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9 Things a Leader Must Do: How to Go to the Next Level--And Take Others With You
Why do some leaders get and accomplish what they want as a matter of routine, while others seem to regularly experience frustration and setbacks? Why do some leaders achieve their goals and reach new heights, while others barely "hang in there" and survive? Based on his groundbreaking psychological study of the ways that successful individuals think and behave, Dr. Henry Cloud presents a simple yet profound roadmap to help leaders-and those who want to become leaders-arrive at greater levels of personal growth and corporate influence than they previously thought were possible. The good news for all of us is that leadership success is not limited to vague notions of "charisma" nor traditional advantages like graduate degrees and connections, but much more to a pattern of thinking and moving forward that learns from mistakes and stays focused on goals.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2005
195 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Henry Cloud
211 books2,176 followersDr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.
As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.
As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 20, 2010
This is the clearest form of repackaging basic "secrets for a better life" and calling it leadership I've ever seen. This is the exact same as "9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Life and Love" that Cloud published in 2004 with Thomas Nelson (and again in 2007)! While the content is short and to the point, it is not anything beyond practical commonsense. The title could be changed to: "9 Things That Ordinary, Reasonable, Upright Members of Society Already Know How to Do."
Even still, here's the little nuggets he mentions:
"I began to identify several ways of behaving and responding that successful leaders had in common - ways they handled themselves, their relationships, their work, and their lives. There was no identifiable personality type common to these people. Rather there were several identifiable ways that these people did business and lived life, and for the most part they all practiced them" (p. 10).
Way #1: Evacuate Your Soul
"Leaders explore their deep hearts and invest in their inner desires and drives" (p. 15).
"There is no shortage of things in this life that can cause you to bury your heart and soul. The truth is, however, that those who succeed in ... leadership and life have not allowed those influences to keep their dreams and desires hidden. They have dug them out, faced their [20:] fears, taken risks, failed, gotten up again, and found that they could indeed build something magnificent" (pp. 19-20).
Way #2: Pull the Diseased Tooth
"Leaders do not allow negative things to take up space in their lives" (p. 29).
"Even good things that consume time, resources, energy, and attention and do not get you where you want to go are negative" (p. 31).
Negative energy can come be physical, relational, or emotional.
"If you know that investing more time toward reaching a solution is never going to help, then it's time to pull the plug and move on" (p. 33).
Way #3: Play the Whole Movie
"Leaders evaluate their decisions in the present based on how they will affect the future" (p. 41).
"Sowing and reaping is much bigger than the connection between what I'm doing now and what will occur immediately following. It's about what I will ultimately end up with if I sow this particular behavnior, choice, attitude, value, or strategy. It is the long-term view. ... What happens in the end? is the question the wise leader seeks to answer" (p. 44).
"Plot a movie, a vision of your life, your career, your relationships, your finances, and so on. See it, plan it, and then evaluate each scene you write every day in the light of where the movie is supposed to end" (p. 50).
Way #4: Do Something
"Leaders continually ask themselves, 'What can I do to make this situation better?' It doesn't matter whether they think they are to blame or not. Even if someone else is at fault, they take initiative to address the problem and seek a solution. Whatever the answer may be, ... leader make a move" (pp. 52-53).
Way #5: Baby Steps
"Achieve big goals by taking small steps over time" (p. 61).
Way #6: Hate the Right Things
"Character is in part formed by what we hate, because we move to be different from whatever that is" (p. 77).
Way #7: Give More/Give Better (p. 85)
Way #8: Be Humble
"[Humble:] Leaders do not strive to appear more than they really are" (p. 95).
"Successful people show kindness, understanding, and help to others who fail. Successful people are not derailed by their own failures; they accept them as a natural part of the process" (p. 101).
Way #9: Leaders do not make decisions based on the fear of other people's reactions.
Even still, here's the little nuggets he mentions:
"I began to identify several ways of behaving and responding that successful leaders had in common - ways they handled themselves, their relationships, their work, and their lives. There was no identifiable personality type common to these people. Rather there were several identifiable ways that these people did business and lived life, and for the most part they all practiced them" (p. 10).
Way #1: Evacuate Your Soul
"Leaders explore their deep hearts and invest in their inner desires and drives" (p. 15).
"There is no shortage of things in this life that can cause you to bury your heart and soul. The truth is, however, that those who succeed in ... leadership and life have not allowed those influences to keep their dreams and desires hidden. They have dug them out, faced their [20:] fears, taken risks, failed, gotten up again, and found that they could indeed build something magnificent" (pp. 19-20).
Way #2: Pull the Diseased Tooth
"Leaders do not allow negative things to take up space in their lives" (p. 29).
"Even good things that consume time, resources, energy, and attention and do not get you where you want to go are negative" (p. 31).
Negative energy can come be physical, relational, or emotional.
"If you know that investing more time toward reaching a solution is never going to help, then it's time to pull the plug and move on" (p. 33).
Way #3: Play the Whole Movie
"Leaders evaluate their decisions in the present based on how they will affect the future" (p. 41).
"Sowing and reaping is much bigger than the connection between what I'm doing now and what will occur immediately following. It's about what I will ultimately end up with if I sow this particular behavnior, choice, attitude, value, or strategy. It is the long-term view. ... What happens in the end? is the question the wise leader seeks to answer" (p. 44).
"Plot a movie, a vision of your life, your career, your relationships, your finances, and so on. See it, plan it, and then evaluate each scene you write every day in the light of where the movie is supposed to end" (p. 50).
Way #4: Do Something
"Leaders continually ask themselves, 'What can I do to make this situation better?' It doesn't matter whether they think they are to blame or not. Even if someone else is at fault, they take initiative to address the problem and seek a solution. Whatever the answer may be, ... leader make a move" (pp. 52-53).
Way #5: Baby Steps
"Achieve big goals by taking small steps over time" (p. 61).
Way #6: Hate the Right Things
"Character is in part formed by what we hate, because we move to be different from whatever that is" (p. 77).
Way #7: Give More/Give Better (p. 85)
Way #8: Be Humble
"[Humble:] Leaders do not strive to appear more than they really are" (p. 95).
"Successful people show kindness, understanding, and help to others who fail. Successful people are not derailed by their own failures; they accept them as a natural part of the process" (p. 101).
Way #9: Leaders do not make decisions based on the fear of other people's reactions.
March 13, 2012
Some of the authors ideas or items on this list i had heard or seen some variation of before, but are worth repeating. I've always thought that ideas or things you value tend to appear and reappear as you need them. Almost as a reminder or signal that yes this is what i believe or want in my life. While true many axioms seem simple or common sense that doesn't make them any less true. Sometimes these "simple" truths have often lasted so long because they are so basic everyone can grasp their meaning. It is often the complexities in life that give us the most trouble and if we would simplify things we may find out our problems weren't as difficult as we once thought.....
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January 14, 2021I enjoyed this short read but there were some religious overtones that did not appeal to me.
October 27, 2017
Another Winner from Cloud
I absolutely love the way Henry Cloud writes! Even more importantly, I love the way he thinks, beliefs, and helps people. These are not 9 things that you have never thought of, but you will find yourself saying, "Oh, yes, I need to remember that."
Christians will appreciate the way Cloud pulls back the curtain and reveals more of his own spiritual beliefs. Otters may never have realized the source of Cloud's practical wisdom and insights. This book shares many passages from the Bible and shows how they apply to everyday life. As a disciple of Jesus, I found this book to be very encouraging.
I absolutely love the way Henry Cloud writes! Even more importantly, I love the way he thinks, beliefs, and helps people. These are not 9 things that you have never thought of, but you will find yourself saying, "Oh, yes, I need to remember that."
Christians will appreciate the way Cloud pulls back the curtain and reveals more of his own spiritual beliefs. Otters may never have realized the source of Cloud's practical wisdom and insights. This book shares many passages from the Bible and shows how they apply to everyday life. As a disciple of Jesus, I found this book to be very encouraging.
February 15, 2018
This is a basic book for beginners who are just entering into leadership roles. Not very impressive except the last chapter "Ignore the Popularity polls", which talks about making decisions not based on fear of other people's reactions but, what is right. Stay fixed on your heading to do the right thing and do not allow the guilt messages to blow you off course. Leadership is sometimes like surgery, and you do what is needed to cure and don't step back due to pain.
July 1, 2019
This book, while fairly good, is a simple re-write of "9 Things You Must Do" written by the author and is barely adapted for leadership, almost a 'copy/paste, insert new word' (e.g. leader) style to sell more books.
That being said, the material is still worth reviewing, so I skimmed. See my review of the original book for thoughts.
That being said, the material is still worth reviewing, so I skimmed. See my review of the original book for thoughts.
March 11, 2021
Good article, less-than-average book
The material in this book is good, but, in my opinion, not book-worthy. The book chapters don’t do much in developing points, and sometimes the development that is there appears seems disjointed. There are some great Henry Cloud books. This isn’t one of them.
The material in this book is good, but, in my opinion, not book-worthy. The book chapters don’t do much in developing points, and sometimes the development that is there appears seems disjointed. There are some great Henry Cloud books. This isn’t one of them.
February 6, 2022
Top 5 books I’ve ever read
It took me forever to read this book because I would read each chapter multiple times before moving to the next. Concepts are very well explained and with good examples.
My only complaint about this book is the use of he/she on some of the theories. He, wen it was a good thing. She, when it was a negative. This book could benefit from addressing this.
It took me forever to read this book because I would read each chapter multiple times before moving to the next. Concepts are very well explained and with good examples.
My only complaint about this book is the use of he/she on some of the theories. He, wen it was a good thing. She, when it was a negative. This book could benefit from addressing this.
September 27, 2022
Incredible little book. reads like a devotional. Includes great and practical truths, stories and principles. Bought it for my son who is a senior at WCU but read it to make sure it was worth it - absolutely! only took two days, but if you read one chapter a day that would be better. Chapters 7 and 8 were the best...for me :)
November 28, 2017
Things I've Learned
This book give me insight on 9 Things a Leader must do to be a Deja Vu leader. What characteristics should a leader must have. I will recommend this book to supervisors & managers as guide.
This book give me insight on 9 Things a Leader must do to be a Deja Vu leader. What characteristics should a leader must have. I will recommend this book to supervisors & managers as guide.
March 21, 2018
Just ok
Writing style wasn't as effective at making the key points as I would have liked. Was overly reliant on bible passages for my tastes as well. All nine things were good traits, but needed a clearer picture of how I would apply them in my life.
Writing style wasn't as effective at making the key points as I would have liked. Was overly reliant on bible passages for my tastes as well. All nine things were good traits, but needed a clearer picture of how I would apply them in my life.
April 28, 2018
A helpful, succinct book. It does a marvelous job of helping leaders confront the internal narratives which shape their external behavior. Very practical advice, drawing heavily on Proverbs. For its brevity and wisdom, I definitely recommend it.
December 24, 2018
Quick and easy read but jammed full of great wisdom. I guarantee you will find morsels of truth that will grow your leadership skills. Additionally, Dr. Cloud weaves biblical truth through his concepts. This book is a win if you need a quick leadership boost!
April 13, 2019
Very inspiring!
This book was easy to read and more importantly resonated with me at a time when I was at a career cross roads. Insightful and well written. A couple of edits needed but not enough to distract from the content.
This book was easy to read and more importantly resonated with me at a time when I was at a career cross roads. Insightful and well written. A couple of edits needed but not enough to distract from the content.
April 28, 2020
Get Unstuck Now!
God gets the 5* rating for being Dr. Cloud`s inspiration.
Dr. Cloud lays down the formula for successful people to go farther and
those seeking success to arrive at that same destination.
God gets the 5* rating for being Dr. Cloud`s inspiration.
Dr. Cloud lays down the formula for successful people to go farther and
those seeking success to arrive at that same destination.
January 11, 2026
Incredible book! This is the first Dr. Henry Cloud book I've read and I'm impressed. If used properly this book can transform anyone and everyone! This is definitely one to come back to often and apply!
March 2, 2018
A bit too biblical for my tastes.
March 22, 2018
Good read
This was a good read. Wasn’t what I expected , but I mean that in a good way. The 9 things along with the 12 steps will be useful for me!
This was a good read. Wasn’t what I expected , but I mean that in a good way. The 9 things along with the 12 steps will be useful for me!
February 7, 2022
A good book with some simple leadership steps.
July 23, 2022
Inspirador
Me inspira a ver más allá de lo que veo, y multiplicar los frutos de mi liderazgo en mi vida, familia, ministerio y trabajo.
Me inspira a ver más allá de lo que veo, y multiplicar los frutos de mi liderazgo en mi vida, familia, ministerio y trabajo.
May 11, 2023
Quick read overall but solid lessons for leadership that are foundational. I especially resonated with #9 (read it to find out what that means).
September 10, 2024
He has some great thoughts, and offers some perspectives on pitfalls we all fall into.
December 29, 2024
9 principles that help with being a successful leader. Not very insightful. Could just read the headings and that was sufficient.
August 12, 2025
Not very informative. Easy read but you don’t feel that you’ve learned a lot.
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January 3, 2011This book is excellent. It gives me a lot of knowledge when it comes to becoming a good leader. Dr. Henry Cloud encourage me to do the things that i really like in life. And he helps me to realized many things that i need to change in my attitude as a person. I truly searching for what i want and what i need to improve of what i need to improve in my talents. It helps so much in my real life. This book helps many people out there who had doubts for themselves in what they really want to be in the future. Also to encourage people that God want us to explore and improve our talents that he gave us. Thank you for Dr. Henry Cloud! He is so brilliant to analyze and understand everything in the thing called "Life".
July 24, 2011
READ SEP 2008
Nice compact reminder of what leaders do.
1. Explore their deep hearts and invest in their inner desires and drives.
2. Do not allow negative things to take up space in their lives.
3. Evaluate their decisions in the present based on how they will affect the future.
4. Continually ask themselves, "What can I do to make this situation better?"
5. Achieve big goals by taking small steps over time.
6. Develop the ability to hate the right things well.
7. Give back better than they are given.
8. Do not strive to be or to appear more than they really are.
9. Do not make decisions based on the fear of other people's reactions.
Nice compact reminder of what leaders do.
1. Explore their deep hearts and invest in their inner desires and drives.
2. Do not allow negative things to take up space in their lives.
3. Evaluate their decisions in the present based on how they will affect the future.
4. Continually ask themselves, "What can I do to make this situation better?"
5. Achieve big goals by taking small steps over time.
6. Develop the ability to hate the right things well.
7. Give back better than they are given.
8. Do not strive to be or to appear more than they really are.
9. Do not make decisions based on the fear of other people's reactions.
August 4, 2015
A completely unexpected gem. Not only was it easy and fun to read, it was so very insightful and spoke into my situation with nearly every chapter. The title fooled me; it isn’t as much about leaders as it is about people who strive to be successful and live abundantly, whatever they do. This book (and the class it was for) helped me understand that a leader isn’t someone in charge of a large group– a leader is someone exemplary. This book shares encouraging and challenging truths to use in order to navigate life with grace and wisdom.
[Originally reviewed here: https://misstessamaye.wordpress.com/2...]
[Originally reviewed here: https://misstessamaye.wordpress.com/2...]
January 4, 2015
Avoidance of risk is the greatest risk of all.
Take responsibility inside yourself for your reactions and the way you allow a problem person to get to you.
Ask: What can I do to make this better?
Successful people show kindness, understanding and help to others who fail.
Successful people are not derailed by their own failures; they accept them as a normal part of the process.
They admit it quickly when they are wrong, and they receive correction and confrontation from others as well.
Get rid of any and all defensiveness when it occurs in you.
Take responsibility inside yourself for your reactions and the way you allow a problem person to get to you.
Ask: What can I do to make this better?
Successful people show kindness, understanding and help to others who fail.
Successful people are not derailed by their own failures; they accept them as a normal part of the process.
They admit it quickly when they are wrong, and they receive correction and confrontation from others as well.
Get rid of any and all defensiveness when it occurs in you.
June 5, 2013
This book is a quick, easy read. The points are simple and straightforward. Overall, it it a good book to get start outlining basic principles but it does not delve into great depth about everything. Dr. Cloud relates every point/chapter to a personal story or a friend of his to which the point is directly applicable. This helps you understand what exactly he means because some of the chapter titles do not make much sense independently. This is a great book for basic principles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews