Blood on the Out-Basket

The need for insightful and inspiring leadership has never been higher. Mike Waller, former newspaper editor and publisher, offers 16 compelling steps to becoming a successful and inspiring leader in his new work, "Blood On The Out-Basket: Lessons in Leadership from a Newspaper Junkie." The book speaks of team-building, the pursuit of excellence, the need for integrity in all things, the embrace of risk, change and innovation, the virtue of tenacity, and more. The book's dynamic lessons rely on Waller's eventful life in newspapers - which included lengthy stays in Kansas City, Hartford and Baltimore - and pivotal points in journalism, including the coverage of the Hyatt Hotel disaster in July 1981. Accompanying Waller's own insights are snapshots of company leaders who walk the talk. Each chapter ends with helpful tips to give the reader additional focus and inspiration. "Mike Waller was my boss, and this book is just like Mike himself: down-to-earth, clear-headed, entertaining and wise. People loved working for Mike, and for good reason. They had fun and, at the same time, they flourished professionally and took increasing pride in their company. And it was - make no mistake - their company." - John Carroll, former editor of the Los Angeles Times and Baltimore Sun. "Mike Waller's long career in newspapers gives him valuable insights into what leaders can do to bring out the best in their organizations. Waller's inside account of The Kansas City Star's coverage of the Hyatt Hotel disaster is, for any journalist or avid consumer of news, truly inspiring. - Art Brisbane, New York Times public editor and former editor and publisher of The Kansas City Star. "Mike Waller is Vince Lombardi without the yelling, General Patton without the arrogance. Like most people who have worked with Mike, I would run through a wall for him, and this book will tell you why." - Bruce DeSilva, former news/features editor and writing coach at The Associated Press and author of "Rogue Island."