Stepping Up

"The perfect book for the times in which we live . . . page after page of engaging stories, profound insights, and practical tips on how you can stand up and take responsibility for making something meaningful happen." --Jim Kouzes, coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge "Gives you the key to unlocking your full potential for greater success, achievement, and personal power in every area of your life." -Brian Tracy, New York Times-bestselling author of Eat That Frog! All too often, the challenges we face seem overwhelming. Where do we start? What if we fail? But bestselling author John Izzo argues that almost every problem, from personal difficulties and business challenges to social issues, can be solved if all of us look to ourselves to create change rather than looking to others. And with the research to prove it, Izzo shows that by seeing ourselves as the locus of control rather than the victims of change, we are happier, less stressed, and more powerful. Izzo shows how taking responsibility changes our careers, our companies, our lives, and our communities. This book is filled with stories that illustrate the incredible power of stepping up- a homeless man who started a recycling revolution, a middle-aged Italian shopkeeper who fought back against the Mafia, two teenagers who ignited an antibullying movement, an executive who turned a dying division into a profit center, and a few employees who created a multibillion-dollar product for Starbucks, and many more. This second edition includes a new chapter on the Stepping Up Continuum, a model that looks at six ways to know if you are stepping up or stepping back, as well as fresh stories and a self-assessment tool for helping leaders create a culture for stepping up in their organizations. We have the power within ourselves to move mountains-we just have to decide that we are the ones to do it. "Insightful and inspired!" -Marshall Goldsmith, #1 New York Times-bestselling author

About the Author :
John Izzo is president of Izzo & Associates and has devoted the past twenty-five years of his life to facilitating deeper conversations about values, work, life, leadership, and success. He has spoken to over one million people and advised over 500 companies, including IBM, Qantas, the Mayo Clinic, Verizon, RBC, Telus, Walmart, DuPont, Humana, and Microsoft. He is the author or coauthor of seven books, including Awakening Corporate Soul, The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die, and The Purpose Revolution.

Review :
“Insightful and inspired!” —Marshall Goldsmith, world-renowned executive coach and author of the New York Times bestsellers Mojo and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There “The perfect book for the times in which we live . . . page after page of engaging stories, profound insights, and practical tips on how you can stand up and take responsibility for making something meaningful happen.”  —Jim Kouzes, coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge  “This powerful, practical, life-changing book gives you the key to unlocking your full potential for greater success, achievement, and personal power in every area of your life.” —Brian Tracy, bestselling author of Eat that Frog! and Goals! “Drawing on a lifetime of wise work with people who were rethinking their purpose in life, Izzo shows how to step up to your own life.” —Richard Leider, bestselling author of The Power of Purpose and Repacking Your Bags “A book for all managers, leaders, parents, and pals who want to challenge themselves and others to grow, change, and make a mark on this earth.” —Beverly Kaye, founder and CEO, Career Systems International, and coauthor of Love ’Em or Lose ’Em and Love It, Don’t Leave It “Stepping Up is not a lecture but an inspiration! It is that rare book that will help your personal life, help you in your career, improve your business, and help change the world. This empowering book shows how, by taking responsibility for the major areas of our lives—family, work, community—we release tremendous energy and creativity to work for positive change.” —Duane Elgin, author of Voluntary Simplicity and The Living Universe “This book compels us all to step up and draw on our courage to help realize positive change—either within our immediate circle of influence or in a wide-reaching manner. Once again, Dr. Izzo’s research, unparalleled storytelling, and actionable advice present a gift that can significantly enrich our personal and professional lives.” —Josh Blair, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, TELUS “The fastest ticket to success in career and life is to do something worth doing! That won’t happen if you play it safe, point fingers at others, or act like a victim. As a senior HR executive, I have always found that you have to take a stand to make a difference. Stepping Up is filled with stories of people who stepped up, spoke up, took initiative, and made their companies (and the world) better. If you want to get ahead in your career then read this book and follow its advice.” —Brigid Pelino, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Economical Insurance “Stepping Up is an insightful and timely read. John Izzo has delicately woven inspirational stories with practical examples of how any leader who chooses to step up and make a difference can truly make the world a better place.” —Ferio Pugliese, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Air Canada “Stepping Up is an empowering, immensely freeing book based on an exquisitely simple concept. Izzo combines evidence-based insights with action-provoking stories of hope, reminding us of the game-changing power that quietly lies within reach of every person.” —Susan Biali, MD, author of Live a Life You Love “John Izzo’s Stepping Up is a remarkable book. It shows how each of us can do what needs doing, no matter how big and intractable the problem. Reading it is sure to propel anyone into meaningful action.” —Mark Levy, founder of Levy Innovation and author of Accidental Genius “John Izzo has ‘stepped up’ in writing this book to engage all of us  in making the world a better place. It begins with a very simple premise: we must each take responsibility for the fixing. Izzo understands the concept of scale and shows us, through stories, the many levels of influence each one of us has access to. Doing our part, at whatever level we can, makes the world a better place even as it makes us feel empowered and enriched. This is a guidebook for making a difference written by a wonderful guide.” —Joel Barker, futurist, filmmaker, and author “Stepping Up makes a timely and important contribution to leadership thinking and practice. Dr. Izzo shows how all of us are capable of stepping up and making a difference in our work and personal lives. This book is a must-read for all managers and supervisors.” —Bob Peter, Former President and CEO, LCBO