Leading and growing through shared leadership and treating customers as friends: A philosophical assessment of two entrepreneurially minded authors

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the importance of shared leadership and persistent relationship management in entrepreneurship, customer service and employee development. The study proposes that shared leadership and treating customers as friends can be a powerful combination for entrepreneurial and organizational success, as demonstrated through the experiences of two successful leaders and entrepreneurs. More specifically, by spending one hour of face-to-face time with the authors of “Shared Leadership Disciplines: A Better Way to Lead & Coach” and “Our Customers, Our Friends: What 50 Years in Business Has Taught Rita and Rick Case About Sales Success and Community Service” books, this paper provides a summary and analysis of how the concepts of shared leadership and treating customers as friends can be operationalized. The paper highlights some of the best practices and recommendations.