You Can't Lead With Your Feet on the Desk
You Can't Lead With Your Feet on the Desk: Building Relationships, Breaking Down Barriers, and Delivering Profits (ISBN 0-470-87961-0) is a book by Edwin D. Fuller, first published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 2011.
In "You Can't Lead With Your Feet on the Desk", Fuller offers insight into how he and his small team of “pioneers” built Marriott International into a leading global hotel chain, expanding overseas business from 16 hotels in six countries, grossing $325 million, to nearly 400 properties across 70 countries with $7B in revenues. J. W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Marriott International authored the Foreword, stating “Ed shares scores of personal anecdotes from a 40-year corporate career, along with those of other leaders, that illustrate how deep personal relationships built on mutual respect and trust, and nurtured over time, can save a volatile business deal, inspire team members to greatness, ensure service excellence, bridge cultural divides, and create a long-term, profitable business.”
Edwin Fuller writes, “And my 10-million-plus miles have taught me a lot about the value of getting out from behind my desk and building relationships that span cultural differences.” He goes on to point out that “For any manager, knowledge of other cultures makes it easier to navigate the complexities of today’s multicultural workplace.” Fuller refers to his “10-million-plus miles,” which is actual air travel miles. The book is based on knowledge and information he has gathered while traveling extensively to lead global expansion of Marriott International, Inc. during the 90s and 2000s.
You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk provides details on the following:
- Build relationships through mutual respect
- Earn trust quickly by delivering during a crisis
- Understand how verbal and nonverbal cues can make or break a deal
- Lead from the front and be willing to give yourself the tough jobs
- Learn the local customs and history in order to create positive relationships
Contents
- Ditch the Desk
- The Value of Values
- To Respect is to Inspire
- Trust Must Be Earned
- Learn to Communicate
- Lead from the Front
- The Past Lives On
- Cultivate Your Connections
About the Author
A distinguished leader with four decades of top performance at a Fortune 500 corporation, Edwin "Ed" Fuller possesses a truly comprehensive understanding of global business operations. President and Managing Director of Marriott International Lodging for nearly 20 years, Ed is now the President of the Irvine, California-based consortium Laguna Strategic Advisors LLC. Click here to read the Press Release. A noted speaker, educator, and best-selling author, Ed is one of the leading authorities on global business and hospitality leadership.
While working at Marriott International, Mr. Fuller’s strategic leadership resulted in the creation of over 80,000 jobs worldwide, each one being fully integrated with the prevailing international Marriott culture and philosophies, with a commitment to providing first-rate customer service. As a talented brand developer with a solid foundation in sales and marketing management, Ed’s visionary leadership and long-term goals led to the formation and operation of 550 hotels in more than 72 countries. His career resulted in sales increasing to $8 billion annually, with numbers growing monthly as expansion continues.
Passionate about giving back to the community, he has implemented multiple environmental, youth, and educational initiatives globally. Whenever he can, Ed contributes his expertise to multiple higher education and youth initiatives around the United States. He is also dedicated to programs focusing on environmental sustainability and the lowering consumption rates.
Edwin D. Fuller earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University, where he has been formally recognized with the Boston University Alumni Award in 1999 and School of Management Alumni Award for Service to Alma Mater in 1992. He completed the Harvard School of Business Advanced Management Program. Ed had been recognized with several awards throughout his career, including Hotel Investment Forum India (HIFI) Aatithya Ratna Award, 2010; China Hotel Investment Summit, 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award; and Marriott Chairman’s Award, 1999.
Edwin Fuller served as a Captain in the United States Army, he was awarded the Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal for his exemplary service to his country during missions in Vietnam and Germany.
Reception
Bill Marriott states in his blog, “Among the many great management tips he shares are three that I recommend to you: One: to respect is to inspire…Number two: you have to earn trust…Third: lead from the front, as Ed certainly did in Egypt.” "You can't lead with your feet on the desk . . . or your brain on hold. Ed Fuller brings experience, intelligence, and heart to this inspiring guide to building relationships and the good things that follow when you do. The message is delivered in an engaging style that keeps you entertained and leaves you with lasting wisdom." - Michael V. Drake, MD, Chancellor, University of California, Irvine
"You Can't Lead With Your Feet On The Desk is a thorough examination of the role of relationship as the currency of every culture. Using his knowledge and experience, Fuller provides information on the importance of considering individual needs and interests in crossing cultural borders to putting those needs in the context in which they can best be utilized."
Publishing Information
Author(s): Edwin D. Fuller
Country: United States
Language: English
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Publication date: 2011
Media type: Print (Hardcover)
Pages: 208
ISBN 978-0-470-87961-0 (first edition)
OCLC Number: HF5414.5.F865 2011
Dewey Decimal:
LC Classification: 662153769