In his book, Ron shares powerful, firsthand accounts to help us navigate the dirty side of leadership. He provides practical guidance on how to act when things don’t go as planned and tough situations arise. It is both action-oriented and engaging. Simply put, I wish I had this book when I started out as an entrepreneur.

Now, more than ever, the world needs effective leaders.  Whether at home with our children or with colleagues in the workplace, we all lead in various ways.

Ron’s lessons are just as applicable in those environments as they are in government service.

Get ready - you’re in for a real treat. 

As a 20 year “survivor” of leadership positions in both the private and government sectors, I wish this book was available when I first began my leadership journey, it certainly would have saved me some time, energy and heartache. As any good leader knows, there certainly is a “dirty side” to leadership.

The Dirty Lessons integrated throughout the book are priceless and on point as they relate to leadership. Ron has hit a home run with The Dirty Side of Leadership.

In my life of trying to improve in my leadership of others, I have often picked up the latest book on leadership. It was my hope to find a nice simple plan that I could implement. Something that would keep the messiness away, eliminate the mistakes, smooth over the bumps.  What I often find are books filled with philosophy and strategy but very little practicality and authenticity. Ron’s book is real. It is written from a real leader’s perspective.

He doesn’t pretend to wow you with all the great things he has done but he’s more interested in being honest. I love his authenticity of sharing real stories of ups and downs. You won’t find this in a typical leadership book. All successful leaders have to navigate the dirty side from time to time. I encourage you to allow Ron to help you navigate yours!

Ron Ward is a relational and authentic leader, no matter the setting or audience. I’ve worked with Ron on various team-development initiatives over the past 25 years. and I’ve witnessed his leadership and management which has been driven with an individual focus and all-inclusive impact!

As a 20-year-veteran of student development in higher education, and long-time advisor and emotional intelligence coach for Millennial and Generation Z leaders, the Dirty Side of Leadership is a must-read for emerging leaders working to affect healthy and lasting change!

Ron is a leader in government that everyone can learn from. His personal stories and experiences can benefit anyone. The Dirty Side of Leadership is a must read for those who lead and supervise others.

Chief Ward takes you on a leadership journey from start to finish. There are so many lessons and take aways, not only for the current or new manager, but for those individuals looking to lead.  One walks away from this book with the knowledge that leadership and learning lessons are on every road traveled.

In the Dirty Side of Leadership, Ron provides intimate details into his life and the early years of his career, while depicting the growth into a leadership role. Using his intelligence and dedication to his career in Federal law enforcement and management, along with his ability to convey the dirty lessons within the scope of the story, allows the reader to experience the process that is necessary to be a successful manager. Fantastic experience and delivery of knowledge to become an effective manager that was also very entertaining.

I have known Ron Ward both personally and professionally for the past 12 years and cannot think of anyone who, as Academy Director, has done more to advance the cause of wellness throughout the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services system. As a person and leader who has been tried and tested in both his personal and professional life, Ron’s ability to persevere through the many challenges undoubtedly comes from the holistic approach he takes to leadership. In the Dirty Side of Leadership, Ron conveys his unwavering passion and commitment to serve others and provides the anecdote for leaders to thrive, not just survive, every facet of their lives. Ron’s presentation style and powerful message is effective and appeals to all audiences.

Most leadership books are a waste of time, portraying strategies with irrepressible optimism that all bad employees can be turned good, all problems are opportunities for better times, and being a boss can be all fun and games. The truth is being a boss is not always a day at a sunny beach, sometimes it is gut wrenchingly hard. The Dirty Side of Leadership is the book that finally details ways leaders can prepare for, as well as respond to, the most difficult times all decision makers will eventually face. A fun treat to read, this book is a highly rewarding experience for both new and experienced leaders.