refreshing look at leadership through the eyes of a moral, successful giver.
354418
Recommended reading to anyone in leadership. Non repetitive, direct, easy read and apply. I found several areas our business is  lacking and good tools to implement.
4824904
With the collaboration of Emma Laskin, Howard Gardner created Leading Minds in which he takes a very objective and cognitive approach in examining eleven leaders: Margaret Mead, Robert Oppenheimer, Robert Maynard Hutchins, Alfred P.Sloan Jr., George C. Marshall, Pope John XXIII, Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., Margaret Thatcher, Jean Monnet, and Mahatma Gandhi. A fascinating factor amongst these leaders is that they all come from different countries and social backgrounds, and trained in a range of vocations. It is important to note here that Gardener refers to the term leaders as "persons who, by word and/or personal example, markedly influence the behaviors, thoughts, and/or feelings of a significant number of their fellow human beings."

Drawing a definition from an ancient Chinese proverb "A good leader is one whom the people respect, the poor leader is the one whom people hate; but the great leader is one who, when the people have finished, they say `we have done it ourselves' ". In other words, a great leader is one who empowers his followers, a standpoint which I strongly agree with. Gardener's definition in contrast views effective leadership on his attributes and characteristics of the leader, not on empowerment. To quote Gardner, "A successful leader is the one who most keenly senses the wishes of a potential audience."

The careful analysis of these eleven leaders focuses on the centrality of their functions in leadership. More precisely, on the ways in which they achieve success in identifying and resolving important life issues in their own minds first and second, in their ability to alter the minds of their audiences and turn them into followers. Gardner mentions in the introduction of Leading Minds, "Our understanding of the nature and processes of leadership is most likely to be enhanced as we come to understand better the arena in which leadership necessarily occurs - namely, the human mind."

Leading Minds treats these eleven brilliant leaders as geniuses in directing the masses. Their ability of using linguistic and non-linguistic resources when communicating with the crowds, their ability to convince others of a particular view and a clear vision of life is Gardner's main argument of their nature as leaders. I find this of great importance particularly in the business world where effective management relates directly on the ability of upper management to implement effective manipulation of objectives and goals and have lower echelon workers follow correspondingly. All together Leading Minds is a brilliant analysis on the anatomy of leadership, however, I am find great sense and logic in the ancient Chinese proverb of empowering the crowds because it comes together with the logical definition of leaders directing and the masses reacting. Thus, it stands to logic that part of being a leader is getting others to do the work for you, but you always take the credit and the best way of getting this accomplished is by empowering the masses.
2069738
An inspiring story of success achieved by hard work and ethical behavior throughout his career. A frank and open discussion of his successes and failures (not many), coupled with his shortcomings. Particularly appreciated his behind the scenes discussions of board room negotiations on corporate governance. The clever weaving of his personal and family life, as it shaped his professional successes make for interesting reading. The book is well written, which makes it difficult to stop once you start reading. A must read for all first and second generation immigrants, as well corporate executives making their way up the leadership ladder.
320457
T.J. Addington peels away the layers from the concepts of leadership to uncover the essence of what makes great leaders great. This book unpacks the reality that a leaders character is what will determine the depth of a leaders influence. Whether it is the concept of suffering in leadership, humility in leadership, dealing with the dark side of our character that can creep into our leadership, T.J. Addington addresses theses issues in a straightforward, down to earth, and relevant manner.

In addition, this book does a great job explaining and providing a framework to evaluate Emotional Intelligence, and leading out of who God created and gifted a leader to be. T.J. also reinforces the importance of clarity, transparency, and serving Jesus as we serve others in very real and practical ways. I would encourage leaders of all ages and stages to spend the time engaging this book!!!
1830212
Mike shares key insights on being a successful leader through many personal stories.  This book was a pleasure to read.
1748880
What Dave's done extremely well with in this book is carve out his particular domain of expertise:  The mindset and behaviors required of successful social business leaders.  His classroom teaching experience clearly honed Dave's gift of connecting with learners in the most effective way - by fully sharing his humanity, as well as his ideas.  'Likeable Leadership' is therefore a pleasure.
2560084
John Wooden is one of my heroes.  When I was growing up, his teams were dominant, but more importantly, they made the game beautiful to watch.  After he retired at the peak of his game, he quietly stepped off the stage.  With the rush of books on leadership in the 1990's through the present, it was inevitable, and overdue, that folks take time to examine Coach Wooden's approach to leadership.  This has led to a cottage industry in Wooden books.

This book is short, personal and focuses on life lessons learned from the narrative of Coach's life.  It doesn't attempt to be weighty, just a good read, that imparts wisdom without hitting you over the head with it.  It touches on each chapter of Coach Wooden's life, and particularly shows the infuence of his father, his high school and college coaches and his growth thru experience

This is a fun, easy read that leaves the reader wiser.  Highly recommend
407602
This book is a terrific primer on the benefits of kindness, not just for others, but for ourselves.

Chase has done a good job of analyzing the principles of kindness and blending these with personal anecdotes and illustrations. His voice is authentic -- one of his principles of kindness.

I am continuing my exploration of this topic and the related topic of gratitude.

The most important point is that this is all about practice not intellectualizing. Good job, Mr. Chase.
2838506
I found the book a fast and enjoyable read. I appreciated the direct and, deceptively, simple way Mr. Jensen-Kraemer tackled a complex topic. Rather than filling the book with studies and specific directions on the one, sure-fire way to be a leader, he provided a practical, realistic and flexible approach that can help anyone. As a business woman, it was also refreshing to read a book that used the words "she" on a regular basis and didn't use the female examples as don'ts. It adds to the impression that he's not just writing, but also walking his talk. As a graduate of Lawrence University, I also greatly appreciate his service as a Trustee.

(For other business writers: failure to acknowledge that more than 50% of human capital is women and casting non-traditional leaders in a negative light is noted and diminishes your credibility.)
2552892
What I liked most about The Leader's Blueprint is that the author accents the core values that are needed to be a leader and then directs the question to you to help you become a better leader.
2267436
I received my copy of Jeremie Kubicek's book "Leadership is dead: How influence is reviving it," free from his publicist. Let me first say that the book never fully delivers on its catchy title. While I believe that leadership might be unwell, it is certainly not dead. And while I love how Jeremie describes influence, it's impossible to show that influence is reviving leadership because influence has been and will always be the heart of leadership.

I'm going to recommend this book because I love the message, but I have to tell you honestly that I did not enjoy reading it. I've heard this message before, so I found it distracting that the author never credited sources that have previously written similar things. For example, his first two of seven actions to make leadership come alive are 1) give trust to become trustworthy, and 2) be credible.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Truth-about-Leadership-The-No-fads-Heart-of-the-Matter-Facts-You-Need-to-Know/dp/0470633549/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Truth about Leadership: The No-fads, Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need to Know</a>&nbsp;emphasized the importance of trust and credibility a long time ago.

The core of Jeremie's message can be summed up in his list of attributes that define a true influence leader (p. 77):

  * leads with vision
  * leads from the head and the heart
  * practices humility and service to others (let's go of status and self-preservation)
  * influences rather than pushes or demands
  * invests in the success of others first
  * rises above unethical practices, pressure, and petty politics
  * attracts a diverse and dedicated team of future leaders
  * delivers more than expected
  * wields the tools of forgiveness, gratitude, and laughter
  * reaches out to make the last first

Jeremie goes on to say:

  Leadership is influence. Influence is power. How that power is used comes from the intent of the leader, from the motives of the heart (p. 78).

I love that message, even though it's very familiar to me and many others. If this message is either new to you or you're not entirely sold on it, then you will be very well served to get your hands on this book and consider it very carefully.  If you've seen it before and are already sold, then you should probably save your money.
2801702
Toto is a most stimulating book from a leading American medical thought leader. Contrary to most CEO like leader books, this is not a how-to with item list consistently applied. Instead the focus is on the character of the leader. It is on page 125 where we learn one early defining source of the authors narrative. He is standing on his father's family farm porch holding his father's hand, absorbing the hail storm disaster that just destroyed the wheat and the farm when his father with quiet resilient fortitude states "Well, I guess we should get on with the rest of our life". Dr Fickenscher's book points to the attributes of character which will guide leaders and their corporate ships through challenging waters. The 15 "Lessons" are qualities necessary for those who lead. Values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence and Responsive are imperative. Two quotes define the essence of character: "in the end, keeping our integrity is most important part of being a successful leader" and It is important to embrace the world and have no fear. One of the more interesting chapters is On Courage where the author states "Courage is commitment" and "Commitment is the energy that feeds the soul of followers". Forty-nine times "commitment" is found in this chapter. The very last paragraph of the chapter tells us how to bind the cornerstones of commitment and faith by the leader offering hope, the "foundation for integrity of leadership". Dr Fickenscher is asserting that the inner qualities exhibited externally drives success for the team. He is spot on.
4216954
This is a history book as much as it is a leadership book.  I found the approach refreshing.  Rather than bludgeon you with leadership clichs interlaced with short stories, quips, and biographical examples of great leadership, Col. O'Leary introduces a concept then takes you into a history lesson of that chapter's hero (Lincoln, Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc, etc.) and finishes by applying the Leader's actions to leadership principle.  I found the book extremely enjoyable to read.
2186222
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. These pages reveal many great truths of leading people and working in relationship with others.
An easy read, the author Jon Gordon has created a flow that goes well with a cup of coffee.

SOUP would be a great gift to anyone desiring improvement or simply inspiration.

Ron Pratt / Author of, Mission Accomplished: The Secrets of Successful Missions
1775759
Being a leader in todays world is not what it used to be.  There was a time, when a leader was tough, rugged and quiet.  That time is no more.  It is time for leaders to let their guard down, to show their true selves, to lead by following and to lead by example.  The Transparent Leader shows many of todays national leaders in this light.  It shows them being transparent, vulnerable and initially with no protection.  Along the same lines of Jesus, they step into the worlds of other people and lead them, ultimately showing the way to the one true God.  It shows who these leaders were, the situations they were in and how they succeeded in becoming great leaders.  All of them have one thing in common; they all know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
The text shows leaders who have failed, where they failed, and how they came to succeed.  The leaders within the compilation tell their story, either via testimony or anecdote.  Some open their entire lives to the reader so they can see the heart of the storyteller.  Although the booklover might not be able to identify with all of the passages throughout the book, there is no doubt that more than one will hit the heart and soul of the reader.
Should this book be required reading for all future leaders of the world?  I believe that it should.  It offers inspiration to those people who are not yet world leaders and it offers a reality check for those who are in the top echelon of leadership.
3524866
In Leadership CPR, Ritch Eich has once again delivered a valuable resource for my leadership library. His straightforward writing style makes it an easy read, even while providing leadership challenges that are not always easy to follow. Ritch's own leadership experiences and accomplishments give him ample wisdom to write this book from a singular personal perspective, but with the humility of a great leader, he shares the pages with many  other leaders whose words and stories provide inspiration and encouragement for those of us who are still learning. I will undoubtedly return to his guidance as I seek to become the best leader I can.
258807
It was my privilege to serve with Bill Boyajian on the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) Board of Governors for a number of years.  In that capacity, I closely observed Bill's leadership skills and style.  He is one of the finest leaders with whom I have served and worked.  His book expounds on the leadership principles he personally lives - he practices what he preaches. Because Developing the Mind of a Leader is well written, informative, and incisive, I am passing it on to the next leadership generation of our family business as well to our Executive Management team.