The Art of Leadership

This little book is one of the best that I have ever read regarding leadership. It truly is "A practical guide for people in positions of responsibility." Anyone who wants to understand what it really needs to be a leader should read it. This would be a great learning tool.

The first paragraph of this book says it all: "Genuine leadership is of only one type: supportive. It leads people: It doesn't drive them. It involves them: It doesn't coerce them. It never loses sight of the most important principle governing any project involving human beings" namely, that people are more important than things." Throughout this wonderful book, J. Donald Walters constantly reminds the reader, that leadership is activity that strives to make people more important than things, of any stripe. When this happens, people who are being led will accomplish a great deal. Having spent 23 years in the military both as an enlisted man and later an officer, I have read numerous books and articles on this most difficult skill as well as listened to an equal number on seminars and lectures. This has continued in my current civilian career. Nothing, I repeat nothing has been more spot on than this simple, easy to read, yet powerful book on making things happen with those under one's charge. If any young man or woman seeking to become a leader and not a manager only reads one book on leadership, let it be this one!!!

This outstanding pocket-sized, hardcover book is an excellent reminder of what is required of a leader. Most leaders need reminding everyday that with their privileges comes responsibility and obligation. This book has twelve chapters: 1) The Art of Leadership 2) Leadership is Not an Ego Game 3) Leadership Means Responsibility 4) Leadership Means Setting Aside Personal Desires 5) Leadership Means Service 6) Leadership Means Loyalty 7) Leadership is Intuition Guided by Common Sense 8) The Importance of Flexibility 9) The Need for Action, Not Talk 10) Giving Support 11) Work with People's Strengths 12) What is True Success The most profound and compelling sentiment in the book is "The true leader puts his personal wishes last, not first." This book has never occupied my shelf. It has been my lunch companion, bedtime reading and travel companion, because I always need reminding. This book is clearly in the lead.

I've read many books on management, and I've read many books on leadership, but J. Donald Walters, a successful entrepreneur who has several thriving and growing businesses in different industries, has done a masterful job of capturing and presenting the essence of true leadership in an inspirational coffee table book that eloquently and concisely defines what a true leader is, how a true leader thinks, and most importantly, what a true leader does. The person who is pressed for time, or short on patience, will take lessons away from this book that can improve their management skills and tranform their organization with integrity actions that build trust, engender devotion, and create a vortex of positive energy. Perfect for those graduating from business school, or those in a position of authority who are looking for sage advice and techniques on how to lead your organization or company to success in harmony. The price almost makes it free so "steal" your copy today.

This is one of those small books with something impactful on every page. It takes awhile to go through it, because you want to stop to absorb everything and take a look at your life. My sister-in-law once told me that I was very influential with my brothers and sister, but I didn't really see how until I read this book. Today I am buying 5 copies for the board members of the homeowners association I belong to.