What do you think?
Rate this book
[Leadership: Plain and Simple (2nd Edition) (Financial Times Series)] [By: Radcliffe, Steve] [May, 2012]
LEADERSHIP ISN’T COMPLICATED. KEEP IT SIMPLE. MAKE IT COUNT. You already have what it takes to be an effective leader. But to be the best leader you can be, you need to recognise what really works and then build your skills in these areas. Leadership, Plain & Simple gives you a powerful, actionable framework to help you do just this, by focusing on the only three leadership practices you’ll ever need. This framework is derived from expert coach Steve Radcliffe’s work with real leaders in real leadership situations. It shows you how This book is a compact, instantly-applicable guide to developing your leadership skills. It contains no jargon or irrelevant theory, just practical insights, straightforward actions and plain guidelines to accelerate your growth as a leader. Start using Leadership, Plain & Simple now and reap the benefits straight away. HOW TO BE A LEADER WHO MAKES A DIFFERENCE The best leaders aren’t distinguished by their competencies, skills or personality. They stand out because they’re in touch with what they care about and because they go for it, consciously focusing on the things that will make the biggest difference. Packed with revealing quotes and case studies from real leaders, Leadership, Plain & Simple shows you how you can achieve outstanding results by taking this approach. This results-focused book uses a highly effective and proven coaching style to help you identify what’s most important to you as a leader. Through a combination of probing questions and step-by-step action plans, expert leadership coach Steve Radcliffe shows you how to identify the areas where you personally should focus your efforts and gives you the actions, practices and guidelines you need to accelerate your leadership skills, whatever you’re aiming to achieve. A fast, focused and straight talking guide to fulfilling your potential as a leader.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
139 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 28, 2013
What I liked most about this book is that the author delivered what’s promissed on the title; it’s very simple! No magic formulas or theories. Steve Radcliffe’s approach is FED which stands for Future – Engage - Deliver. The book has 170 pages it’s a very easy read, clear language and with “real world” examples (not just superstar CEOs) that anyone can relate to of how we can develop our leadership in various levels on a daily basis regardless of your title or job position.
It’s so clear and simple that as soon as you read you know how you will apply on the next day. The author does a series of questions that helps you figure where you have to improve and how. He also describe differen scenarios and situations so you can think in contingency plans.
In the 9 chapters of the book you start with an overview of the Future – Engage – Deliver approach, than it has one chapter dedicated for each part:
Future ( What do you care about?/ What do you want to lead for?)
Engage (How you impact and connect others )
Deliver ( Deliver through others and deliver more now and later)
There are also chapters about the four Energies (Emotional, Spirit, Intellectual and Physical), and how to apply the Future – Engage – Deliver approach on your teams and organization.
Another great feature is the website containing extra material and templates for some excercises suggested by the author.
http://www.futureengagedeliver.com/
Below is one of my favourite quotes from the book:
“This Leadership stuff really needn’t be complicated. I believe that leading is a natural, human activity that is a part of all of us. You don’t need a certain IQ or a job title to be a leader!”
“Powerful and effective leaders are guided by the Future they want. And more than this, the leader is strongest when that Future is powerfully connected to that he or she cares about.”
I definitely recommend this book and suggest you to have it on your desk, office or anywhere nearby that you can consult and even see your progress.
It’s so clear and simple that as soon as you read you know how you will apply on the next day. The author does a series of questions that helps you figure where you have to improve and how. He also describe differen scenarios and situations so you can think in contingency plans.
In the 9 chapters of the book you start with an overview of the Future – Engage – Deliver approach, than it has one chapter dedicated for each part:
Future ( What do you care about?/ What do you want to lead for?)
Engage (How you impact and connect others )
Deliver ( Deliver through others and deliver more now and later)
There are also chapters about the four Energies (Emotional, Spirit, Intellectual and Physical), and how to apply the Future – Engage – Deliver approach on your teams and organization.
Another great feature is the website containing extra material and templates for some excercises suggested by the author.
http://www.futureengagedeliver.com/
Below is one of my favourite quotes from the book:
“This Leadership stuff really needn’t be complicated. I believe that leading is a natural, human activity that is a part of all of us. You don’t need a certain IQ or a job title to be a leader!”
“Powerful and effective leaders are guided by the Future they want. And more than this, the leader is strongest when that Future is powerfully connected to that he or she cares about.”
I definitely recommend this book and suggest you to have it on your desk, office or anywhere nearby that you can consult and even see your progress.
April 3, 2017
This books does what it says: a plain, simple and effective leadership model in a book you can digest in a few hours, but will stay with you for much longer than that. Thank you to the HR Director of one of my clients who recommended it.
What you get: straightforward, powerful language; judicious use of great quotations (many of which I've bookmarked for future reference); and lots of checklists, self-tests etc. to get you thinking.
I've been around leadership development for around 10 years now as an executive coach, and some years before that as a programme participant: and it was either very timely or very well written (or both) - it certainly stimulated useful reflection and action around my own work and professional direction. If it stirs the feeling that it's time you were, in Steve Radcliffe's phrase, "up to something" then that's great news - you're on the way to a future where you engage others and deliver that something.
What you get: straightforward, powerful language; judicious use of great quotations (many of which I've bookmarked for future reference); and lots of checklists, self-tests etc. to get you thinking.
I've been around leadership development for around 10 years now as an executive coach, and some years before that as a programme participant: and it was either very timely or very well written (or both) - it certainly stimulated useful reflection and action around my own work and professional direction. If it stirs the feeling that it's time you were, in Steve Radcliffe's phrase, "up to something" then that's great news - you're on the way to a future where you engage others and deliver that something.
January 24, 2022
My absolute ‘go to’ leadership book, have been through the FED programme which is brilliant, but this book covers the basics and can be transformational if you constantly apply the learning.
December 1, 2025
The book on leadership I wish I read ten years ago. As with any good management book, now comes the hard part of bringing these ideas into practice.
April 4, 2023
Leadership is a matter of FED: - envisioning the FUTURE, working to ENGAGE employees and DELIVERING the outcome which will lead to the future. It’s a relatively simple formula and to some extent the whole book is just a commentary on what FED means and looks like in real life situations.
The model is new, but elements of it, such as its FUTURE focus, have also been aspects of more traditional models which talk of the power of a Vision. Seeing elements of newer and older models blended together is reassuring, as successful leadership has been taking place for millennia, so it would be somewhat alarming if an author claimed to have only just discovered what leadership is.
There were a few tongue in cheek moments in the book. Such as the claim that research on leadership ‘is totally conclusive that you do most of your learning and growing as a leader in real life situations, not on courses or reading books…’ (Kindle 11%). Hmm so, is there any point reading this book?
One of the aspects of the book that worried me, was a tendency to exalt leadership by criticising management. The book drew a very sharp distinction between the two. ‘The (false) presumption is that whatever the manager is supposed to do, the leader does more of and better. (But) Leadership is not advanced management; it is radically different…’ (16%).
Yet later in the book the author quotes with approval a comment by Peter Drucker who said: ‘Your first and foremost job as a leader is to manage your own energy, and help manage the energy of those around you.’ (47%). Note the occurrence of the word ‘manage’ in that sentence.
Yes there may be a considerable difference between (textbook) leadership and management, but there is not always a sharp distinction in what the person who is the leader, actually has to do. Leaders can't just lead. They do have to manage, and they have always done so. To use a military metaphor, how many army leaders have had to stockpile resources and manage their logistics in order to then successfully lead their armies in battles?
What was missing from the book was a realisation and explanation that the relationship between leadership and management is more subtle and nuanced, rather than simply focusing on one as good, and the other as a factor that can distract people from becoming the good leaders that they should be focused upon becoming.
The book was easy to read with chapters in readily digestible chunks. In digital format 20% of the book was notes and follow up materials. The author even provided websites and means to contact him and his team, so that they can come and provide consultancy.
Overall, an interesting book, but I think a little simplistic in places about the roles of real people who find themselves having to be both leaders and managers at differing times.
The model is new, but elements of it, such as its FUTURE focus, have also been aspects of more traditional models which talk of the power of a Vision. Seeing elements of newer and older models blended together is reassuring, as successful leadership has been taking place for millennia, so it would be somewhat alarming if an author claimed to have only just discovered what leadership is.
There were a few tongue in cheek moments in the book. Such as the claim that research on leadership ‘is totally conclusive that you do most of your learning and growing as a leader in real life situations, not on courses or reading books…’ (Kindle 11%). Hmm so, is there any point reading this book?
One of the aspects of the book that worried me, was a tendency to exalt leadership by criticising management. The book drew a very sharp distinction between the two. ‘The (false) presumption is that whatever the manager is supposed to do, the leader does more of and better. (But) Leadership is not advanced management; it is radically different…’ (16%).
Yet later in the book the author quotes with approval a comment by Peter Drucker who said: ‘Your first and foremost job as a leader is to manage your own energy, and help manage the energy of those around you.’ (47%). Note the occurrence of the word ‘manage’ in that sentence.
Yes there may be a considerable difference between (textbook) leadership and management, but there is not always a sharp distinction in what the person who is the leader, actually has to do. Leaders can't just lead. They do have to manage, and they have always done so. To use a military metaphor, how many army leaders have had to stockpile resources and manage their logistics in order to then successfully lead their armies in battles?
What was missing from the book was a realisation and explanation that the relationship between leadership and management is more subtle and nuanced, rather than simply focusing on one as good, and the other as a factor that can distract people from becoming the good leaders that they should be focused upon becoming.
The book was easy to read with chapters in readily digestible chunks. In digital format 20% of the book was notes and follow up materials. The author even provided websites and means to contact him and his team, so that they can come and provide consultancy.
Overall, an interesting book, but I think a little simplistic in places about the roles of real people who find themselves having to be both leaders and managers at differing times.
April 28, 2025
This book is immensely practical about what needs to be done if you wish to show leadership, irrespective of the title and level you are at.
The model is simple, and broken down in clear terms, without ambiguity. I like that the author supplemented the model with the Four Types of energies needed to create great performance, as well as how leader mode of operation is different from manager / operator modes.
There are great questions that help you work out your own answers to the problems of vision, engagement and deliver. I'd strongly recommend that you do them as you go through the book. There are areas for me, personally to go deeper, which got highlighted for myself as I read it.
Overall, this book made so much sense to me, because of it's simplicity and detailing. I have been training at leadership levels and first time managers since the past 10 years, and I have been reading a lot of books and other articles related to leadership. I find this book to be as practically applicable as the Situational Leadership books and model.
The model is simple, and broken down in clear terms, without ambiguity. I like that the author supplemented the model with the Four Types of energies needed to create great performance, as well as how leader mode of operation is different from manager / operator modes.
There are great questions that help you work out your own answers to the problems of vision, engagement and deliver. I'd strongly recommend that you do them as you go through the book. There are areas for me, personally to go deeper, which got highlighted for myself as I read it.
Overall, this book made so much sense to me, because of it's simplicity and detailing. I have been training at leadership levels and first time managers since the past 10 years, and I have been reading a lot of books and other articles related to leadership. I find this book to be as practically applicable as the Situational Leadership books and model.
April 27, 2019
This is a great book that changed the way I thought about the role of leadership and how it differs from management. Here is a nice quote that sums up a lot about the book:
“the key is to spark Possibilities in others that are meaningful to them. This is a shift of focus many leaders don’t figure out. They can be excited about the Future and can automatically assume others will be too. Sometimes others might be. But what you’ve really got to do is help people see Possibilities for themselves and what they care about in what’s being explored”
“the key is to spark Possibilities in others that are meaningful to them. This is a shift of focus many leaders don’t figure out. They can be excited about the Future and can automatically assume others will be too. Sometimes others might be. But what you’ve really got to do is help people see Possibilities for themselves and what they care about in what’s being explored”
July 4, 2022
This is a fantastic simple book on Steve Radcliffe's theory of leadership. He has developed a model called "FED" - Future, Engage, Deliver; a very simple and concise model.
The language used is also remarkably simple, gone are the long drawn out complex theories on relationships, continual improvement and what it means to be a leader.
It loses a star, due to the repetitive nature and the amount of "real word" examples included.
This is the sort of book, you don't read once and I believe it will be something I refer back to time- and time again.
The language used is also remarkably simple, gone are the long drawn out complex theories on relationships, continual improvement and what it means to be a leader.
It loses a star, due to the repetitive nature and the amount of "real word" examples included.
This is the sort of book, you don't read once and I believe it will be something I refer back to time- and time again.
August 2, 2018
Leadership Plain and Simple brings up some quite powerful ideas despite their simplicity. Future - engage- deliver is a quite strong framework that can help get the best of your teams. It also helps energize yourself to.embrace a leadership role even without he title. Delivering while inspiring others. Pretty common sense but quite useful when ackowledged as a process. 👊
December 20, 2019
I really liked the Future Engage Deliver model that's discussed in this book. I found it easy to follow and it felt practical - I was able to immediately use it as a model for my own development. I also really liked the inclusion of probing questions which I plan on using in future for reflective practice. I was recommended this book and would definitely recommend it to others in the future.
October 24, 2020
Simple, very well structured, effective and not exclusive to the the 'business' shelves of life.
My only criticism is that it is padded out with a lot of 'quotes' and 'real life' tales for examples, which as much as I understand their place really breaks up the pace and reading of the book. I found I'd jump past them to follow a sentence or paragraph, and turn back to catch the anecdotes.
My only criticism is that it is padded out with a lot of 'quotes' and 'real life' tales for examples, which as much as I understand their place really breaks up the pace and reading of the book. I found I'd jump past them to follow a sentence or paragraph, and turn back to catch the anecdotes.
June 23, 2019
You might find some valuable concepts in this book if you’re interested in excelling at your workplace and becoming a leader. I didn’t really like the way this book was written but nonetheless I think the FED framework can be useful, especially in bigger organizations.
June 18, 2023
This is a very good book that tells you step by step what to do to improve leadership across an organisation. It is very straightforward, easy to read and understand. I just need to put it in practice now!
June 30, 2017
Not the best leadership book I've read. Not very inspirational.
August 15, 2019
Cuts through the usual leadership BS to focus things that matter and will make a difference to your and your organisation. Straightforward but packed full of insight.
November 17, 2019
Simple, and superb. Highly recommended.
February 22, 2024
Amazing book, completely changed my idea of how to be a leader!
October 8, 2025
Simple, elegant, practical and wise. I got a lot from this. Inspiring book - would recommend
October 30, 2025
This is a brilliant yet simple guide to leadership. Thoroughly recommended!
February 22, 2017
Totally changed the way i work
I read this book in order to become a better leader for me and my team in my new job. Before I would call my self a manager. Not any more, I'm a leader full of passion and striving to deliver on our goals.
I read this book in order to become a better leader for me and my team in my new job. Before I would call my self a manager. Not any more, I'm a leader full of passion and striving to deliver on our goals.
August 8, 2014
The Future-Engage-Deliver (FED) one. Some helpful stuff in the first few chapters but goes off the rails a bit from when it starts on 'spiritual energy'.
May 19, 2016
great book with a simple message.
future, engage and deliver.
it changed the way I viewed the workplace and my actions
future, engage and deliver.
it changed the way I viewed the workplace and my actions
January 1, 2019
Borrowed during a leadership course. Very readable.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews