Learning to co-create — Steffan Surdek's insights began to take priority for Turan in discussions about leadership.

Industry: IT
Title: Ph.D. in computer science and technical sciences

Here is what Turan had to say after reading Steffan’s book, The Way of the Co-creative leader.

Why I decided to read this book

Steffan is an expert I value greatly and whose thoughts and professionalism I trust. I came across Steffan's announcement about the release of his book in one of his posts, and I congratulated him. He personally offered to send me a copy as a gift. Of course, I didn’t refuse. The connection between the book and me grew quickly.

Why I immediately liked the book

The moment I started reading, I felt as if I was devouring its contents. The book immediately grabbed my attention on an emotional level, pulling me in. The way Steffan describes the emotional and psychological experiences behind his leadership journey resonated deeply with me, and I couldn’t put the book down.

What I liked most while reading it

The most impactful aspect was the human-centered approach to leadership. This approach blended emotional intelligence with strategic thinking. The real-life events, combined with actionable insights, created a strong connection with the reader, which is one of the styles I admire the most. I also appreciated how the book encourages readers to accept their weaknesses and turn them into strengths, offering a pathway to build their own leadership journey.

Some of my key takeaways from the book

For me, a key takeaway is the need to balance assertiveness with empathy. Co-creative leadership redefines the boundaries of traditional leadership by advocating for active participation from all voices. Additionally, the book highlighted the importance of fostering environments where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, transforming mistakes into doors for new opportunities.

What I learned about my own leadership

This book reminded me that I can gain deeper clarity on how my leadership can evolve by focusing more on collaborative dynamics, rather than individual expertise. It taught me a lot I didn’t know as well. It reinforced the notion that leadership is not about having all the answers but about facilitating a collective path forward, one where shared ownership cultivates stronger outcomes.

Conclusion

After reading this book, everyone draws conclusions based on their own story. However, I’m certain that in every case, it ends with more optimistic, inspiring, and sometimes even revolutionary views forming.

Get your copy of Steffan’s book on Amazon today!