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Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life
Successful leaders don’t rest on their laurels because leadership is not a title on a business card. Leadership is a living process—and life means growth. As Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller write in the introduction, “the path to increased influence, impact, and leadership effectiveness is paved with personal growth.… Our capacity to grow determines our capacity to lead. It’s really that simple.” Great Leaders Grow shows leaders and aspiring leaders precisely which areas to focus on so they can remain effective throughout their lives.
Debbie Brewster—the protagonist from Blanchard and Miller’s international bestseller The Secret —returns in this book to mentor her mentor’s son, Blake, as he begins his career. Now an accomplished leader herself, Debbie shows Blake how growing as a leader and as a human being are inextricably linked. “How well you and I serve will be determined by the decision to grow or not,” she says. “Will you be a leader who is always ready to face the next challenge? Or will you be a leader who tries to apply yesterday’s solutions to today’s problems?”
As Blake confronts the challenges of business in the real world, he turns to Debbie for guidance. Step by step, Debbie and Blake explore the GROW model—four ways that leaders must challenge and stretch themselves, both on the job and off, to fulfill their highest potential.
Whether you’re a CEO or an entry-level employee, this book will inspire you to reflect on your life and design your own long-term growth plan—a plan that can lead not only to continuing professional success but to personal fulfillment as well.
Debbie Brewster—the protagonist from Blanchard and Miller’s international bestseller The Secret —returns in this book to mentor her mentor’s son, Blake, as he begins his career. Now an accomplished leader herself, Debbie shows Blake how growing as a leader and as a human being are inextricably linked. “How well you and I serve will be determined by the decision to grow or not,” she says. “Will you be a leader who is always ready to face the next challenge? Or will you be a leader who tries to apply yesterday’s solutions to today’s problems?”
As Blake confronts the challenges of business in the real world, he turns to Debbie for guidance. Step by step, Debbie and Blake explore the GROW model—four ways that leaders must challenge and stretch themselves, both on the job and off, to fulfill their highest potential.
Whether you’re a CEO or an entry-level employee, this book will inspire you to reflect on your life and design your own long-term growth plan—a plan that can lead not only to continuing professional success but to personal fulfillment as well.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
87 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth H. Blanchard
314 books1,845 followersKen Blanchard, one of the most influential leadership experts in the world, is the coauthor of the iconic bestseller, The One Minute Manager, and 60 other books whose combined sales total more than 21 million copies. His groundbreaking works have been translated into more than 27 languages and in 2005 he was inducted into Amazon’s Hall of Fame as one of the top 25 bestselling authors of all time.
Ken is also the cofounder and chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies®, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Margie Blanchard, began in 1979 in San Diego, California.
When he’s not writing or speaking, Ken also spends time teaching students in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego. Ken can be found at www.kenblanchard.com.
Ken is also the cofounder and chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies®, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Margie Blanchard, began in 1979 in San Diego, California.
When he’s not writing or speaking, Ken also spends time teaching students in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego. Ken can be found at www.kenblanchard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 16, 2020
I listened to the audio book and I did not enjoy it. The fable was cheesy and trite.
This book would be okay for someone like Blake from the story just starting his career at the age of 22 or even someone changing careers later in life.
To summarize the GROW acronym, Gain Knowledge, Reach out to others, Open(ing) your world, and Walk toward Wisdom [because everyone knows that Wisdom wears a t-shirt with the word Wisdom on it so when you see that person walk toward them].
To add to this acronym:
Gain knowledge: yourself, others, industry, leadership
Reach out to others: formally, informally
Open your world: at work, outside work
Walk toward wisdom: self-evaluation, feedback, counsel, time.
Two better books about Leadership I recommend are "You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader" and "The Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn.
This book would be okay for someone like Blake from the story just starting his career at the age of 22 or even someone changing careers later in life.
To summarize the GROW acronym, Gain Knowledge, Reach out to others, Open(ing) your world, and Walk toward Wisdom [because everyone knows that Wisdom wears a t-shirt with the word Wisdom on it so when you see that person walk toward them].
To add to this acronym:
Gain knowledge: yourself, others, industry, leadership
Reach out to others: formally, informally
Open your world: at work, outside work
Walk toward wisdom: self-evaluation, feedback, counsel, time.
Two better books about Leadership I recommend are "You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader" and "The Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn.
January 21, 2023
Just a solid, quick hitting book on leadership. It’s another fable-based book where a new professional, Blake, enters the workforce and is coached on how to be a leader. I think the GROW acrostic can be applied to work, life, faith, etc.
Gain knowledge
Reach out to others
Open your world
Walk towards wisdom
Gain knowledge
Reach out to others
Open your world
Walk towards wisdom
December 28, 2017
I am a huge believer in leadership, I live by it, I teach it, I grow others. It is the real secret of successful projects, companies and teams. I wish more people appreciated it.
Whether you’re a CEO or an entry-level employee, you’ll be inspired to reflect on your own life and to design your own unique long-term growth plan, leading to not only continuing professional success but personal fulfillment as well.
This book has great content in it, but it is wrapped in a story I didn't like.
I'll start with the important messages:
You don't need a position to be a leader, you need to become one, and keep growing to keep leading.
Unfortunately it is rare that people mention a manager or a lead from their job/career. It is even more unfortunate that people will say about themselves that they are leaders.
Leadership must be a living process, leaders need to want to grow. Leaders don't think less of themselves they just think of themselves less. The very best leaders are not motivated by what's going to make them successful. The best leaders serve.
The first aspect of leadership is vision and direction, the second is implementation and paving the way to get to the vision. The speed of a leader is the speed of a team. I always say that teams look like their leaders.
Leader's enemies are ego and fear, these are distraction and they take leaders off track. Leaders fail when they go too fast and trying to accomplish too much. Trying to achieve too much and lack of focus can be disaster.
The book highlight the GROW model:
Gain knowledge - start with yourself, with self-awareness, continue with others, learn about their hopes and dreams, their personality types. Learn about the industry, who are your competitors, and learn more about the field of leadership, find mentors that will help you grow as a leader. Yourself, others, industry, leadership
Reach out to others - and teach others, formally and informally.
Open your world at work, outside of work
Walk towards Wisdom - grow in wisdom, ask your mentors, about key decisions, biggest lessons, what do you know now that you would want to ask years ago, what advice to you have for me. Never stop seeking. Use self evaluation, time, feedback, and counsel.
For the story itself. Young Blake is 22, and starts to work in a new company. Of course, he immediately becomes the leader (but he does have a mentor that works with him). Somehow, even the company and interviews are all about people, he gets the most anxious crazy woman boss, that can't spend more than 10 minutes every few weeks with people, and fires people on the spot (she fired someone on her first meeting with him, in less than 10 min). She want to be called Ms. and not be disturbed. Not clear how she is in this company. Blake saves the day, presents to the CEO, and teaches the best leader in the company about leadership. Oh, and he is requested with a long term commitment even before working one day in this company. The crazy lady is of course softening, when Blake is finding his way to her heart when she is in a personal painful situation when she finds out her mother has cancer. As a woman I protest. Corny, unrealistic and annoying. Very sad that the authors, which I really appreciate chose this terrible plot for their wonderful summary about leadership.
3 stars, 2 for the story, and 4+ for the lessons.
Whether you’re a CEO or an entry-level employee, you’ll be inspired to reflect on your own life and to design your own unique long-term growth plan, leading to not only continuing professional success but personal fulfillment as well.
This book has great content in it, but it is wrapped in a story I didn't like.
I'll start with the important messages:
You don't need a position to be a leader, you need to become one, and keep growing to keep leading.
Unfortunately it is rare that people mention a manager or a lead from their job/career. It is even more unfortunate that people will say about themselves that they are leaders.
Leadership must be a living process, leaders need to want to grow. Leaders don't think less of themselves they just think of themselves less. The very best leaders are not motivated by what's going to make them successful. The best leaders serve.
The first aspect of leadership is vision and direction, the second is implementation and paving the way to get to the vision. The speed of a leader is the speed of a team. I always say that teams look like their leaders.
Leader's enemies are ego and fear, these are distraction and they take leaders off track. Leaders fail when they go too fast and trying to accomplish too much. Trying to achieve too much and lack of focus can be disaster.
The book highlight the GROW model:
Gain knowledge - start with yourself, with self-awareness, continue with others, learn about their hopes and dreams, their personality types. Learn about the industry, who are your competitors, and learn more about the field of leadership, find mentors that will help you grow as a leader. Yourself, others, industry, leadership
Reach out to others - and teach others, formally and informally.
Open your world at work, outside of work
Walk towards Wisdom - grow in wisdom, ask your mentors, about key decisions, biggest lessons, what do you know now that you would want to ask years ago, what advice to you have for me. Never stop seeking. Use self evaluation, time, feedback, and counsel.
For the story itself. Young Blake is 22, and starts to work in a new company. Of course, he immediately becomes the leader (but he does have a mentor that works with him). Somehow, even the company and interviews are all about people, he gets the most anxious crazy woman boss, that can't spend more than 10 minutes every few weeks with people, and fires people on the spot (she fired someone on her first meeting with him, in less than 10 min). She want to be called Ms. and not be disturbed. Not clear how she is in this company. Blake saves the day, presents to the CEO, and teaches the best leader in the company about leadership. Oh, and he is requested with a long term commitment even before working one day in this company. The crazy lady is of course softening, when Blake is finding his way to her heart when she is in a personal painful situation when she finds out her mother has cancer. As a woman I protest. Corny, unrealistic and annoying. Very sad that the authors, which I really appreciate chose this terrible plot for their wonderful summary about leadership.
3 stars, 2 for the story, and 4+ for the lessons.
January 5, 2020
Utter pablum. The GROW model is fine (if not ground-breaking) leadership advice, but I had a ton of problems with this book.
The authors' approach to share their leadership lesson is to frame it in a ridiculous third person story with a protagonist. Spoilers: his dad dies on the first page of the story and his icy boss opens up to a more people-focused approach to management after her mom gets cancer and our hero convinces her to visit and repair her relationship before mom conveniently passes. Another reviewer compared it unfavorably to an after school special and I agree. I wish I'd read the ebook version to do a "ctrl-f" search for how many times the authors make a character exclaim "Great question!" in order to force along the saccharine dialogue.
There is nothing new or unique in this book. There is no insight herein that hasn't been beaten to the point of obviousness. The GROW mode contains only platitudes like "Walk Toward Wisdom" when all it means is seek external feedback.
The only part of this book that has any value in my review is at the end there is a Recommended Reading list of far, far more interesting and important books than this one. Save your time and skip it.
The authors' approach to share their leadership lesson is to frame it in a ridiculous third person story with a protagonist. Spoilers: his dad dies on the first page of the story and his icy boss opens up to a more people-focused approach to management after her mom gets cancer and our hero convinces her to visit and repair her relationship before mom conveniently passes. Another reviewer compared it unfavorably to an after school special and I agree. I wish I'd read the ebook version to do a "ctrl-f" search for how many times the authors make a character exclaim "Great question!" in order to force along the saccharine dialogue.
There is nothing new or unique in this book. There is no insight herein that hasn't been beaten to the point of obviousness. The GROW mode contains only platitudes like "Walk Toward Wisdom" when all it means is seek external feedback.
The only part of this book that has any value in my review is at the end there is a Recommended Reading list of far, far more interesting and important books than this one. Save your time and skip it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2015
I read this book on the recommendation of my Senior Pastor, and I'm glad I did. Filled with simple wisdom, the book makes the case that one's capacity to lead is determined by their capacity to grow. In his usual story-telling style, Ken Blanchard follows aspiring leader, Blake, as he starts his career. Through a series of coffee shop conversations with his mentor and a string of experiences at work, Blanchard leads the reader to learn along with Blake how to GROW as a leader. In the process, the book delivers a concise outline for growing as a leader along with a long list of pithy truisms and questions to spur one's thinking. The book is easy to read and the story keeps the reader engaged. You can easily read the book in one sitting. While I usually don't prefer Blanchard's story-telling style, I liked this volume a lot -- for those who need bullet points, see the final outline at the end and go back and type out all the things you underlined along the way. All in all, a worthy read. Well worth your investment.
December 11, 2019
The authors follow-up their excellent book The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do, with this book, also written as a leadership fable. In this book, we meet Blake, an energetic, yet reluctant emerging leader. His father Jeff, a wonderful leader, recently suddenly died. The last thing his father said to Blake was “You can be a leader”. But Blake isn’t sure that he can be a leader, or even if he wants to be a leader, following in the footsteps of his father.
Debbie Brewster, who was mentored by Blake’s father, plays the part of trusted mentor to Blake. Throughout the book, we sit in several mentoring meetings between the two. But, before Debbie begins to mentor Blake on leadership, her first priority is to help Blake find a job as he graduates from college.
Blake accepts a position on a cross-functional team at Dynastar, where he is mentored by Sam. As Blake begins his career at Dynastar, continues to mentor with Debbie, telling her that he wants to know how he can GROW as a leader. Throughout their meetings, Debbie shares with him four big ideas, using the acronym GROW, that if applied consistently, will enable him to be a leader for life.
At Dynastar, Blake’s supervisor is Ms. Barnwell. She is known to hold very short meetings and get right to the point. There is not a good relationship between Ms. Barnwell and the team. In addition, Dynastar has been losing clients, and team members, especially Sam, are fearful of losing their jobs. It is not a good environment, to say the least.
Sam and Blake propose forming a cross-functional team to pinpoint the problems and look for clues to a solution. They propose talking to customers and senior leaders in the organization. Will the cross-functional team be able to identify the problems and recommend solutions before its too late for Dynastar? And will Debbie be successful as she mentors Blake on leadership?
I’ve benefitted from several Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller books in the past, and this one is no exception. This quick-read would be a good one to read with members of your leadership team, especially young and emerging leaders. The book also includes some helpful resources, including assessments and a recommended reading list.
Below are some of my takeaways from the book:
• The path to increased influence, impact, and leadership effectiveness is paved with personal growth.
• Growth is at the heart of what creates and sustains great leaders.
• The failure to grow sabotages the career of more leaders than anything else.
• Our capacity to grow determines our capacity to lead.
• Anytime you influence the thinking, beliefs, or development of another person, you’re engaging in leadership
• If you don’t want to serve, you cannot be a great leader.
• Great leaders don’t think less of themselves; they just think of themselves less.
• Leadership is not about position. It’s about influence.
• Every leader is a learner.
• Teaching is one of the primary ways that leaders learn.
• Leadership is about serving your people as you work together toward a shared vision.
• If you get too busy with your job to grow, your influence and your leadership will stagnate and ultimately evaporate.
• If you ever think you’re finished growing as a leader, you are finished as a leader.
Debbie Brewster, who was mentored by Blake’s father, plays the part of trusted mentor to Blake. Throughout the book, we sit in several mentoring meetings between the two. But, before Debbie begins to mentor Blake on leadership, her first priority is to help Blake find a job as he graduates from college.
Blake accepts a position on a cross-functional team at Dynastar, where he is mentored by Sam. As Blake begins his career at Dynastar, continues to mentor with Debbie, telling her that he wants to know how he can GROW as a leader. Throughout their meetings, Debbie shares with him four big ideas, using the acronym GROW, that if applied consistently, will enable him to be a leader for life.
At Dynastar, Blake’s supervisor is Ms. Barnwell. She is known to hold very short meetings and get right to the point. There is not a good relationship between Ms. Barnwell and the team. In addition, Dynastar has been losing clients, and team members, especially Sam, are fearful of losing their jobs. It is not a good environment, to say the least.
Sam and Blake propose forming a cross-functional team to pinpoint the problems and look for clues to a solution. They propose talking to customers and senior leaders in the organization. Will the cross-functional team be able to identify the problems and recommend solutions before its too late for Dynastar? And will Debbie be successful as she mentors Blake on leadership?
I’ve benefitted from several Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller books in the past, and this one is no exception. This quick-read would be a good one to read with members of your leadership team, especially young and emerging leaders. The book also includes some helpful resources, including assessments and a recommended reading list.
Below are some of my takeaways from the book:
• The path to increased influence, impact, and leadership effectiveness is paved with personal growth.
• Growth is at the heart of what creates and sustains great leaders.
• The failure to grow sabotages the career of more leaders than anything else.
• Our capacity to grow determines our capacity to lead.
• Anytime you influence the thinking, beliefs, or development of another person, you’re engaging in leadership
• If you don’t want to serve, you cannot be a great leader.
• Great leaders don’t think less of themselves; they just think of themselves less.
• Leadership is not about position. It’s about influence.
• Every leader is a learner.
• Teaching is one of the primary ways that leaders learn.
• Leadership is about serving your people as you work together toward a shared vision.
• If you get too busy with your job to grow, your influence and your leadership will stagnate and ultimately evaporate.
• If you ever think you’re finished growing as a leader, you are finished as a leader.
August 3, 2021
'Great Leaders Grow' up to 7️⃣ out of 🔟
Being a Fresher in the corporate world makes you nervous and excited, at the same time. You wonder how things work and also explore how to contribute and become visibly important. Making mistakes is common, in that unfamiliar environment of high expectations, irrespective of having a mentor or not. This book revolves around all of that. It has a Fresher, a legacy, a mentor, a boss, an organization leader and turbulence.
What doesn't hold good is the Fresher seeking a job, rather than joining his late father's highly successful business. What doesn't gel well is the dramatic turn of Trust towards the fresher, for solving the existential crisis of a mature organization. What doesn't appear practical is the super quick and successful implementation of every tip from the mentor. Things happen quicker than a reader can probably digest. Besides the story, the insights for wannabe leaders are worth the time and trial. A good read for those having early hiccups in the professional zone.
PS: Few parts of this book seem to be adopted in the #TVF #Cubicles series 👍
#pustak_darpan #book #review #bookstagram #novel #selfhelp #corporate #greatleadersgrow #learn #grow #tips #guide #mentor #fresher #manager #boss #leader #profession #nervous #confident
Being a Fresher in the corporate world makes you nervous and excited, at the same time. You wonder how things work and also explore how to contribute and become visibly important. Making mistakes is common, in that unfamiliar environment of high expectations, irrespective of having a mentor or not. This book revolves around all of that. It has a Fresher, a legacy, a mentor, a boss, an organization leader and turbulence.
What doesn't hold good is the Fresher seeking a job, rather than joining his late father's highly successful business. What doesn't gel well is the dramatic turn of Trust towards the fresher, for solving the existential crisis of a mature organization. What doesn't appear practical is the super quick and successful implementation of every tip from the mentor. Things happen quicker than a reader can probably digest. Besides the story, the insights for wannabe leaders are worth the time and trial. A good read for those having early hiccups in the professional zone.
PS: Few parts of this book seem to be adopted in the #TVF #Cubicles series 👍
#pustak_darpan #book #review #bookstagram #novel #selfhelp #corporate #greatleadersgrow #learn #grow #tips #guide #mentor #fresher #manager #boss #leader #profession #nervous #confident
February 19, 2023
Blanchard has been one of my favorite authors since I read “The One Minute Manager” many years ago. If you are looking for great literary fiction as some critics (I mean reviewers) seem to be, these are not the books for you. They are essentially attempts to put principles into a memorable form. At this objective, are great.
I remember many of Blanchard’s principles long after the points of long drawn out, “innovative” leadership books have been forgotten. Blanchard doesn’t appear to spend a lot of time trying to create new fads - as so many leadership author’s do. Instead, he distills things down to the core basics.
An analogy I learned years ago applies well with all of Blanchard’s writings. When a sports team is struggling, the smart coaches don’t invent new elaborate plays to put the team back on a winning streak, they go back to the basics.
It’s true that many of Blanchard’s books are longer than they need to be to convey the lesson. Indeed you can find plenty of reviews that will spell out the acronym for you. But as story animals, we remember and connect better when we experience the principles through story. At this, “Great Leaders Grow” continues Blanchard’s tradition and is a wonderful primer for newbies and an important reminder to those who have lost their way.
Gain Knowledge
Reach Out to Others
Open Your World
Walk Toward Wisdom
I remember many of Blanchard’s principles long after the points of long drawn out, “innovative” leadership books have been forgotten. Blanchard doesn’t appear to spend a lot of time trying to create new fads - as so many leadership author’s do. Instead, he distills things down to the core basics.
An analogy I learned years ago applies well with all of Blanchard’s writings. When a sports team is struggling, the smart coaches don’t invent new elaborate plays to put the team back on a winning streak, they go back to the basics.
It’s true that many of Blanchard’s books are longer than they need to be to convey the lesson. Indeed you can find plenty of reviews that will spell out the acronym for you. But as story animals, we remember and connect better when we experience the principles through story. At this, “Great Leaders Grow” continues Blanchard’s tradition and is a wonderful primer for newbies and an important reminder to those who have lost their way.
Gain Knowledge
Reach Out to Others
Open Your World
Walk Toward Wisdom
January 10, 2024
Very good read, examples that can be related to by all in the real world and the lessons for Blake were very valuable for an Early Professional Hire. We all needed that wisdom to start but many folks obtained it along the way.
Read this book and things you could have learned many years ago, think of how you can pay it forward or pay it back to others. Help those early professional and seasoned professionals, we can all learn and grow each day.
We can all find ways to grow and learn each day and that growth mentality allows us to be that continuous learner and continue to lead. My saying has always been there is a leader in each locker, in sports everyone on the team, in the organization every employee has the opportunity and the responsibility to lead.
The Personal Assessment at the rear of the book it would be interesting for us to have taken that before reading and examine the difference in our self evaluation after reading the book. It is an ongoing journey to Grow and to Lead, this is one step in the journey.
Read this book and things you could have learned many years ago, think of how you can pay it forward or pay it back to others. Help those early professional and seasoned professionals, we can all learn and grow each day.
We can all find ways to grow and learn each day and that growth mentality allows us to be that continuous learner and continue to lead. My saying has always been there is a leader in each locker, in sports everyone on the team, in the organization every employee has the opportunity and the responsibility to lead.
The Personal Assessment at the rear of the book it would be interesting for us to have taken that before reading and examine the difference in our self evaluation after reading the book. It is an ongoing journey to Grow and to Lead, this is one step in the journey.
November 18, 2019
After reading their best-selling book "The Secret," it is right for me to continue reading "Great Leaders Grow." I just can't get enough of their wisdom on leadership. And since it is written in a story form, I enjoy myself as I learned.
Why do leaders need to GROW? "Growing for a leader is like oxygen to a deep-sea diver: without it, you die. Unlike the dive, you may not physically die – but if you stop growing, your influence will erode, and over time, you can even lose the opportunity to lead at all." They concluded that "The failure to grow sabotages the career of more leaders than anything else." The way to increased influence, impact and leadership effectiveness is through personal growth. "Our capacity to grow determines our capacity to lead."
To read my short review of Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller's
Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life (2012), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/05...
Why do leaders need to GROW? "Growing for a leader is like oxygen to a deep-sea diver: without it, you die. Unlike the dive, you may not physically die – but if you stop growing, your influence will erode, and over time, you can even lose the opportunity to lead at all." They concluded that "The failure to grow sabotages the career of more leaders than anything else." The way to increased influence, impact and leadership effectiveness is through personal growth. "Our capacity to grow determines our capacity to lead."
To read my short review of Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller's
Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life (2012), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/05...
Read
May 19, 2021From 1-5 stars 5 being the best, 1 the worst I give this book a 5. The reason for this is because this book every time you read you learn something new. Among other things, his teachings are something that will guide you throughout your life. My biggest questions about the book were What's going to happen? What interests me the most is that leadership has a long meaning and that it is not just a simple word. I think this book impacted my Hero's Journey because now I know that leading is not just being in charge of a group but about expressing yourself and guiding to the best. This book changed me as a reader because now I read faster in English which is very important to me because it always took me forever in my past books to finish them. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a book that changes any type of person. And I am proud and happy to tell you about my experience reading this.
April 13, 2018
Great leaders grow, that is the moral of the book. You have to be willing to grow as a person as well as a leader to be successful. You must accept new processes and changes, you cannot apply yesterday's solutions to today's problems. This is a problem that many leaders, and even companies run into often in the course of their lives.
Blake is a reluctant leader, his father has just died unexpectedly and the last thing he told Blake is that he will make a great leader. Blake seeks out Debbie a great leader herself that learned from his father. Debbie decides to mentor Blake from finishing college and into his first career.
Blake's first boss is not a great leader, the company he chooses is not a great company but with Debbie's guidance and having the right team Blake is able to assist the company and his leader into becoming better than ever.
Blake is a reluctant leader, his father has just died unexpectedly and the last thing he told Blake is that he will make a great leader. Blake seeks out Debbie a great leader herself that learned from his father. Debbie decides to mentor Blake from finishing college and into his first career.
Blake's first boss is not a great leader, the company he chooses is not a great company but with Debbie's guidance and having the right team Blake is able to assist the company and his leader into becoming better than ever.
June 17, 2024
"Great Leaders GROW: Becoming a Leader for Life" by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller is excellent resource for both young & seasoned leaders. It emphasizes on the continuous journey of leadership development & explained in very simple way by structuring around the story of Blake-a young leader seeking guidance from Debbie Brewster-an experienced leader. Through their conversation, the book unravels the core principles of leadership growth encapsulated in the acronym GROW:
Gain Knowledge : Always seek to expand your knowledge and skills.
Reach Out to Others: Invest in building strong & supportive relationships around.
Open Your World: Come out of your comfort zone and gain new experiences.
Walk Toward Wisdom: Making sound decisions, reflecting experience and maintaining integrity.
The book is a valuable resource to enhance leadership skills and foster a growth mindset.
Gain Knowledge : Always seek to expand your knowledge and skills.
Reach Out to Others: Invest in building strong & supportive relationships around.
Open Your World: Come out of your comfort zone and gain new experiences.
Walk Toward Wisdom: Making sound decisions, reflecting experience and maintaining integrity.
The book is a valuable resource to enhance leadership skills and foster a growth mindset.
June 25, 2017
O título não corresponde à expectativa: é uma história, não um texto dissertativo.
Uma fábula moderna sobre um rapaz, que perde o pai e tem que enfrentar os desafios do primeiro emprego, com os conselhos de uma velha amiga de seu pai.
Nada de empolgante, apenas uma história edificante.
O principal resume-se na figura da página 102:
Para ser um grande líder, você deve:
1) Adquirir conhecimento: sozinho, com os outros, sobre seu ramo de atuação, sobre liderança.
2) Aproximar-se dos outros: formalmente, informalmente.
3) Ampliar seu mundo: no trabalho e fora.
4) Caminhar rumo à sabedoria: autoavaliação, opiniões, conselho, tempo.
Ou seja, nada de excepcional :-(
Nota: Segue-se ao final recomendação bibliográfica e sites dos autores.
Well, just my 2 cents.
Uma fábula moderna sobre um rapaz, que perde o pai e tem que enfrentar os desafios do primeiro emprego, com os conselhos de uma velha amiga de seu pai.
Nada de empolgante, apenas uma história edificante.
O principal resume-se na figura da página 102:
Para ser um grande líder, você deve:
1) Adquirir conhecimento: sozinho, com os outros, sobre seu ramo de atuação, sobre liderança.
2) Aproximar-se dos outros: formalmente, informalmente.
3) Ampliar seu mundo: no trabalho e fora.
4) Caminhar rumo à sabedoria: autoavaliação, opiniões, conselho, tempo.
Ou seja, nada de excepcional :-(
Nota: Segue-se ao final recomendação bibliográfica e sites dos autores.
Well, just my 2 cents.
December 31, 2019
I ended up with this book because the company I used to work for bought way too many of them for a conference they held. I finally caved and read it to meet my 2019 reading goal.
The basic concept is solid, but the main bullet points are stretched throughout the 112 pages and are interwoven into an extremely cheesy story. I’m sure the story is meant to pair well with the authors’ business leadership seminars, but without it, it just feels like an after school special since it’s trying to sell you on a concept by giving you a completely fictionalized account of how well that concept works.
Business execs will eat it up and their employees will roll their eyes.
The basic concept is solid, but the main bullet points are stretched throughout the 112 pages and are interwoven into an extremely cheesy story. I’m sure the story is meant to pair well with the authors’ business leadership seminars, but without it, it just feels like an after school special since it’s trying to sell you on a concept by giving you a completely fictionalized account of how well that concept works.
Business execs will eat it up and their employees will roll their eyes.
March 30, 2022
This was a good book. Short and sweet. If you are looking for an easy read that can help you plan for success, I would recommend this one to you. It is a fun little story that walks through the life of a young man, Blake, who wants to succeed in life and become a good leader. Through good mentorship and the nuggets of wisdom the mentor provides throughout the book, you can see Blake is well on his way to success. Though the story in the book can seem a little farfetched at times, the wisdom found within should not be ignored. This is my second time reading this little book, and I look forward to making some changes in my life to help me GROW.
July 21, 2019
I read (listened) to this book in one sitting. As a young adult currently on the search for employment, as well as personal and intellectual growth, I enjoyed the reading. It gave me a lot to consider going into my next job interview. The recording itself, however, occasionally made me laugh, as the story coupled with an auditory reading made it seem almost satirical in nature. Overall it was a good quick listen and gave me food for thought.
February 6, 2022
The main take away from this book for me is the conversation Debbie and Blake had regarding what to look for in a future company. 1. A company that shares your core values. 2. A company that has a reputation for investing in their people. And 3. A company that could provide a long term future.
If you are stuck in a company or agency that does not possess all these qualities, you need to make a plan to remove yourself.
I enjoyed reading about how to grow as a leader as well.
If you are stuck in a company or agency that does not possess all these qualities, you need to make a plan to remove yourself.
I enjoyed reading about how to grow as a leader as well.
January 26, 2024
This book does a fabulous job of weaving an emotional story into a very impactful leadership learning journey. Though it’s probably a fictional story, it cemented some of the ideas through this brilliant narration.
The leadership concepts are fairly fundamental but the way it’s portraited via the eyes of a new employee joining the workforce. The book coaches you on various challenges that you may face during your career. Loved the book.
The leadership concepts are fairly fundamental but the way it’s portraited via the eyes of a new employee joining the workforce. The book coaches you on various challenges that you may face during your career. Loved the book.
March 15, 2017
The amount of insights packed in this small fable of a book is simply amazing. It will take a short time to read and a lifetime to accomplish. I would highly recommend this for anyone who has any aspirations of leading in any capacity for any reasons. Set your self on the road of learning, sharing and self discovery. Do yourself a favor and read it.
June 8, 2019
2 hours of pure learning!!! The story is well written, the characters are simple but full of wisdom. All the examples, all the tips and recommendations are simple and basic but at the same time you are able to discover that they are so easy to do it if you really want to.
I totally recommend this book!
I totally recommend this book!
July 15, 2019
A very good book from Ken Blanchard and friends. Leaders must be willing to learn and grow if they want to be effective. I agree with this 1000 percent and that pretty much sums up major theme of this work. There is quite a bit more a leader can learn from this recommended work, you just need to be willing to learn...SLT
December 16, 2019
Overall I enjoyed the message in the book. Mainly that we have to continually improve so we can be betters leaders. "Wisdom is the application of knowledge, discernment, experience, and judgment to make good decisions when the answer may not be obvious." And that being a leader requires service to others. "Great leaders don't think less of themselves, they think of themselves less."
August 27, 2021
It was a great read on how to continue to grow as a leader in life and influence others to grow along the way. I am inspired to continue to grow and learn while curving my own life path without knowing all the answers. I will recommend this book to others who do not think that they are leaders. I thought the same way until a wise friend told me that I am a leader without the title.
December 14, 2024
Not a bad book. Though it is similar to the general leadership self help texts. So it was a good reminder of general principles, but not much beyond that. If this is the beginning of your leadership educational journey then I think it is good to dig in and use this as a springboard for future growth.
November 16, 2017
Read for work - like other Blanchard work, this is a short fable with an mnemonic woven in to deliver some specific tips. It will lead to a good discussion on my current work team about how we can continue to be effective, innovative, and serve internal and external customers.
February 13, 2019
Good read. I like the narrative style. I think there is some good wisdom in this read. I have yet to experience a team environment like the protagonist’s. I’ve found most teams much more hostile. I hope to offer a different experience to those I lead.
April 20, 2019
I love business books that are written in a fable format. It makes the content easier to digest and more relatable. I loved the use of an acronym to guide new leaders or those looking for a refresher. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to develop or expand on their leadership skills.
July 26, 2019
A short book about leadership in a form of dialogues. Emphasizes constant learning and growth, relationships, honesty, the role for serving others and openness for new experiences. I didn't like that one of the authors worked in a poultry industry.
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