Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By David Pich and Ann Messenger, Major Street Publishing, $34.95.
“There can be very little doubt that leadership matters.” This is the opening statement in the preface.
David advocates passionately for sound management and leadership practice. He strongly believes that good leaders have an impact well beyond the workplace.
Leading Well is the second in a ‘Leadership’ series written by the team at The Institute of Managers and Leaders. Ann is the first national chair of the institute.
In this research-driven book, IML uncovered that the following attributes lead to leaders leading well: integrity, emotional intelligence, ability to inspire, authenticity, self-awareness, respect and decisiveness. These lie at the very heart of the ability for a leader to lead well.
Discussion around these attributes is the subject of each of the chapters.
There are case studies, expert opinions and strategies to help leaders of today and the next generation, in their endeavours to lead their organisations as best they can. Pich interviews some of Australia’s most highly regarded leaders to find out what attributes they value and display best.
“Inspiration is the guiding star of leadership – it’s what leaders aspire to and aim for, and it’s the benchmark by which we measure our own success. Leadership isn’t achieved just by perspiration. Leaders can only achieve success with a unique balance of inspiration and perspiration.”
The result is a book that is useful, practical and inspiring. Leading Well isn’t about leadership theory; it’s about the practice of leadership. It’s about leaders rolling up their sleeves and doing things differently to have an impact.
David and Ann have also written Leadership Matters that’s packed with ideas, research and practical advice for aspiring leaders in Australia and worldwide.
Can you tell us the seven attributes of very successful leaders? If your answer is correct, then you could be one of three winners of the book titled Leading Well. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 25 November 2019. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 26 November 2019.
