Leadership & Self-Deception

Top 50 bestselling leadership book of all time

You're holding people accountable. Following best practices. Leading by example. So why aren't you getting the results you need?

This book reveals the one problem that sabotages even the best leaders—and it's something you can't see: self-deception. Through an engaging business fable, you'll discover why behavior change alone doesn't work and how to address the deeper issue that drives all people problems.

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Arbinger’s solutions equip leaders to move from an inward, self-focused mindset to an outward, people-centered approach that drives results.

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Inside Leadership & Self-Deception
Why You're Stuck:

 Self-betrayal—ignoring what you sense is right—distorts how you see yourself and others. You justify your behavior, blame your team, and stay trapped in patterns that don't work.
The Real Cost:

 When you're "in the box" (self-deceived), others become objects to blame, use, or ignore. Even your good actions feel manipulative because your mindset is self-focused.
The Way Out:

 You can't think your way out of self-deception. The shift happens when you begin seeing others as people who matter like you matter—with their own needs, challenges, and objectives.

 

This isn't abstract philosophy. It's a practical framework used by thousands of organizations to eliminate blame, build genuine accountability, and transform results.

This book is essential reading if you're a...

Senior Leader who knows your culture needs to change but traditional approaches aren't working. You need your leadership team aligned and operating with genuine accountability, not just compliance.

HR Leader tired of initiatives that lose momentum. You're looking for a sustainable approach that addresses root causes, not just symptoms, and creates lasting cultural transformation.

Learning Professional seeking tools that actually stick. You need content that changes how people think and see, not just what they do, so your programs drive measurable improvement.
Bruce-Christensen

After decades of executive leadership in senior management positions, I've finally found in Arbinger what I consider to be the best means of improving every measure of success.

Bruce L. Christensen
Former President & CEO, PBS

Robert-Edwards

After decades of executive leadership in senior management positions, I've finally found in Arbinger what I consider to be the best means of improving every measure of success.

Robert Edwards
Managing Director, Sales, FedEx

Janet-Steinwedel

Simple...clear...powerful. With many years of experience in leadership, organizational development, and training I was surprised to find something strike me with such impact.

Janet Steinwedel
President, Leader's Insight

Concepts that transform how you lead
Self-Betrayal

The moment you ignore what you sense is right, and how it changes everything
The Box

Why being self-deceived makes even good leadership feel wrong to your team
Collusion

 How teams unwittingly cooperate in dysfunction, and how to break the pattern
Seeing People as People

 The shift that enables genuine influence and sustainable results
Getting Out of the Box

 Practical approaches to maintain clarity in high-pressure situations

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The cost of inaction grows every day. Start your transformation now.

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