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The Go-Giver Leader: A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business
“I met last week with your leaders,” Ben began. “I heard what they had to say. And you know, they make a good point.” He paused. Take charge, Ben , he told himself. Take control . He looked around the conference room. Take, take, take . Was that really what he was here to do?
With their acclaimed bestseller The Go-Giver , Bob Burg and John David Mann proved that a heartfelt parable could also express a powerful idea. In The Go-Giver Leader (originally published as It’s Not About You ), they offer an equally compelling tale about a struggling small business and the ambitious young executive trying to lead them to a crucial decision.
Allen & Augustine has manufactured high-quality chairs for decades. Its people take pride in their work and feel loyal to their owners and management team. But this revered company is now at a crossroads, hurt by a tough economy, foreign competition, and a cash crunch. The air is filled with the scent of uncertainty, anxiety, perhaps even panic.
Into this setting enters Ben, who’s been assigned by a larger firm to promote a merger that will rescue Allen & Augustine. Ben’s facts are the chair maker can either merge and modernize or go bankrupt and vanish. So why can’t he persuade anyone to buy in, from the CEO on down?
Will Ben find a way to sway the employee shareholders before the climactic vote? And can Allen & Augustine survive without losing its soul? The answers may surprise you as you follow Ben on his journey to understanding that the path to genuine influence lies less in taking leadership than in giving it.
This revised and updated edition includes a new introduction, a discussion guide, and a Q&A with the authors.
With their acclaimed bestseller The Go-Giver , Bob Burg and John David Mann proved that a heartfelt parable could also express a powerful idea. In The Go-Giver Leader (originally published as It’s Not About You ), they offer an equally compelling tale about a struggling small business and the ambitious young executive trying to lead them to a crucial decision.
Allen & Augustine has manufactured high-quality chairs for decades. Its people take pride in their work and feel loyal to their owners and management team. But this revered company is now at a crossroads, hurt by a tough economy, foreign competition, and a cash crunch. The air is filled with the scent of uncertainty, anxiety, perhaps even panic.
Into this setting enters Ben, who’s been assigned by a larger firm to promote a merger that will rescue Allen & Augustine. Ben’s facts are the chair maker can either merge and modernize or go bankrupt and vanish. So why can’t he persuade anyone to buy in, from the CEO on down?
Will Ben find a way to sway the employee shareholders before the climactic vote? And can Allen & Augustine survive without losing its soul? The answers may surprise you as you follow Ben on his journey to understanding that the path to genuine influence lies less in taking leadership than in giving it.
This revised and updated edition includes a new introduction, a discussion guide, and a Q&A with the authors.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published March 29, 2016
About the author
Bob Burg
79 books344 followersBob Burg shares information on topics vital to the success of today’s businessperson. He speaks for corporations and associations internationally, including fortune 500 companies, franchises, and numerous direct sales organizations.
Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.
He is a founding board member of Club 100, a charitable organization focused on helping underprivileged local area youths. A lover of animals, he is a past member of the Board of Directors of Safe Harbor, which is the Humane Society of Jupiter, Florida.
Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.
He is a founding board member of Club 100, a charitable organization focused on helping underprivileged local area youths. A lover of animals, he is a past member of the Board of Directors of Safe Harbor, which is the Humane Society of Jupiter, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 11, 2016
Bob Burg and John David Mann have collaborated before – on books called The Go-Giver and Go-Givers Sell More. They also co-wrote a book called It’s Not About You, which followed in the same vein as the other two. That third book has been re-crafted, enhanced, and re-titled as The Go-Giver Leader.
All are excellent.
This book, now more clearly connected to the other two in the Go-Giver brand, is a business parable. While there are connections between the three, you can certainly read this without reading the other two (though after you do, I’ll bet you will want to read the others as well).
All focus on the essence of their Go-Giver philosophy that shifting your emphasis from a ‘me’ focus to an ‘other’ focus leads to great and often unexpected returns. That is a philosophy that is not always evident with leaders today.
I am recommending this book to you for three reasons:
* I agree with and strive to lead by the principles included.
* The parable approach makes the ideas easy to understand and remember.
* This is perhaps the most clearly stated treatise of servant leadership that has been written.
- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leade...
All are excellent.
This book, now more clearly connected to the other two in the Go-Giver brand, is a business parable. While there are connections between the three, you can certainly read this without reading the other two (though after you do, I’ll bet you will want to read the others as well).
All focus on the essence of their Go-Giver philosophy that shifting your emphasis from a ‘me’ focus to an ‘other’ focus leads to great and often unexpected returns. That is a philosophy that is not always evident with leaders today.
I am recommending this book to you for three reasons:
* I agree with and strive to lead by the principles included.
* The parable approach makes the ideas easy to understand and remember.
* This is perhaps the most clearly stated treatise of servant leadership that has been written.
- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leade...
April 25, 2021
This parable brings life
Even though this book is a parable the teal life situations and scenarios are spot on. Unfortunately all too often business executives and people in perceived authority have this uncanny ability to handle people and situations opposite of how they should continually trying to strong arm , threaten or coerce people do perform or decide on things their way, not realizing a man convinced against his will is of the same option still.
Even though this book is a parable the teal life situations and scenarios are spot on. Unfortunately all too often business executives and people in perceived authority have this uncanny ability to handle people and situations opposite of how they should continually trying to strong arm , threaten or coerce people do perform or decide on things their way, not realizing a man convinced against his will is of the same option still.
July 24, 2025
Read this in one sitting, great book
June 5, 2017
With their acclaimed bestseller The Go-Giver, Bob Burg and John David Mann proved that a heartfelt parable could also express a powerful idea. In The Go-Giver Leader (originally published as It’s Not About You), they offer an equally compelling tale about a struggling small business and the ambitious young executive trying to lead them to a crucial decision.
Allen & Augustine has manufactured high-quality chairs for decades. Its people take pride in their work and feel loyal to their owners and management team. But this revered company is now at a crossroads, hurt by a tough economy, foreign competition, and a cash crunch. The air is filled with the scent of uncertainty, anxiety, perhaps even panic.
Into this setting enters Ben, who’s been assigned by a larger firm to promote a merger that will rescue Allen & Augustine. Ben’s facts are undeniable: the chair maker can either merge and modernize or go bankrupt and vanish. So why can’t he persuade anyone to buy in, from the CEO on down?
Will Ben find a way to sway the employee shareholders before the climactic vote? And can Allen & Augustine survive without losing its soul? The answers may surprise you as you follow Ben on his journey to understanding that the path to genuine influence lies less in taking leadership than in giving it.
This revised and updated edition includes a new introduction, a discussion guide, and a Q&A with the authors.
Allen & Augustine has manufactured high-quality chairs for decades. Its people take pride in their work and feel loyal to their owners and management team. But this revered company is now at a crossroads, hurt by a tough economy, foreign competition, and a cash crunch. The air is filled with the scent of uncertainty, anxiety, perhaps even panic.
Into this setting enters Ben, who’s been assigned by a larger firm to promote a merger that will rescue Allen & Augustine. Ben’s facts are undeniable: the chair maker can either merge and modernize or go bankrupt and vanish. So why can’t he persuade anyone to buy in, from the CEO on down?
Will Ben find a way to sway the employee shareholders before the climactic vote? And can Allen & Augustine survive without losing its soul? The answers may surprise you as you follow Ben on his journey to understanding that the path to genuine influence lies less in taking leadership than in giving it.
This revised and updated edition includes a new introduction, a discussion guide, and a Q&A with the authors.
January 9, 2020
This book is just as good as the original "Go-Giver". The authors have an uncanny way of reeling you into the story and making you a part of the action.
Like Go-Giver, the Go-Giver Leader is a parable about someone trying to succeed and getting a little help from an unknown along the way. This book; however, our protagonist does not focus on "stratospheric success" but literally writes the book on "Legendary Leadership".
1) Hold the vision
2) Build your people
3) Do the work
4) Stand for something
5) Practice giving leadership
If you read the original Go-giver some of the twists and turns will be predicted. You will also find some character cross over between the books.
A solid and fun read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to develop their leadership.
Like Go-Giver, the Go-Giver Leader is a parable about someone trying to succeed and getting a little help from an unknown along the way. This book; however, our protagonist does not focus on "stratospheric success" but literally writes the book on "Legendary Leadership".
1) Hold the vision
2) Build your people
3) Do the work
4) Stand for something
5) Practice giving leadership
If you read the original Go-giver some of the twists and turns will be predicted. You will also find some character cross over between the books.
A solid and fun read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to develop their leadership.
August 20, 2021
This book is confusing… and at the same time thought provoking and inspiring. Definitely some gems 💎 in there about leadership and probably best consumed and discussed in a book or study group.
April 7, 2025
For any small business owner, this is a gem of a book!
It reads like a story with a small company and its characters at the heart of it but it imparts simple but powerful life lessons. Bonus- at less than 150 pages you can read it very quickly.
The sentence that really resonated with me was “As a leader, you become the container of others’ hopes.” As the authors go on to talk about leadership being about others and not about you, prepare to find yourself thinking about influence, and what it really means personally and professionally.
It reads like a story with a small company and its characters at the heart of it but it imparts simple but powerful life lessons. Bonus- at less than 150 pages you can read it very quickly.
The sentence that really resonated with me was “As a leader, you become the container of others’ hopes.” As the authors go on to talk about leadership being about others and not about you, prepare to find yourself thinking about influence, and what it really means personally and professionally.
July 22, 2025
Great inspirational novel on how to be an awesome leader.
The narrative parable like structure makes complex leadership wisdom easily digestible without hmm feeling like a self-help book.
The narrative parable like structure makes complex leadership wisdom easily digestible without hmm feeling like a self-help book.
May 4, 2026
Fast, witty, honest. A must reach for achievers/the motivated.
July 14, 2017
An Important Lesson For All
The Go-Giver Leader has a message for the custodian and CEO alike. We can ALL give. In too many instances the moral of this story is scoffed at or frowned upon when in reality it's the principals shared in this book that are the true game changers. Those of us who practice these principals are often thought of or viewed as weak when in actuality it takes great strength to live them. The Go-Giver Leader reminds us of this in an entertaining yet informative format. Kudos to the authors.
The Go-Giver Leader has a message for the custodian and CEO alike. We can ALL give. In too many instances the moral of this story is scoffed at or frowned upon when in reality it's the principals shared in this book that are the true game changers. Those of us who practice these principals are often thought of or viewed as weak when in actuality it takes great strength to live them. The Go-Giver Leader reminds us of this in an entertaining yet informative format. Kudos to the authors.
August 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, but preferred The Go-Giver. Don't get me a wrong, it's another great parable. But it didn't move me as much. I'm not sure why, so I'm giving it 5 stars anyway.
I highly recommend it but I think there should be some distance between reading the original and this follow-up.
I highly recommend it but I think there should be some distance between reading the original and this follow-up.
November 26, 2017
Like The Go-Giver, this book is also a story that teaches several life principles along the way. While this story is good, it didn't move me quite as much as the first book. Still, these are important principles about leadership and life. Everyone could benefit from learning this content, regardless of a formal leadership position. After all, we are each a leader to someone else.
December 4, 2017
This book made me cry. Not because it’s sad, but because it’s beyond moving. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read. It made me reevaluate myself, my business, and what I’m adding to the world. I’m inspired by the lessons and look forward to a new outlook and implementing it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
I find that these little "business parables" are generally a bit cheesy, but usually contain a few good nuggets of wisdom or inspiration. This was worth reading and I'll probably even read the original "go-giver" book.
October 26, 2016
It's not about ME! It's about YOU! Great reminders of the core to great leadership.
March 12, 2017
The more power you give away, the more you'll have in return!
August 12, 2017
I haven't read any of the other Go Giver books but this was a fantastic intro to the collection. I loved how all these principals were told via story, it makes it so much more engaging.
October 25, 2017
Another fast read but also a great perspective on leadership. Definitely food for thought.
October 7, 2021
Another wonderful parable from the Go Giver series expanding on the law of influence. Loved the etymology of words on this one, would love my own aunt elle
July 14, 2022
Easy, fun read, in story fashion to impact basic leadership principals. I enjoyed the story.
Read
May 26, 2025**The Go-Giver Leader: A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business** by Bob Burg and John David Mann delivers leadership lessons through a fictional narrative, focusing on the idea that great leadership is not about asserting power but about serving others and empowering them to succeed. The story explores how influence, humility, and vision combine to create lasting impact.
Key ideas and actionable strategies:
* **Leadership Is About Giving, Not Taking**
* True leaders focus on what they can give: trust, opportunity, support, and belief in others.
* Leadership is not about control or ego; it’s about helping others thrive.
* Success as a leader comes from elevating the people around you.
* **Lead with Vision, Not Fear**
* Inspire others with a compelling purpose rather than pushing with authority or pressure.
* Clearly communicate the “why” behind your goals so that people feel aligned with a shared mission.
* Vision-driven leadership creates commitment rather than mere compliance.
* **Influence Through Trust**
* Trust is the foundation of effective leadership—it must be earned through consistency, integrity, and care.
* Give trust before demanding it; assume others are capable and dependable.
* When people feel trusted, they perform with greater confidence and accountability.
* **Empower Rather Than Command**
* Shift from being a “boss” to being a “builder” who develops others’ potential.
* Delegate authority, not just tasks—allow people to make decisions and grow.
* Offer guidance and encouragement, not micromanagement.
* **Be a Servant Leader**
* Serve the mission, the team, and the individuals—not your own interests.
* Humility is a strength, not a weakness; admit mistakes and seek input from others.
* Leading by example sets the tone for the culture and behavior you want to inspire.
* **Focus on Long-Term Relationships Over Short-Term Wins**
* Build trust and loyalty through honesty, follow-through, and sincere care for others’ success.
* Avoid transactional leadership; invest in genuine relationships.
* What matters most is not what you achieve, but who you become—and who you help others become.
* **The Five Keys to Legendary Leadership**
* *Hold the Vision:* Keep your eyes on the bigger picture, even when the path gets difficult.
* *Build Your People:* Invest in team development and create an environment of growth.
* *Do the Work:* Be hands-on and willing to do what’s needed—model commitment.
* *Stand for Something:* Let your principles guide your decisions and leadership style.
* *Practice Giving Leadership:* Put others first, lead with empathy, and focus on contribution.
The book’s central message is that leadership is not about the leader—it’s about those being led. The most effective leaders are those who listen deeply, serve selflessly, and lead with both heart and vision.
Key ideas and actionable strategies:
* **Leadership Is About Giving, Not Taking**
* True leaders focus on what they can give: trust, opportunity, support, and belief in others.
* Leadership is not about control or ego; it’s about helping others thrive.
* Success as a leader comes from elevating the people around you.
* **Lead with Vision, Not Fear**
* Inspire others with a compelling purpose rather than pushing with authority or pressure.
* Clearly communicate the “why” behind your goals so that people feel aligned with a shared mission.
* Vision-driven leadership creates commitment rather than mere compliance.
* **Influence Through Trust**
* Trust is the foundation of effective leadership—it must be earned through consistency, integrity, and care.
* Give trust before demanding it; assume others are capable and dependable.
* When people feel trusted, they perform with greater confidence and accountability.
* **Empower Rather Than Command**
* Shift from being a “boss” to being a “builder” who develops others’ potential.
* Delegate authority, not just tasks—allow people to make decisions and grow.
* Offer guidance and encouragement, not micromanagement.
* **Be a Servant Leader**
* Serve the mission, the team, and the individuals—not your own interests.
* Humility is a strength, not a weakness; admit mistakes and seek input from others.
* Leading by example sets the tone for the culture and behavior you want to inspire.
* **Focus on Long-Term Relationships Over Short-Term Wins**
* Build trust and loyalty through honesty, follow-through, and sincere care for others’ success.
* Avoid transactional leadership; invest in genuine relationships.
* What matters most is not what you achieve, but who you become—and who you help others become.
* **The Five Keys to Legendary Leadership**
* *Hold the Vision:* Keep your eyes on the bigger picture, even when the path gets difficult.
* *Build Your People:* Invest in team development and create an environment of growth.
* *Do the Work:* Be hands-on and willing to do what’s needed—model commitment.
* *Stand for Something:* Let your principles guide your decisions and leadership style.
* *Practice Giving Leadership:* Put others first, lead with empathy, and focus on contribution.
The book’s central message is that leadership is not about the leader—it’s about those being led. The most effective leaders are those who listen deeply, serve selflessly, and lead with both heart and vision.
May 24, 2026
Far less intriguing to me than the first iteration. I enjoyed the writing style, and there were a few interesting takeaways, but far fewer than the first book. The takeaways echo concepts found in what feels like hundreds of the same leadership books. I'm happy I gave it a read, but I likely won't re-read or recommend it to a friend.
Key takeaways:
> The most important task for a leader is to hold the vision for whatever they are working toward. It's especially important to hold on to this vision when you can tell those around you are starting to lose it.
> It's important to pull and not push to get things done. Pushing rarely works. A part of this includes letting others say their piece before you bring up your items.
> If you tell someone they have a quality, they will work to prove it to you and themselves. Many people have qualities and abilities deep in them that need some sort of stimulus to kick-start. Personally, I know this to be true through work with great mentors.
> You don't need to be brilliant or worry about the outcome. You just need to do the work. Doing the work is the only way to generate real respect and trust (in yourself and from others).
> Self-respect is where everything else positive comes from. You can only be humble if you have a huge sense of self-respect.
> Never think YOU are the deal as a leader. You are serving and guiding others; it is not about you in the slightest.
Key takeaways:
> The most important task for a leader is to hold the vision for whatever they are working toward. It's especially important to hold on to this vision when you can tell those around you are starting to lose it.
> It's important to pull and not push to get things done. Pushing rarely works. A part of this includes letting others say their piece before you bring up your items.
> If you tell someone they have a quality, they will work to prove it to you and themselves. Many people have qualities and abilities deep in them that need some sort of stimulus to kick-start. Personally, I know this to be true through work with great mentors.
> You don't need to be brilliant or worry about the outcome. You just need to do the work. Doing the work is the only way to generate real respect and trust (in yourself and from others).
> Self-respect is where everything else positive comes from. You can only be humble if you have a huge sense of self-respect.
> Never think YOU are the deal as a leader. You are serving and guiding others; it is not about you in the slightest.
February 2, 2025
As lovely as it sounds, this is a fictional story about fictional people, companies and events (exclusions apply).
It's packed with lovely ideas that I would absolutely love to see applied in the real life, BUT:
• As biased as I am, if anyone ever gets the opportunity to work on inspiring task, they will surely smash it, but they will not be fairly paid for it. There is extremely small number of people in a close circle to manager who can receive that level of trust and acknowledgement;
• Today kindness and openness is rather a weakness and people are quick to abuse every system even if it works in favour to them in the first place;
• Working on weekends both Saturday and Sunday - employers would love that, but it's a straight road to burnout. Employee would be binned after;
• Disclosing insider information to friends and family (insider trading?) - fired immediately, if not being sued;
• Super important project, but during the week Ben never engages with his manager or colleagues?
• No company will merge with another to save it - its for profits, so every bit will be squeezed out of it.
It's packed with lovely ideas that I would absolutely love to see applied in the real life, BUT:
• As biased as I am, if anyone ever gets the opportunity to work on inspiring task, they will surely smash it, but they will not be fairly paid for it. There is extremely small number of people in a close circle to manager who can receive that level of trust and acknowledgement;
• Today kindness and openness is rather a weakness and people are quick to abuse every system even if it works in favour to them in the first place;
• Working on weekends both Saturday and Sunday - employers would love that, but it's a straight road to burnout. Employee would be binned after;
• Disclosing insider information to friends and family (insider trading?) - fired immediately, if not being sued;
• Super important project, but during the week Ben never engages with his manager or colleagues?
• No company will merge with another to save it - its for profits, so every bit will be squeezed out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2026
The Go-Giver Leader is one of the most powerful reads on leadership I’ve come across. True influence—and the ability to lead—comes from putting others’ interests first. The author's built his manifesto for legendary leadership on five key pillars:
1 -Hold the vision – See clearly where you’re going.
2 -Build your people – Invest in their growth and well-being.
3 -Do the work – Lead by example with integrity and effort.
4 -Stand for something – Anchor your leadership in core values.
5 -Practice giving leadership – Make generosity and service your leadership style(Servant Leadership).
A must-read for anyone ready to lead not by authority, but by authentic influence.
1 -Hold the vision – See clearly where you’re going.
2 -Build your people – Invest in their growth and well-being.
3 -Do the work – Lead by example with integrity and effort.
4 -Stand for something – Anchor your leadership in core values.
5 -Practice giving leadership – Make generosity and service your leadership style(Servant Leadership).
A must-read for anyone ready to lead not by authority, but by authentic influence.
March 5, 2026
This book teacher basic leadership skill using a story set in a company merger. Personally, if you are going to use fiction to teach self help principles… why not choose an interesting story? I wasn’t convinced, or inspired, by the characters or the story. I agree with what is being taught, but I wasn’t given enough evidence as to why these were principles I should align my life, and anything can be a good idea when you use a fictional story to prove it.
April 19, 2026
The book teaches that true leadership is rooted in giving: giving trust, giving respect, giving belief, giving value, and giving people the space to step into their own potential. Influence comes not from pushing people, but from supporting, empowering, and elevating them.
The story builds toward one central realization:
The best leaders don’t create followers — they create more leaders.
The story builds toward one central realization:
The best leaders don’t create followers — they create more leaders.
February 1, 2025
This was not what I thought it was going to be. Pretty cheesy and vague. Only finished it because it was an easy, short read.
May 27, 2025
Awesome book! Very well written and easy to follow and apply.
Read
May 27, 2025Sometimes what you need lies right in front of you
July 16, 2025
It is always good to keep learning and growing and I feel we can learn something helpful in most every book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews