Being a manager, Leadership is a topic I'm quite familiar with. The author's approach is entertaining, fresh, innovative and relevant given today's preoccupation with pushing the envelope. It's an engaging story with delightful characters and lot's of chuckles with a few unexpected twists. Whether you're a leader an aspiring leader or just looking for an entertaining read, I highly recommend it.

****

How far can one 'leap' to radical leadership???? I guess that was my question when I first heard the title of this book … actually, if I am being truthful, my first thought was: what does one really mean when they talk about "leadership," anyway?? It seemed so broad to me … so general, so militant. Without spoiling the lessons learned in Steve Farber's book, let me just say that leadership is a seriously deep thing … a life changing experience when UNDERSTOOD and PRACTICED. Steve Farber shares this lesson in fable form … with wonderful and FUNNY!!! characters that touched my heart and my mind.

****

Brilliant! Steve Farber is an awesome story teller. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves a good story and wants to see the light! I found this book to be uplifting and a true eye opener. Read it. You'll love it.

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Steve Farber has managed to give birth to a book which might have had Richard Bach's Illusions and Who Moved My Cheese as parents. I encourage everyone to read, learn and practice Farber's formula in Radical Leap: a personal lesson in extreme leadership. Here's a personal lesson that can bring you to a transpersonal way of sharing your life with "inspired audacity" among other qualities. I'm looking forward to more from Steve's delightful fount of wisdom and practicality. An inspiring must read!