No Bullsh*t Leadership by Christ Hirst Summary

No Bullsht Leadership* is a practical guide to leadership that strips away jargon and theoretical fluff, focusing on actionable strategies to drive results. Chris Hirst, a former Global CEO, emphasizes simplicity, decisive action, and team empowerment. Key concepts include Colin Powell’s 40/70 decision-making rule and the "Leadership Impact" equation (objectives + strategy + team × action). The book argues leadership is a skill, not an innate trait, and provides tools to transform teams.

Aspiring and current leaders, managers, and executives seeking a no-nonsense approach to leadership will benefit. It’s ideal for those frustrated with abstract theories and eager for a step-by-step manual to improve decision-making, team dynamics, and organizational results. Hirst’s insights are particularly valuable for mid-career professionals navigating workplace challenges.

Yes—it’s a Financial Times Business Book of the Month and 2020 UK Business Book of the Year. Readers praise its direct advice, real-world examples (e.g., Jack Welch’s team management), and actionable frameworks. Sir Clive Woodward called it “a brilliant set of leadership tools.” Ideal for leaders prioritizing results over rhetoric.

The 40/70 rule states leaders should make decisions with 40-70% of available information—waiting less risks haste; waiting more causes paralysis. Hirst uses this to underscore the importance of bold, timely decisions. For example, General Electric’s Jack Welch applied similar logic to streamline teams.

Hirst’s equation is Leadership Impact = (Objectives + Strategy + Team + Values + Motivation) × Action. Action acts as a multiplier: even perfect planning fails without execution. This mirrors his emphasis on “getting stuff done” over endless strategizing.

Diverse teams drive better decisions and innovation by avoiding groupthink. Hirst argues diversity (in background, skills, and perspective) fosters resilience and creativity. For example, he credits varied viewpoints for Havas Creative’s turnaround during his CEO tenure.

Hirst spent over a decade as a Global CEO (Havas Creative, Grey UK), leading record growth and cultural shifts. His consultancy, Dogsbody Group, advises on leadership, and his podcast amplifies his practical philosophy. The book reflects his Harvard Business School training and real-world experience.

Some note the book’s blunt tone might oversimplify complex issues, and its focus on decisiveness could downplay collaborative leadership. However, most reviews praise its clarity, with The Financial Times calling it “a punchy, plainly written guide.”

Unlike theoretical frameworks (Leaders Eat Last) or habit-based approaches (Atomic Habits), Hirst prioritizes execution. It’s closer to Extreme Ownership but with a corporate focus. The book’s manual-style structure makes it a go-to reference for urgent challenges.

• Schedule downtime: Regular breaks prevent burnout and sharpen focus.
• Cut bureaucracy: Simplify processes to accelerate decisions.
• Communicate directly: Avoid vague mission statements; clarify goals and expectations.

1. Decisiveness beats perfection: Use the 40/70 rule.
2. Simplicity drives results: Replace jargon with clear objectives.
3. Diverse teams outperform: Seek varied perspectives.
4. Action multiplies impact: Execute relentlessly.

In hybrid environments, Hirst’s 40/70 rule helps leaders avoid analysis paralysis when data is fragmented. For example, deciding on team restructuring without full engagement metrics but enough insight to act.

Its focus on agility, resilience, and clear communication aligns with post-pandemic work trends—remote teams, rapid pivots, and扁平 hierarchies. Hirst’s emphasis on “doing over theorizing” suits fast-evolving industries like tech and marketing.

He rejects abstract values statements and personality-based models. Instead, he frames leadership as a measurable practice: set goals, build teams, act. This contrasts with academic theories like transformational leadership, prioritizing practicality over ideology.