Anatomy of a Leader (Successories Library)

I picked up this little book at an airport, along with Carl Mays' other Successories book, "Are We Communicating Yet?" I read both of them on the flight and then ordered them to give to my people to read and discuss. It has proved to be great thought-provoking material that has helped my team. In "Anatomy Of A Leader," Mays writes about the various aspects of a leader, such as heart, backbone, brain, etc. For example, he writes, "Having the heart of a leader means developing an appreciation for who you are and recognizing your own strengths and qualifications." He goes on to say that leaders help the people with whom they work to engage in the same recognition process. Mays emphasizes that there is no such thing as an unimportant person in any organization. You are either helping the team or you are hurting the team. You are never just "there." You are either contributing to or detracting from the organization. And, different people are the most important people at different times. From the various small sections of the book, I especially like the one titled "Shoulder Responsibility." Mays says that although problems may arise that discourage ambitions, a leader does not sit on the sidelines and hope someone else will assume authority or resolve the situation. When a major decision must be made, the outstanding individual does not try to pass the buck. He emphasizes that shouldering responsibilty is an essential characteristic of a successful leader. Mays writes that conscientious, reliable people, who can excel under pressure, meet obligations, and assume leadership, are increasingly being sought by the business world, and virtually every organization in society. He says that people are motivated by a fair, but decisive, leader who is in command of the situation. If you build a reputation as someone willing to make important decisions and to "shoulder responsibility," you have an exellent chance to succeed in any endeavolr. Good stuff with excellent points and useful examples.