Leading Imperfectly: The Value of Being Authentic for Leaders, Professionals, and Human Beings

by James T. Robilotta

There is a problem in today's developing leaders-they think they need to be someone they are not to get what they want. In short, none of us is perfect, and when we pretend to be, people quit listening to us. Instead, we need to focus on trying to connect with others. Leading Imperfectly is full of examples for how to make those connections. The book is divided into a series of short, often humorous, and always insightful essays filled with real-life stories from James' own life. The through line for the book is the significance of practicing authentic leadership. The essays discuss topics such as realizing our story has value, the importance of love in leadership, how to prevent over-committing because you can't be everything to everyone, realizing you don't have all the answers, and some practical advice about the importance of valuing the time we have and giving that time to the most important people in our lives. James also challenges us to look at the lies we tell ourselves that hold us back in life, and to learn how to listen to others so they will listen to us. James' humor provides comic relief in the middle of some of the more serious stories, but the humor always makes his examples hit home and keeps his stories memorable. Readers will appreciate that while he speaks as someone who has had success in life, his leadership background is not that of the typical leader who writes leadership books-he's not a former company CEO or a famous athlete-and that makes his points stand out all the more. Educators, business professionals, student leaders, and others will find this book to be introspective, validating, and motivational. Most importantly they will take away that their story is good enough. Check out Leading Imperfectly. Between the chuckles, there's quite a bit of wisdom that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction

162 pages, Hardcover

First published July 19, 2015

Reviews

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after James was a speaker at an event I attended. It’s a good read on leadership, role models, and being human. He uses real examples from his life and humor, emphasizing his point that people must tell their own stories to teach others.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about leading others, and leading yourself! It is beautiful! Took me a while to finish, but it was finished in the right time. I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Brieanna Criscione · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. Genuinely funny. All experience driven. I think it's more for professionals then students.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A leadership book that was to the point, authentic, applicable, and made me literally laugh out loud in places.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my co-workers as a common read during our summer training. I appreciate James' candid voice and humor throughout the book, sharing his own imperfections as a leader and human. It prompted great discussion among our team about vulnerability and authenticity and how those show in the workplace, how we encourage them in student leaders, and the conflicting messages we receive regarding authenticity in society. It's a quick, light read filled with personality -- use it as a jumping off point for your own self-work as you identify your opportunities for growth in these areas.

[Sabina Colleran · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid and fun read! there are no stats or data to back it up but it still is a valuable and delightful read about leading as a human first, with love at the base of your actions. and the author is pretty cool, I got to hang with him once :)

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leading imperfectly is a great way for students (and professionals) to begin thinking about how to lead authentically, from our own values. I prefer books with data and research, however, this was an entertaining and easy read that made me think.

[Mills College Library]

658.4092 R654 2015

[Frank R · Rating 5 out of 5]

James is a fantastic author! He has wonderful insight and wisdom into being a leader. He speaks from personal experience as well as others' experiences. You feel like you are having a conversation with a friend when you are reading it, his tone and conversational style make reading fun and light hearted while tying in many foundations to being a great leader. As a growing leader myself, he puts many difficulties and problems in perspective. I feel more prepared and less stressed about leading because of James' advice. The days are long gone of being a domineering and outwardly appearing perfect "boss"; I have always believed in leading imperfectly with humility and authenticity, it was reassuring to hear that other people believe in it too and are trying to spread the positivity. I hope to read more books from James and to attend one of his public speaking events in person! Thanks for a truly refreshing and modern perspective on leading!