4.8 Stars on Amazon

Stop Managing.Start Leading.

Leadership is the single skill that separates those who advance from those who plateau. Whether you're a manager today or an individual contributor aiming higher, Lead Forward! Leadership Skills for Managers gives you the exact playbook Robert built across 26+ years at the Fortune 50 level.

0+Years Fortune 50
0Action Chapters
0+Leaders Developed
Lead Forward! Leadership Skills for Managers by Robert L. Short
LEAD FORWARD STOP MANAGING. START LEADING. BUILD EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE BUILD TEAMS THAT PERFORM MASTER EFFECTIVE DELEGATION LEAD WITH PURPOSE CREATE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY DEVELOP YOUR PEOPLE LEAD WITH INTEGRITY FROM MANAGER TO LEADER LEAD FORWARD STOP MANAGING. START LEADING. BUILD EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE BUILD TEAMS THAT PERFORM MASTER EFFECTIVE DELEGATION LEAD WITH PURPOSE CREATE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY DEVELOP YOUR PEOPLE LEAD WITH INTEGRITY FROM MANAGER TO LEADER
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Why This Book Exists

Leadership isn't a title.
It's a decision.

Whether you manage a team of ten or are still building the influence to get there, the skills in this book will change how you show up — at work and in life.

You're good at your job. But good isn't getting you promoted.

Technical skills got you here. Leadership skills are what take you further. Every person who has ever moved from contributor to leader made one key shift first.

Your team performs, but you feel like you're just managing traffic.

There's a difference between keeping things running and inspiring people to do their best work. One feels exhausting. The other feels like purpose.

You want to lead, but nobody showed you how.

Leadership isn't taught in business school. Most people figure it out the hard way, through costly mistakes, lost talent, and missed opportunities. It doesn't have to be that way.

“This book is for anyone who wants to lead — not just manage.”

Who is Lead Forward! for?

Everyone. But especially you, if any of the above felt personal.

New managers

stepping into your first leadership role

Senior leaders

looking to sharpen and scale your impact

Aspiring ICs

building influence without a title

Team leads

trying to get the best from every person

Inside the book

Every chapter is a skill.
Every skill moves you forward.

This is not a book you read and shelve. Each of the 12 chapters ends with exercises you apply immediately. By the time you finish, your team will already feel the difference.

Robert L. Short leading a team meeting with Lead Forward! on the table

What you get

12 chapters of immediately applicable leadership skills
26 years of Fortune 50 wisdom, no filler
Exercises at the end of every chapter
Free bonus downloads with your purchase
Get the Book

Available now

Robert L. Short holding Lead Forward! Leadership Skills for Managers

“Leadership isn't a position of power. It's a platform for impact.”

Robert L. Short

The man behind the mission

26+ Years in the Arena.
One Book That Earns It.

Robert L. Short is an executive senior leader, mentor, and business coach with over 26 years building high-performance teams at a Fortune 50 company. His writing draws from that experience at the highest levels of business, offering practical insight for readers of all backgrounds, from first-time managers to seasoned executives.

Alongside his executive role, Robert serves as Global Chief of Staff for an Employee Resource Group, an experience that deepened his conviction that creating true belonging is not a soft initiative — it is foundational to team performance, engagement, and long-term strategic success.

His writing is impactful and actionable. Based in Las Vegas, NV, Robert continues to inspire and empower through a unique blend of executive expertise and a genuine passion for helping others lead at their highest level.

26+Years at Fortune 50
12Actionable Chapters
4.8★Amazon Rating
Reader Praise

What Readers Are Saying

4.8 out of 5 · 186 ratings on Amazon

"Excellent resource for new leaders"

"Lead Forward: Leadership Skills for Managers" is more than just a leadership book — it's an inspiring guide for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make a real impact in their workplace. From the very first chapter, the author sets the tone for a transformative journey, offering practical insights that are easy to apply yet powerful in execution.

JD King · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Good price for good knowledge"

Great book! Definitely MUST read! Good source of information.

Pablo Agustin · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Great read for management or upcoming management or leadership roles"

Awesome read! It will open up the way you think about leadership skills! In my case, I read it because I am opening up to taking a management role in my business office, and this book really laid out some great groundwork! Thanks to the author. Make the time to read; you won't be disappointed.

Brenda · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Must Read to Move from Manager to Leader"

I started reading Lead Forward and, initially, was very disappointed. Then, I shifted my mindset and started to read this from the perspective a new manager or someone who didn't read a lot about leadership. With that mindset shift, I found this book to be insightful and full of very helpful ideas and perspectives.

N W · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Foundation to be successful"

The book is an easy read with good examples to make the content applicable. This is info that can benefit anyone and forms the foundation for being able to be successful — this position as well as helping others to be successful.

Sherrie Patterson · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Good read"

So far I am really enjoying this book, I'm looking forward to putting these skills to good use.

Skidsofast · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Great read"

If you are looking to strengthen your leadership skills. This is a great resource.

R Seeber · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Honest and informative for new Managers"

Very informative! I've been looking to further educate myself on leadership and management in order to advance in my career. This book gave a very detailed look into what it takes to be in a leadership position. It doesn't give new information so it's not for professionals. It's geared towards those new to management or looking to branch out into that venue. Overall a very good resource!

nikkil314 · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Content"

Good content.

Jerry · Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Excellent resource for new leaders"

It's not just about learning skills. It's about developing a mindset that fosters confidence, resilience, and authenticity. By the time you turn the last page, you'll feel empowered, equipped, and ready to step up as a leader who truly makes a difference.

Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Excellent resource for new leaders"

Highly recommended for managers, team leaders, and anyone striving to lead with purpose and impact.

Verified Purchase · Amazon

"Must read"

An absolute must read for all leaders and aspiring leaders.

Verified Purchase · Amazon

Robert's experience spans

Fortune 50 ExecutiveGlobal Team BuilderERG Global Chief of StaffLeadership CoachSubstack Author
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Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

Every great leader hada moment of decision.

This is yours. Lead Forward! Leadership Skills for Managers gives you the roadmap, the frameworks, and the confidence to stop managing tasks and start leading people — starting today.

Robert L. Short coaching a leader one-on-one
The mindset shift that separates managers from leaders
12 chapters you can apply before you finish reading
Frameworks built from 26+ years at the Fortune 50 level
The belonging-and-performance connection that drives teams

“Highly recommended for managers, team leaders, and anyone striving to lead with purpose and impact.”

Verified Purchase · Amazon