Secrets of Entrepreneurial Leadership: Building Top Performance Through Trust and Teamwork

Nicholas ( 43 Proven Ways to Raise Capital for Your Small Business ) attributes his success in building 21 direct-marketing companies--dealing in everything from ice cream to publishing--to his ability to inspire his associates' trust. Here he sets out tricks of the trade. In the form of chatty weekly luncheon ``conversations,'' Nicholas answers questions ``posed'' by a fellow entrepreneur, ``Bill,'' regarding ``Twenty Trust Builders'' techniques and communication tactics which the author uses to combat employees' suspicion of management and to develop their sense of participation in the ``corporate culture.'' The approach includes requesting employees to write ``personal mission'' statements and to fill out ``contracts for commitment'' and productivity indicators as well as time and problems analysis worksheets. Readers who prefer to skip the luncheon question-and-answer gimmick will find headings and bracketed summaries of the chief points discussed. (Nov.)