One Piece of Paper by Mike Figliuolo Summary

One Piece of Paper provides a framework for crafting a personal leadership philosophy distilled into concise maxims. It focuses on four pillars: leading yourself, guiding strategic thinking, managing teams effectively, and maintaining work-life balance. The book emphasizes actionable self-reflection, helping leaders articulate their values and expectations on a single page for clarity and authenticity.

Aspiring and experienced leaders across industries benefit from this book, particularly those seeking to define their leadership style or improve team communication. Managers, executives, and professionals in strategy or organizational development roles will find its structured approach valuable for aligning personal values with professional goals.

Yes, particularly for leaders prioritizing authenticity and simplicity. Reviews praise its practical exercises and real-world examples from Figliuolo’s military and corporate career. Critics note some repetitiveness, but the book’s actionable framework for creating leadership maxims makes it a standout resource for personal development.

Define rules for self-conduct, articulate a vision for innovation, set team expectations, and establish boundaries for balance. Answer prompts like “What behaviors will you tolerate?” or “How will you adapt to change?” to draft concise statements. Refine these into a one-page document that guides decision-making and communication.

1. Leading Yourself: Define personal values and accountability.
2. Leading the Thinking: Drive innovation and strategic direction.
3. Leading Your People: Foster individual growth and team cohesion.
4. Leading a Balanced Life: Set boundaries to avoid burnout.

Unlike theoretical frameworks, Figliuolo’s approach prioritizes brevity and personalization. It complements classics like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by focusing on actionable self-reflection rather than broad principles. Its “one-page” method is ideal for leaders seeking tangible outputs.

Some readers find the maxim-creation process overly simplistic or repetitive. Others note the examples skew toward corporate settings, limiting relevance for nonprofit or creative fields. Despite this, the book’s structured exercises are widely praised for fostering self-awareness.

By sharing your maxims with teams, you clarify expectations and reduce misunderstandings. For example, stating “Trust is earned through accountability” sets clear behavioral standards. This transparency fosters alignment and empowers employees to uphold shared values.

• “Leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
• “Your maxims aren’t slogans; they’re commitments to action.”

These lines underscore the book’s focus on responsibility and intentionality.

His West Point education, Army service, and roles at McKinsey and Capital One inform the book’s disciplined, results-oriented approach. The blend of military structure and corporate innovation strategies makes the methodology both rigorous and adaptable.

Yes, its focus on self-assessment helps professionals redefine their leadership identity during shifts. By articulating transferable values (e.g., “Embrace adaptability”), individuals can navigate new industries or roles with confidence.

While Lead Inside the Box focuses on tactical team management, One Piece of Paper addresses foundational leadership identity. Together, they provide a holistic system: defining core values first, then applying them to daily decision-making.