Leadersh*t by Derrick Clough

"Hi, I’m Derrick Clough, and I wrote this book about leadership because so many people get it wrong. You’ll do less, accomplish more, and your people will thank you for it. Cut down the meetings. Quit measuring everyone to death. Don’t try to implement every great idea you have. Sound crazy? Yeah, but it works."

Derrick Clough grew up on a horse ranch near Vancouver, and never gave up his cowboy boots, even as an executive with one of North America's biggest banks, where he earned a reputation as a maverick and a straight-shooter. He rose quickly through the ranks, recognized as a gifted people leader who could tackle challenges head-on and deliver outstanding results.

In this book, Derrick shares his people-focused leadership approach in the insightful and entertaining way his people have come to know and love. With colourful examples from sports, history and Hollywood, you’ll learn practical ways to win the hearts and minds of your staff, and achieve your business goals.

In short, easy-to-read chapters, Derrick shares what he's learned over 15 years in an executive leadership role, responsible for a multi-billion-dollar book of business and 200 to 300 staff. Topics include:

- Why you don’t need 100% buy-in from your people to get things done
- The right way to deliver tough messages, and exit people if needed
- Addressing mental health issues in the workplace
- How to make the best of a crisis
- Managing Millennials

Never heard of a ‘sh*t sandwich’ or ‘sh*t twinkie?’ You will. This isn’t a scholarly tome by someone who’s never run a business. Leadersh*t is a straight-talking, practical guide that will help you deliver results, and earn the trust and respect of the people you lead.

Caution: Contains salty language.

PRAISE FOR LEADERSH*T BY DERRICK CLOUGH

“Refreshing straight talk is what Derrick delivers in this book! He offers perspectives ... exemplifying the ‘been there, lived that’ experience.” – Bruce Kirke, Manager, Spartan Controls

“This book is brilliant. Exactly what I needed when I was trying to be a leader. As a CEO for more than 39 years, it offers insight into people management that took me 15 years in TEC to come close. Thank you, Derrick, for putting it so bluntly.” – Rob Sutton, Former CEO, RAS Industries

"Derrick writes like he lives, with honesty, integrity and wit. This book is a testament to Derrick’s abilities to teach leaders to be strong and confident while fostering a positive and productive environment." – Debbie Brandt, Area Manager, TD Bank

"You will be enlightened by the simple wisdoms, learn from the inside stories, and thoroughly enjoy some true Derrickisms, like my personal favourite, 'You can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t.'" – David Fotia, Branch Manager, TD Bank

ABOUT DERRICK CLOUGH

Derrick Clough grew up on a horse ranch near Vancouver, Canada. He earned a Master’s degree while helping to manage the farm, and worked as a journalist for a few years. Then he joined TD Bank as a teller in the Yukon.

Within ten years, Derrick was an executive with the Bank, responsible for a multi-billion-dollar book of business and 200 to 300 staff at any given point. After a long and fulfilling career, he retired in 2019.

Derrick now runs a hobby farm near Carstairs, Alberta, with his wife, son, dog and two horses. He spends his time gardening, building, reading, cooking, and coaching clients from the comfort of home.

Leadership is still his superpower.