Lead in Place

Looking Back to Move Forward and Leave a Leadership Legacy

A practical, grounded guide for first-time leaders to quiet self-doubt, understand what’s driving them, and lead with confidence.

This book is for you if…

• You’re a first-time leader trying to figure it out without a playbook

• You want to lead well without losing yourself in the process

• You replay conversations in your head after they’re over

• You care about impact, not just authority

• You want practical tools—not leadership fluff

What you’ll learn:

• How assumptions and interpretations quietly shape your leadership

• How to spot automatic negative thoughts before they take over

• How to respond instead of react under pressure

• How to communicate clearly without over-explaining or rescuing

• How to identify your dominant leadership “Driver” and work with it.

A simple framework you can actually use

This book is grounded in the P.I.E.S. framework—a practical approach to self-leadership that supports clarity, confidence, and sustainable impact.

• Permission to be GREAT is Granted

• Imperfection is Encouraged

• Eyes on Self

• Support Community Creation

Because effective leadership starts on the inside and it’s not meant to be done alone.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Joan Kling.

I’ve spent nearly two decades leading Code Enforcement teams across multiple local government jurisdictions, and more than 20 years coaching leaders who care deeply about doing their work well and doing it with integrity.

This book is the guide I wish first-time leaders had before they started doubting themselves, overthinking every conversation, or carrying everyone else’s stress as their own.

Lead in Place is about understanding what’s driving you, learning to respond instead of react, and leading in a way that feels aligned, not exhausting.

Are you ready to lead with clarity and leave a legacy that lasts?

Join the launch list to receive updates, early access, and bonus content as Lead in Place gets closer to release.