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“You have been well-trained, my young apprentice. They will be no match for you.” Darth Sidious to Darth Maul 56
Becoming a leader
Give credit where credit is due Your employees naturally look up to you and will thrive on your support, encouragement, and gratitude. Don’t underestimate the impact of positive feedback, especially if you are asking a staff member to face a challenging assignment or deal with some meddling Jedi Knights. Boost their confidence, but always remind them who they have to thank for their advancement. After all, an apprentice is only as good—or bad—as their master.
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“The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal... of the situation. ...And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.” Darth Vader 58
Becoming a leader
Provide decisive and forthright feedback You have risen to a position of prominence by meeting targets, advancing your organization’s reach, and putting your life on the line when required. If your subordinates are unable to do the same, they deserve to face the consequences. That may mean a negative performance appraisal, a demotion, or having their prestigious project taken from them. You must find new ways to motivate your staff, because an Empire that tolerates failure deserves to be overthrown.
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“Remember back to your early teachings. All who gain power are afraid to lose it.” Palpatine 60
Becoming a leader
Watch your back Complacency is the enemy of a long career. Once you’ve reached the top, you will be vulnerable— having gained everything, you now have everything to lose. Strike first against those who seek to undermine you. That vice president you caught glaring sideways at you? Transfer them to another office. That aging apprentice lost in dreams of glory? Let another recruit strike them down. Know that any weakness will be exploited. Such is the way of the Sith.
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“You have failed me for the last time, Admiral.” Darth Vader 62
Becoming a leader
Terminate contracts with immediate effect Firing loyal staff is never easy. However, just because instant dismissal can be a painful experience for your employee, it doesn’t have to be hard on you. There’s nothing improper about remaining in your meditation chamber and using technology to pass on the message. It’s fast and effective, and means you won’t have to directly deal with the administrative nightmare of clearing out the stationery, pot plants, or bodies of incompetent, recently departed admirals.
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Senior Editor Cefn Ridout Project Editor Beth Davies Senior Designer Clive Savage Pre-production Producer Siu Yin Chan Producer Zara Markland Managing Editor Sadie Smith Managing Art Editor Vicky Short Publisher Julie Ferris Art Director Lisa Lanzarini Publishing Director Simon Beecroft DK Digital Content, London Digital Producer Alex Valizadeh Digital Operations, Delhi Production co-ordinator Manish Bhatt DK would like to thank: Sammy Holland, Michael Siglain, Troy Alders, Leland Chee, Matt Martin, Pablo Hidalgo, and Nicole LaCoursiere at Lucasfilm; Julia Vargas at Disney Publishing; Emma Grange for editorial assistance; Chris Gould for design assistance; and Julia March for proofreading. First American Edition, 2018 Published in the United States by DK Publishing 345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014 Page design copyright © 2018 Dorling Kindersley Limited DK, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC © & TM 2018 LUCASFILM LTD. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited. A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress. eISBN: 9781465484864 DK books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or educational use. For details, contact: DK Publishing Special Markets, 345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, [email protected] A WORLD OF IDEAS: SEE ALL THERE IS TO KNOW www.dk.com www.starwars.com
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