Understand leadership fast, without cutting corners
The ability to lead others is crucial to anyone who wants to advance their career. In this short, accessible book, Carol O'Connor shares a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom and practical advice, giving you, in straightforward language, all the leadership expertise you need to be a great leader.
The 'in a week' structure explains the essentials of leadership over just 7 days. At the end there are questions to ensure you have taken it all in and cartoons, diagrams and visual aids throughout help make "Leadership In A Week" an enjoyable and effective learning experience.
So what are you waiting for? Take the fast track to successful leadership!
Title: Leadership in a Week Author: Carol A. O’Connor Genre: Self-Help Date Started / Finished: 5/7/25 - 12/7/25 Number of Pages: 95 Why did I choose this book? It just made me curious about how one can increase their leadership skills in a week.
Summary / Key Insights:
Breaking down leadership skills into 6 Skills -
1. Developing awareness The need for introspection of the self Importance of personal development (skills, knowledge, and experience)
2. Understanding people Not inspiring, but look for ways of motivation where they want to do it instead Care for the different tier needs of colleagues Three patterns of behaviour
3. Power and authority Types of Power Styles of Leadership Stages of Leadership Delegation
4. Communication Listening Speaking Social Discussion
5. Decision making Urgency, Importance, Clear and realistic goals, Testing the options
6. Creating a vision The difference between a leader and a manager Looking at the big picture makes one realise flaws overlooked
Personal Reflection: It made me interconnect my bosses based on their leadership styles and my colleagues based on their patterns of behaviour.
Author’s Approach: The author uses a confident tone and simple language to state his intentions. He relies on evidence, experience and logic to state his statements. I trust the author because it feels right to me.
Application: I will engage in regular introspection. Take initiatives often. Observe my surroundings more closely and note the various cues. I can practice these 6 skills more often.
Rating: 5/5 Did I clearly understand the main ideas or story? Yes Was the book engaging or enjoyable to read? Yes Did I learn something new or gain a new perspective? Yes Was the content (or story) well-organised and easy to follow? Yes Did the author provide good examples or evidence (nonfiction)? Yes Would I recommend this book to someone else? Yes Did the book meet the goal I had when I started reading it? Yes Was there at least one idea or moment that stuck with me? Yes Did the book make me think, reflect, or feel something meaningful? Yes 10. Would I consider re-reading it someday? Yes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.