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The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership: Embracing the Conflicting Demands of Today's Workplace
Become a next generation leader—rich in emotional and social intelligence and orchestrating outstanding collaborative results—by mastering these eight status quo-shattering paradoxes.
The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership unpacks the fresh strategies and new mindset required today from a next generation leader.
Author Dr. Tim Elmore helps leaders of all kinds navigate increasingly complex, rapidly changing environments, as well as manage teams who bring a range of new demands and expectations to the workplace that haven’t been seen even one generation prior.
After working alongside John C. Maxwell for twenty years, Tim offers counter-intuitive paradoxes that, when practiced, enable today’s leader to differentiate themselves and better connect with their team and customers. The book furnishes ideas that equip leaders to inspire team members in a way a paycheck never could.
Having trained hundreds of thousands of young professionals to develop into leaders—Dr. Elmore shares the secrets of next generation leaders who have practiced the unique paradoxes outlined in this book and inspired their team members in a way that a paycheck never could.
In The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership, readers
Learn how today’s team members require a combination of different qualities from their leaders than they did in even the recent past;Grasp the importance of eight key paradoxes that are critical for next generation leaders to put into practice right now;Be inspired by historic and modern-day leaders who lived the eight paradoxes; andUnderstand how they too can lead with the eight paradoxes, guiding them to emotional and social intelligence that resonates with their teams and leads to outstanding collaborative results.
The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership unpacks the fresh strategies and new mindset required today from a next generation leader.
Author Dr. Tim Elmore helps leaders of all kinds navigate increasingly complex, rapidly changing environments, as well as manage teams who bring a range of new demands and expectations to the workplace that haven’t been seen even one generation prior.
After working alongside John C. Maxwell for twenty years, Tim offers counter-intuitive paradoxes that, when practiced, enable today’s leader to differentiate themselves and better connect with their team and customers. The book furnishes ideas that equip leaders to inspire team members in a way a paycheck never could.
Having trained hundreds of thousands of young professionals to develop into leaders—Dr. Elmore shares the secrets of next generation leaders who have practiced the unique paradoxes outlined in this book and inspired their team members in a way that a paycheck never could.
In The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership, readers
Learn how today’s team members require a combination of different qualities from their leaders than they did in even the recent past;Grasp the importance of eight key paradoxes that are critical for next generation leaders to put into practice right now;Be inspired by historic and modern-day leaders who lived the eight paradoxes; andUnderstand how they too can lead with the eight paradoxes, guiding them to emotional and social intelligence that resonates with their teams and leads to outstanding collaborative results.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
194 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 31, 2022
I've read a lot of leadership books, from my masters program to my personal reading. I even wrote three leaderships books! So, it's rare for me to learn something new from that category, but I've followed Tim Elmore's writing for years and so took a leap. (I try to keep reading these books because even if I don't learn something new I may learn a new way of saying it, which is useful for my work as a consultant.)
I was delightfully surprised as the depth and the skill of this book. It was written in a way that a first time leader could immediately grasp it and it also had the depth of insight and maturity that pushed me as a leader. I actually wrote down two things I need to adjust on how I lead my team as a result of this book.
So, I highly recommend this book for anyone who leads (including parents)--even if you have read a lot of other leadership books before.
I was delightfully surprised as the depth and the skill of this book. It was written in a way that a first time leader could immediately grasp it and it also had the depth of insight and maturity that pushed me as a leader. I actually wrote down two things I need to adjust on how I lead my team as a result of this book.
So, I highly recommend this book for anyone who leads (including parents)--even if you have read a lot of other leadership books before.
January 7, 2022
An excellent leadership book on the basis of its content alone. What sets this book apart is the constant reinforcement of the role of paradox — a dynamic truth held in tension.
The most important truths in life are paradoxes but this is difficult for most people to grasp. It’s far easier to live in extremes (especially with people we disagree with) than to exercise the discipline and critical thought required to see how two things can be true at the same time.
Without question this is Tim Elmore’s best book and his own growth and leadership development is inspiring.
The most important truths in life are paradoxes but this is difficult for most people to grasp. It’s far easier to live in extremes (especially with people we disagree with) than to exercise the discipline and critical thought required to see how two things can be true at the same time.
Without question this is Tim Elmore’s best book and his own growth and leadership development is inspiring.
September 30, 2022
I got halfway through and then stopped reading - the first 4 chapters didn’t offer any new information and some sounded practically copied from other TED Talks and leadership articles/books I’ve seen or read over the years.
I was also suspect when the author raves about Truett Cathy and his “love for people” even though he was notoriously anti-LGBT, and then used Rudy Giuliani as an example of great leadership (for a book written in 2021…..). I thought my time would be better spent elsewhere.
I was also suspect when the author raves about Truett Cathy and his “love for people” even though he was notoriously anti-LGBT, and then used Rudy Giuliani as an example of great leadership (for a book written in 2021…..). I thought my time would be better spent elsewhere.
April 2, 2022
There is nothing groundbreaking here yet it’s a very nice read. I was listening to the audio version narrated by an author and he did an amazing job. I’ve never felt so many emotions and personal touch while listening to a book.
Overall nice piece on leadership with a bit of philosophy and case study, with amazing narration by an author
Overall nice piece on leadership with a bit of philosophy and case study, with amazing narration by an author
January 24, 2024
John Maxwell protégé, adopted a lot of the obvious antithetical point-proving flow in writing. Uses corporations and individuals of questionable repute as examples of showcasing the paradoxes, which aren’t always as paradoxical as positioned. Not my favorite
May 25, 2022
One of the better leadership books I’ve read. Elmore illustrates the principle of “the truth is in tension” with some powerful stories and word pictures.
Big rocks:
CLARITY in all things. Without clarity of vision/values/expectations we fail.
ONE. We love people one person at a time. It’s personal.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS. We have lowered the ball across the board. Be excellent
- the average American is:
23lbs overweight
Spends 103% of their income
Has $90,000 of debt
Tells 4 lies a say
Spends 27.5hrs a week on entertainment
Big rocks:
CLARITY in all things. Without clarity of vision/values/expectations we fail.
ONE. We love people one person at a time. It’s personal.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS. We have lowered the ball across the board. Be excellent
- the average American is:
23lbs overweight
Spends 103% of their income
Has $90,000 of debt
Tells 4 lies a say
Spends 27.5hrs a week on entertainment
August 16, 2022
I highly recommend this book. He walks through these eight paradoxes so clearly and gives practical ways to implement or improve. The conclusion regarding a new kind of leader I believe is on point is going to continue to be seen for years to come. Really enjoyed this read!
June 2, 2025
This is a great introduction to the complexities, the pushes and pulls, of leadership.
January 6, 2023
This book looks at eight surprising paradoxes that effective, or uncommon, leaders must practice as they lead. Most of these paradoxes are about our emotional intelligence, not our cognitive intelligence. The author tells us that the good news is that while IQ doesn’t change much over our lifetime, EQ can be developed.
The author, who served alongside worked with John Maxwell for twenty years, tells us that leading in the twenty-first century is more complex than it was in past centuries.
Each chapter of the book includes strategies to practice the paradox, a summary of the paradox, keys to navigating the paradox, and helpful questions about the paradox. A final chapter discusses a new kind of leader.
Here are the eight paradoxes along with a few quotes about each one that I found to be helpful:
PARADOX 1 Uncommon Leaders Balance Both Confidence and Humility
• Uncommon leaders possess inspiring confidence yet express it with palpable humility.
• When humility is present, trust deepens among team members.
PARADOX 2 Uncommon Leaders Leverage Both Their Vision and Their Blind Spots
• Team members need their leader to not only possess a vision, but to communicate it clearly so they can implement it.
• Failure is only a bad thing when we fail to learn from our mistakes.
• A lifelong learning posture is our only hope to thrive in the future.
PARADOX 3 Uncommon Leaders Embrace Both Visibility and Invisibility
• In the beginning of any mission, most people need a visible leader, demonstrating what to do and clarifying the goal. Over time, however, those people need the leader to step aside to let them realize their potential. Ownership must be transferred.
• Visible leadership deepens your credibility in the minds of your people.
• Our world is crying out for leaders who practice what they preach.
PARADOX 4 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Stubborn and Open-Minded
• We must stop selling product features to customers and focus on outcomes.
PARADOX 5 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Deeply Personal and Inherently Collective
• Social intelligence is developed when we actively listen without interrupting.
• Leaders must never forget that people need both the collective and the personal.
PARADOX 6 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Teachers and Learners
• In our day of unceasing change, leaders are forced to be teachers, and organizations are forced to adapt.
PARADOX 7 Uncommon Leaders Model Both High Standards and Gracious Forgiveness
• People need leaders to call out the uncommon strengths that lie inside them. Without this push, most succumb to a gravitational pull toward average.
• Our greatest growth and best chance to stand out lie in the areas of our natural strengths.
PARADOX 8 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Timely and Timeless
• Wise leaders utilize vision that can see both backward and forward.
• Drafters are people who are ahead of you and inspire you to get better.
Throughout the book, the author illustrates each paradox with stories about people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Truett Cathy, Harriet Tubman, Bob Iger, Walt Disney, Mother Teresa, and others. He tells us that each of them represents a new kind of leader.
The author, who served alongside worked with John Maxwell for twenty years, tells us that leading in the twenty-first century is more complex than it was in past centuries.
Each chapter of the book includes strategies to practice the paradox, a summary of the paradox, keys to navigating the paradox, and helpful questions about the paradox. A final chapter discusses a new kind of leader.
Here are the eight paradoxes along with a few quotes about each one that I found to be helpful:
PARADOX 1 Uncommon Leaders Balance Both Confidence and Humility
• Uncommon leaders possess inspiring confidence yet express it with palpable humility.
• When humility is present, trust deepens among team members.
PARADOX 2 Uncommon Leaders Leverage Both Their Vision and Their Blind Spots
• Team members need their leader to not only possess a vision, but to communicate it clearly so they can implement it.
• Failure is only a bad thing when we fail to learn from our mistakes.
• A lifelong learning posture is our only hope to thrive in the future.
PARADOX 3 Uncommon Leaders Embrace Both Visibility and Invisibility
• In the beginning of any mission, most people need a visible leader, demonstrating what to do and clarifying the goal. Over time, however, those people need the leader to step aside to let them realize their potential. Ownership must be transferred.
• Visible leadership deepens your credibility in the minds of your people.
• Our world is crying out for leaders who practice what they preach.
PARADOX 4 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Stubborn and Open-Minded
• We must stop selling product features to customers and focus on outcomes.
PARADOX 5 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Deeply Personal and Inherently Collective
• Social intelligence is developed when we actively listen without interrupting.
• Leaders must never forget that people need both the collective and the personal.
PARADOX 6 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Teachers and Learners
• In our day of unceasing change, leaders are forced to be teachers, and organizations are forced to adapt.
PARADOX 7 Uncommon Leaders Model Both High Standards and Gracious Forgiveness
• People need leaders to call out the uncommon strengths that lie inside them. Without this push, most succumb to a gravitational pull toward average.
• Our greatest growth and best chance to stand out lie in the areas of our natural strengths.
PARADOX 8 Uncommon Leaders Are Both Timely and Timeless
• Wise leaders utilize vision that can see both backward and forward.
• Drafters are people who are ahead of you and inspire you to get better.
Throughout the book, the author illustrates each paradox with stories about people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Truett Cathy, Harriet Tubman, Bob Iger, Walt Disney, Mother Teresa, and others. He tells us that each of them represents a new kind of leader.
January 4, 2022
I've got to admit, this book and I got off on the wrong start. In the first chapter, Tim goes into a laundry list that points out 5 major reasons that today's generation of employees are a bunch of self-centered, self-indulged, self-serving snowflakes. Given that I literally spend nearly every day working with Graduate Students and Early Career Professionals between the ages of 22 and 30, my experience could not be farther from his. So I entered chapter 2 and beyond cautiously.
I do like the concept that as leaders, we have to be able to execute on these 8 paradoxes in order to be successful in leading in today's environment. Tim uses many good stories as examples for each of the paradoxes which demonstrate what good looks like.
There were a couple of story points I found challenging. The first is that Tim touts the stock growth at GE under Jack Welch as an example to be followed. I think given that they have reduced their workforce by 200K employees and taken millions of dollars in federal bailouts that Jack needs to be used as a cautionary tale of leadership not a paragon. The second issue I had was during a story using Walt Disney where Tim states the Card Walker led advertising at NBC. In fact Card Walker (former CEO of Disney) went to work for the Disney company in 1938 and I could find no record of him working anywhere else except the US Army during WW2.
This book is OK but I walk away from it feeling like it needed a stronger editor than it apparently was assigned.
I do like the concept that as leaders, we have to be able to execute on these 8 paradoxes in order to be successful in leading in today's environment. Tim uses many good stories as examples for each of the paradoxes which demonstrate what good looks like.
There were a couple of story points I found challenging. The first is that Tim touts the stock growth at GE under Jack Welch as an example to be followed. I think given that they have reduced their workforce by 200K employees and taken millions of dollars in federal bailouts that Jack needs to be used as a cautionary tale of leadership not a paragon. The second issue I had was during a story using Walt Disney where Tim states the Card Walker led advertising at NBC. In fact Card Walker (former CEO of Disney) went to work for the Disney company in 1938 and I could find no record of him working anywhere else except the US Army during WW2.
This book is OK but I walk away from it feeling like it needed a stronger editor than it apparently was assigned.
May 30, 2024
4.5 stars. A really interesting read and well-organized leadership book. I listened to this book and felt the principles outlined were worthy of purchasing a hard copy of the book to refer back to and incorporate some of the ideas in my leadership training. As we think about what traits make a good leader, we don’t always think in terms of traits pairs, even less so traits that appear opposite. That is what makes this author’s book so intriguing. He presents 8 paradoxes such as Confidence and Humility, Visibility and Invisibility, Timelessness and Timely, etc. He argues that leaders need to exhibit each set of traits, for example there is a time to display confidence and it is better received when you also can exhibit humility. Each chapter presents the benefits of embracing the set of paradoxes, provides a real life person and story exemplifying each paradox pair, provides a list of how to grow these traits and another list of what it looks like to possess both contrasting traits. The final chapter talks about how leadership styles have changed over the decades and what type of leader is needed for today. I highly recommend reading this book.
March 31, 2024
El libro "Las ocho paradojas del liderazgo" nos invita a reflexionar sobre la complejidad del liderazgo y cómo ciertas ideas aparentemente contradictorias pueden complementarse para formar un líder efectivo.
Estas son las 2 paradojas que han llamado poderosamente mi atención.
Confianza y Humildad: Un líder debe equilibrar la confianza en sí mismo con la humildad para admitir sus errores y limitaciones. Esto fomenta un ambiente de respeto y apertura, donde la confianza y la vulnerabilidad son claves para un trabajo en equipo sólido.
Visibilidad e Invisibilidad: Un líder efectivo sabe cuándo estar presente y guiar a su equipo, pero también reconoce la importancia de dar un paso atrás y permitir que los colaboradores crezcan y se desarrollen por sí mismos. Esto requiere un delicado equilibrio entre supervisión y autonomía.
Estas paradojas nos muestran que el liderazgo no es blanco y negro, sino que requiere una comprensión profunda de las dinámicas humanas y la capacidad de adaptarse a diferentes situaciones.
Estas son las 2 paradojas que han llamado poderosamente mi atención.
Confianza y Humildad: Un líder debe equilibrar la confianza en sí mismo con la humildad para admitir sus errores y limitaciones. Esto fomenta un ambiente de respeto y apertura, donde la confianza y la vulnerabilidad son claves para un trabajo en equipo sólido.
Visibilidad e Invisibilidad: Un líder efectivo sabe cuándo estar presente y guiar a su equipo, pero también reconoce la importancia de dar un paso atrás y permitir que los colaboradores crezcan y se desarrollen por sí mismos. Esto requiere un delicado equilibrio entre supervisión y autonomía.
Estas paradojas nos muestran que el liderazgo no es blanco y negro, sino que requiere una comprensión profunda de las dinámicas humanas y la capacidad de adaptarse a diferentes situaciones.
August 10, 2022
Turbulent times require a new kind of leader with eight sets of paradoxical skills.
Leaders must be confident and humble.
Leaders must be visionary and conquer their blind spots.
Leaders must commit to their goals in public while working behind the scenes.
Leaders should be firm in their convictions and open to new ideas.
Leaders need to be “both deeply personal and inherently collective.”
Leaders must teach and learn.
Leaders must exemplify excellence and forgive others’ mistakes.
Rare, wise leaders dominate their eras and their ideas endure.
and few things
Leaders with strong guiding principles can be more open to new ideas and suggestions from their team. Ego does not drive these leaders; principles do.
You attract more business when you care for your people and create scarcity
Uncommon leaders will matter more than ever.
Leaders must be confident and humble.
Leaders must be visionary and conquer their blind spots.
Leaders must commit to their goals in public while working behind the scenes.
Leaders should be firm in their convictions and open to new ideas.
Leaders need to be “both deeply personal and inherently collective.”
Leaders must teach and learn.
Leaders must exemplify excellence and forgive others’ mistakes.
Rare, wise leaders dominate their eras and their ideas endure.
and few things
Leaders with strong guiding principles can be more open to new ideas and suggestions from their team. Ego does not drive these leaders; principles do.
You attract more business when you care for your people and create scarcity
Uncommon leaders will matter more than ever.
September 22, 2022
The embodying paradox has long separated exceptional people from average ones. F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, "the test of first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function
A leader should embrace paradoxes! Embracing these 8 paradoxes may be our only saving grace in such complex times.
Great Leaders…
1.Balance confidence and humility
2.Leverage their vision and their blind spots
3.Embrace visibility and invisibility
4.Are stubborn and open
5.Are deeply personal and personal and inherently collective
6.Are both teachers and learners
7.Model high standards and gracious forgiveness
8.Are timely and timeless
A leader should embrace paradoxes! Embracing these 8 paradoxes may be our only saving grace in such complex times.
Great Leaders…
1.Balance confidence and humility
2.Leverage their vision and their blind spots
3.Embrace visibility and invisibility
4.Are stubborn and open
5.Are deeply personal and personal and inherently collective
6.Are both teachers and learners
7.Model high standards and gracious forgiveness
8.Are timely and timeless
July 24, 2024
As someone that is generally anti-nonfiction, self-help, generally “boring” concepts forced to read such books against my will for work - this book was a pleasant surprise! I listened as an audiobook and the author is the narrator, which I think was a great aspect. He’s engaging and dynamic and the book is filled with a lot of great real world examples with companies and individuals that most people can recognize. It’s not necessarily NEW information but puts names to ideas and behaviors that maybe are overlooked. Lots of great information. First book ever that I was compelled to buy the hard copy to keep handy to revisit some of the ideas.
For reference: I’m typically a romantasy and 🌶️🌶️🌶️ reader, or mystery/suspense.
For reference: I’m typically a romantasy and 🌶️🌶️🌶️ reader, or mystery/suspense.
December 15, 2023
I read this as part of a mentoring group at work. While it was admittedly one of the better leadership books I’ve read, I tend to prefer bolder, more profound messages in my nonfiction that challenge my current way of thinking. Most of this book was easy to agree with since it picked a middle road, but Elmore did a great job explaining the tension between the two ends of each paradox. It did have a lot of anecdotes, which are not my style, but I did enjoy reading the book for what it was and determining how I could apply the lessons to my life. I won’t read it again, but I would recommend it to someone who enjoys leadership books as a genre.
March 3, 2022
In terms of a fresh leader ship book for the Covid and post Covid world this is top-notch. Elmore captures the balance and tension of leadership by looking through the lens of these eight paradoxes.
There are two sides to many of the things healthy leaders do. The way that Elmore articulates this, the illustrations and stories that he uses to help it makes sense, the case studies and the people that he leans on to drive this from the nebulous world of concept into the practical world of real life is really well done.
I would highly recommend this for pastors or anyone who leads people.
There are two sides to many of the things healthy leaders do. The way that Elmore articulates this, the illustrations and stories that he uses to help it makes sense, the case studies and the people that he leans on to drive this from the nebulous world of concept into the practical world of real life is really well done.
I would highly recommend this for pastors or anyone who leads people.
August 22, 2022
I don't like leadership books.
Or at least - not the kind that preach ridiculous lists of "loud" leadership characteristics.
It was a pleasant surprise to read this one; written so that people just beginning in leadership roles, people who are still growing in leadership, and (I imagine) even seasoned leaders can learn from it. There were wonderful examples - big and small - throughout, and actionable questions at the end of every chapter. Some lessons resonated louder with me than others.
Or at least - not the kind that preach ridiculous lists of "loud" leadership characteristics.
It was a pleasant surprise to read this one; written so that people just beginning in leadership roles, people who are still growing in leadership, and (I imagine) even seasoned leaders can learn from it. There were wonderful examples - big and small - throughout, and actionable questions at the end of every chapter. Some lessons resonated louder with me than others.
November 8, 2023
Overall I really enjoyed this book especially after the 800 page WoT monsters I’ve been reading.
I didn’t like how much he used his relationship to John C Maxwell throughout the book to illustrate his points. It came across a bit brown nosy. There were also a few edits that didn’t make it to print. For instance at one time he wrote “pubic” in strand of “public.”
Still the points and paradoxes are very good, well explained and relatable. I could connect leaders throughout my life who fit into the categories.
I didn’t like how much he used his relationship to John C Maxwell throughout the book to illustrate his points. It came across a bit brown nosy. There were also a few edits that didn’t make it to print. For instance at one time he wrote “pubic” in strand of “public.”
Still the points and paradoxes are very good, well explained and relatable. I could connect leaders throughout my life who fit into the categories.
January 23, 2024
Really good book. Very interesting. At times, especially in the middle portion. It can seem a bit overwhelming like you have to be all the things at once. However, I gave it four stars just for the final chapter alone. The author shared the timeline and history of leadership, and how it has changed, and it resonated so much with me watching others. the transition from IQ to EQ is so important for leaders in our modern day. Also, the importance of pulling up younger team members is highlighted a great deal in this book and has been very helpful.
August 11, 2023
It’s a great book for people looking to grow their leadership skills
However, I would greatly disagree with an author about the younger generation being more emotional, more privileged, and more egotistic. I met a lot of people older generations who are far more emotionally immature, less logical, and so on.
I just believe that younger generations are less likely to be silent about the mistreatment or things that are outrageous
However, I would greatly disagree with an author about the younger generation being more emotional, more privileged, and more egotistic. I met a lot of people older generations who are far more emotionally immature, less logical, and so on.
I just believe that younger generations are less likely to be silent about the mistreatment or things that are outrageous
October 1, 2022
Refreshing reminder of what’s needed
Great book to regain perspective of what matters most in leadership. Particularly in today’s social environment when everyone, from young students to experienced professionals, are seeking a sense of purpose and belonging in their schools and jobs.
Great book to regain perspective of what matters most in leadership. Particularly in today’s social environment when everyone, from young students to experienced professionals, are seeking a sense of purpose and belonging in their schools and jobs.
April 4, 2023
I have spent a number of years purposefully avoiding leadership books due to burnout/redundancy/disinterest. This was my first book back into the leadership book genre. I didn’t agree with everything but I have a specific lens for reading and it was a good read overall. I have always appreciated Tim Elmores work and insight.
May 6, 2024
Picked this up on a recommendation, but like with most business/leadership books, there's not much substance behind the piffy ideas. Anyone who's read more than 2 of these kinds of books has heard the core concepts already, so if you're looking for something groundbreaking, you're unlikely to find it here.
Framing the ideas in terms of paradoxes is a clever gimmick, but in reality, this is a far more mundane case of learning to balance certain leadership qualities. Sometimes you need to project confidence; sometimes you need to be humble. Anyone with a modicum of experience already knows this intuitively and unfortunately, this book doesn't do a good job of teaching how to develop these skills.
Perhaps this is a nice reminder for those lost in a negative cycle and poor environment, but if you're looking to learn how to actually be a good leader, this only provides a broad overview of what you can probably only learn by doing.
Framing the ideas in terms of paradoxes is a clever gimmick, but in reality, this is a far more mundane case of learning to balance certain leadership qualities. Sometimes you need to project confidence; sometimes you need to be humble. Anyone with a modicum of experience already knows this intuitively and unfortunately, this book doesn't do a good job of teaching how to develop these skills.
Perhaps this is a nice reminder for those lost in a negative cycle and poor environment, but if you're looking to learn how to actually be a good leader, this only provides a broad overview of what you can probably only learn by doing.
June 3, 2025
We read this book throughout the year as a book study for our leadership team in my school district. I took so many notes and filled the book with highlighter marks and post-it notes, and I’m thrilled this book was chosen to not only read but talk through in depth as a group over many months. Absolutely fabulous.
March 12, 2022
A terrific book on what modern leadership should look like. As leaders, if we model these 8 paradoxes, not only will we grow our organizations but we also grow our team mates in the ways that they're longing to grow.
March 19, 2022
Was gifted this book by a distant family member, otherwise, I wouldn’t have come across it. Really enjoyed his 8 paradoxes on leadership, included with lots of practical examples and well known leaders. Easy to read, and lots of great stories.
January 29, 2023
Excellent read, advise and reinforcement for all level, coaches, managers and especially those that have early professional hires. how do ou connect and partner with them is very different then the boomer generation.
Elmore gives you ideas and stories where these techniques can work.
Elmore gives you ideas and stories where these techniques can work.
March 15, 2023
This book highlights the difficult balance that many leaders must make between different paradoxes. An excellent read to be challenged and to open your eyes to leadership strategies not previously thought of.
April 19, 2023
Practical and time relevant
A great balance between thought provoking ideas of leadership and practical application. A conversation between the reader and the author make this a book worth the investment to read.
A must read for anyone who influences others.
A great balance between thought provoking ideas of leadership and practical application. A conversation between the reader and the author make this a book worth the investment to read.
A must read for anyone who influences others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews