Don't Just Manage--Lead!

by Arthur F. Coombs III

Managing stops after work…

…leadership extends into all aspects of life.

Which do you want to embody?

The truth is, anyone with tasks and a team can be a manager, but it takes special skills to lead. Whether at work or with family, those who cross the threshold into leadership leave exceptional impacts. And when someone takes up the mantle, they open doors to endless opportunities.

Using the tools laid out in Arthur F. Coombs III’s Don’t Just Manage—Lead!, you’ll learn how to identify and apply the traits of a leader to your life. Through his own dynamic analogies and examples, Coombs demonstrates:

* How leaders communicate
* How they meet and exceed goals
* How they exemplify their own values, and
* How these traits inspire those who follow them

Managers are a dime a dozen, but leaders? They're something special. What they contribute to an organization doesn’t just get the job done—it sets it apart from the competition. Get Don’t Just Manage—Lead! now and take the challenge of innovation and trailblazing.

Genres: Nonfiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2015

Reviews

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't Just Manage—Lead" by president and CEO of software company KomBea Corporation Arthur F. Coombs III is an accessible self-help leadership book. Coomb's practical advice pairs well with his straightforward tone to create a thoughtful guidebook on becoming a better leader.

Coombs says that everyone can become a better leader. "If management is a science, then I suggest that leadership is an art," he writes.

Effective leaders must master five skills, according to Coombs: communication, modeling good behavior, advancing followers, exceeding goals, and solving critical issues.

"Leaders attract people and build confidence and trust. Leaders ignite those they lead to put forth an incredible effort in a common cause, typically against uncommon odds."

Throughout his book, Coombs reiterates the importance of "candid, compelling communication" that leads to inspiration and purpose.

"Great leaders understand the basics of their business and know how to communicate those basics to their troops," he writes. "They inspire and motivate with humor, passion, and at times, humbling vulnerability."

Coombs emphasizes that leaders need to talk about their core principles until their people can't stop talking about them. He also notes that effective leaders have perfected the skill of breaking down dreams into smaller chunks, or as he calls it, "dream chunking."

While I enjoyed some of the historical leadership examples Coombs included — such as Walt Disney's failures or Abraham Lincoln's speeches — they became superfluous and skimmable.

[Slmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storytelling The Art Of Leadership

The Author writes this book from his personal experience as motivational speaker that has presented his tried and true principles of leadership on a global scale. The wisdom he garnered by teaching people all over the world on how to become true leaders is mostly conveyed in the form of storytelling sprinkled with personal tribulations, successes and humorous bits, keeping readers engaged throughout by connecting on an emotional level. Guiding us along a journey of the author’s personal experiences, the book provides insight for learning how to manage by embodying effective leadership skills that can be applied towards transforming interpersonal relationships within the workplace.

Clearly articulated, the book teaches five main qualities true business leaders emulate while detailing exactly what sets a leader apart from the status quo. The bedrock of these teachings is established on the differentiation between management as a science and leadership as an art, an eye-opening concept that I feel has far-reaching application. Grounded in the recognition that learning and leadership are complementary, I find that the value-based lessons found within this book may be applied not only to business leadership but also towards ameliorating efficiency in various group dynamics, as well as the leadership role we play within our own daily lives. A merging of business and self-help, this book is profoundly impactful for anyone ready to excel in the art of leadership and become a catalyst for creating positive change.

[James W · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Don’t Just Manage—Lead!,’ by Arthur F. Coombs III, is a thoughtful, 'easy read' that illustrates a myriad of points on the deceptively complex topic of leadership.

Through a bevy of personal, ‘real-life’ anecdotes (culled from both his professional and personal life), Coombs succeeds in breaking down leadership, offering actionable advice and easily-implemented strategies that are sure to be a help for anyone in a ‘managerial’ role.

Over the course of the book’s six chapters—covering everything from communication strategies to the ever-important task of establishing goals—Coombs discusses both his success stories as well as his most colossal failures.

As others have mentioned, Coomb’s inclusion of historical quotes (from the likes of Einstein and Lincoln) adds little in the way of substance and ultimately feel like ‘filler.’ Fortunately, the majority of this text is penned by Coombs himself, and it’s his conversational tone and self-effacing sense of humor that really sets this book apart from the ‘self-help’ fray.

In short, ‘Don’t Just Manage—Lead!’ is an easy read that breaks down leadership for anyone in a managerial position.

[Joe Kranenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not in a managerial position, nor do I aspire to be. I read ‘Don’t Just Manage – Lead!’ out of general interest and based on the strength of the author’s later work, ‘Hard Easy’ (which I highly recommend). In reading this book I had an eye to perhaps gleaning some useful advice that I could put into practice in other areas of my life, and on this the author delivered. The quote “…every New Year’s Day I find myself reflecting on and recommitting to the same huge dream, year after year” particularly hit home…. suffice to say the section on goal setting was really useful.

I was already familiar with Art’s conversational, storytelling style and this is present in this earlier work, infusing the book with life and personality. Your presented with information in a way that’s interesting and entertaining, yet is also supremely practical. Mostly though I find it’s the authors way of motivating you to want to ‘do better’ that’s most valuable. Art feels like your personal champion, giving you a gentle push with a guiding hand. You don’t need to be a manager in the workplace to find value in this book.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Arthur Coombs' first book. As I read his latest book first, I can happily say that even though this book predates Hard Easy by about five years, it is just as good if not better. Coombs really knows how to become a leader and everything that roll entails, the way a person needs to show up to set themselves (and others) up for success.

The most quotable moment from this book: "People don't want to be managed, they want to be led." Its popularity makes a lot of sense to me--it's simple but speaks volumes. Coombs not only creates a guidebook that is accessible, but he goes one step further and shares his own experiences with the readers. That simple act not only validates his knowledge but breaks down the walls between author and reader that might otherwise make what he has to say seem flat and boring. By adding his experience in, his vulnerabilities, he's added depth to his story that any one of us could surely relate to.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound advice just missing that last oomph

Its immediately evident when reading Art's well articulated and concrete advice that he is not simply spewing rhetoric but has actually lived his words. The concepts and tips offered are genuine and come from a platform of experience and thoroughly researched examples, making everything relatable and most importantly achievable. Something that may have aided readers further and made Art's ideas for leadership goals more attainable would have been practical examples or exercises to apply his concepts in the work place, such as he did with some of his employees by having them share ten things they liked about a coworker. It could be as simple, yet powerful, as that and could truly help drive home what he's teaching. Otherwise, this was needless to say an inspirational read that didn't just brag about his success but relayed it effectively in a way that would make anybody feel they too could become leaders in their workplace.

[Annie Flint Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I found when I was reading one of Coombs' other books, the personal stories and examples he gives throughout really allow the main point to come across clearly to the reader, and makes the book very enjoyable to read overall. Moreover, as someone still young with only a foot into the business world at the moment, I found the principles taught in this book really helpful, not only for when I hope to lead and manage teams myself in the future, but also as things to watch out for in the workplace environments I currently am in to see how effectively these lessons are being put in place at the moment. Of course, these lessons go beyond the workplace and I finished the book with a much better understanding of how I can (and should!) improve upon aspects of myself, like my communication skills, in every part of my day to day life.

[Ed Malaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had just finished The Hard Easy and was so impressed I had to pick up this book as well. I was not disappointed, and this book as just as many great points to help you better yourself as the other. As the title makes clear, this book is about how to become a leader, and there's a bit more to it than many people probably consider. The author takes his time and explains every detail. Most of the lessons are explained through analogies and cleverly told stories, some about famous historical leaders and just as many about the authors personal life.

I enjoyed the book and believe it will help me improve my life a little by becoming a better leader. Tips on communication, attitude, drive, and more are sure to help anyone. I highly recommend it.

[Mark Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur F. Coombs III touches on a point that business leaders have discussed for ages – how to lead and not just manage. He uses the old adage that people don’t want to be managed; they want strong leadership. And, while the author provides us with good examples and resources, he doesn’t add anything the conversation. All his information is old and tested. What we need is new information and new techniques, not borrowed information that is regurgitated in a new book. Readers will get an in-depth understanding of leadership and the theory behind leading. But they will not gain a new understanding that is fresh and useful.

[Melissa Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't Just Manage: Lead!" by Arthur F. Coombs (Art Coombs) is a great book! I've also seen the author speak and he's fabulous! I love how Coombs used stories to illustrate important business principles. I like how he focuses on the human side of business. The stories are fun and engaging and I recommend this book to any leader in business that is hoping to help their staff do better, as well as be better themselves. And I also think I can use these tools in my own home to help me guide my children. Great read!

[Kelly McDonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication is at the core of Arthur F. Coombs' book about leading and not following old school ways of managing. His practical advice pairs with his straightforward tone. He creates a guidebook sure to help managers to lead their people to greatness. I absolutely related to his belief that managers must master five skills along with building trust and confidence. This is a compelling and easy read I would highly recommend to management and those aspiring to it to read.
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[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is yet another insightful book from the author. There are a lot of useful tips and tricks when it comes to managing others, making important decisions, and learning from your mistakes. All of this applies to your work, school, and life and general.

The author uses his own real-life experiences to share what he's learned and the benefit of putting this advice into action.

While this book is packed with useful ideas and advice, I did feel as though some of the parts went on longer than they needed to be. There is a lot of explanation. However, it's a short read and worth the time.

[Michele P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to improve the way you interact with people? This book shows you how to do just that. Art Coombs gives the reader sound advice on how to lead people instead of micromanage them. This book packs a powerful punch because Art shares real-life experiences in the form of stories, then backs what he says with research and facts. This is a great resource not only for those who want to lead more effectively in the workplace but also in other settings, like the home.

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art Coombs, such a great story teller. I read a lot of leadership and business books. While I think, as he says in the introduction, that there isn't necessarily anything earth shattering in this book, there is motivation and tangible takeaways. I enjoyed reading "Don't Just Manage - Lead!"

[karl taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Survey of Leadership

I quite enjoyed both the simplicity and flow of the language in this one. If you find yourself enjoying leadership books that are heavy on anecdote and light on postulating, this is totally worth picking up.

[craig doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great insightful read

Great book I have and will continue to use the knowledge I have gained from reading this book.
It’s made me look at myself and how I lead my work team and my family
I generally struggle to read this type of book cover to cover but not this one
I would recommend this book to anyone in a management position, a team coach or with a family

[Bonnie Pierovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few books on leadership, but this is by far the best. Mr. Coombs puts himself out there. He tells true story after true story about other peoples' road to success, along with his own. Among other people, Mr. Coombs tells about Abraham Lincoln, Ray Kroc (McDonalds), and Steve Jobs (Microsoft), and how they came to be successful and the leadership skills they had. Very interesting stories about those men! He even tells many stories about his own family, including his relationship with his hero, his father. Throughout all these stories are examples of how to be a leader. When I started this book I thought I would leaf through it, reading a chapter here and there, just to get some ideas. Well, the book was so well written, I read the entire book from cover to cover just as if I was reading a novel. It was so well written, and fun to read. But best of all I have some excellent tools to help me become the leader I want to be. I definitely recommend this book for managers and supervisors. But, believe it or not I also recommend it for parents. So many good ideas on how to raise your children! If you are a working parent it is a double bonus!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.