Lead

by Gary Burnison

Lead is a different kind of book. Rather than being the “last word” on leading others, it is meant to be the “first word”—an invitation to the reader to reflect on what the leadership journey means to each and every individual. At its core, Lead will benefit anyone who seeks to inspire, influence, or lead others, whether they are coaches, teachers, pastors, community organizers, politicians—or are in the C-suite. Lead offers an exploration of the essential elements of leadership, which author Gary Burnison defines purpose, strategy, people, measure, empower, reward, anticipate, navigate, communicate, listen, and learn—all of which culminate in leading. Instead of taking the left-brain approach of “paradigm shifts” and “leadership models,” the author focuses on right-brain constants such as emotional connection, compassion, focusing on others, humility, and managing oneself. Lead readers will find inspiring stories, easy to digest analogies, reflective exercises and evocative images meant to give them pause, draw them in, and encourage introspection.

Genres: Leadership, Business

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Mtbike40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lead provides leaders with an opportunity to renew their thinking about twelve leadership traits. This book is organized nicely in that each leadership trait has its own chapter, structured to refresh the readers thinking, provide ways to recognize where the leader falls on the traits continuum of performance, and then provides a well developed list of action items the leader can take to improve that trait. This would make a great companion tool to a leadership 360 degree feedback instrument.

While I have read this book through all the way, I plan on going back to it monthly and working to improve my leadership style by selecting one trait each month and taking action to improve it. It is great that the twelfth trait is learn. Continuous development is critical to leaders and this book provides some great ideas.