The Executive and the Elephant

Lessons for leaders on resolving the ongoing struggle between instinct and the creative mind
Kings, heads of government, and corporate executives lead thousands of people and manage endless resources, but may not have mastery over themselves. Often leaders know that right action is important, but have little (if any) understanding of what prevents them from acting in accordance with their intentions. In this important book, leadership expert Richard Daft portrays this dilemma as a struggle between instinct (elephant) and intention (the executive) using the most current research on the intentional vs. the habitual mind to explain how this phenomenon occurs.


-Based on current research and real–life examples

-Offers leaders a method for directing themselves more productively

-Written by an expert in leadership, organizational performance, and change management



Through real–life examples and recent studies in psychology, management and Eastern spirituality Daft provides guidance to all of us who struggle finding our own balance and cultivating the behavior of others.