Leader Effectiveness Training: L.E.T. (Revised): L.E.T.

This is not just for -- or even mainly for -- leadership training. This book teaches simple communication skills that apply to any relationship in which conflict occurs. I bought seven copies for my work team. I only wish the author would provide a concise synopsis of his approach for those who don't have time/inclination to read the entire book. I had to do this myself. I have also read and put to good use the author's Parent Effectiveness Training. Why Dr Gordon's approach is not more widely known and put to use is beyond me. The world would be a much better place if more people understood and used these simple concepts.

I first used LET by Gordon when I was promoted to a leadership position in the early 80s. It has been a standard reference for me throughout my career. Not only is it a pragmatic guide for leaders it's also a road map for developing effective relations both personal and professional.

This is the long-awaited update of the 1977 version of L.E.T. Dr. Gordon is a pioneer in teaching leaders to sharpen their most important skills: how to communicate, how to resolve conflicts so that no party loses, how to handle meetings, and provides an alternative to unproductive performance reviews. Now that the economic (and political) future of the world seems so uncertain, this book is all the more timely and important. In fact, after September 11, nothing seems more important than improving our ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. Dr. Gordon - who is known for this book and his books for parents (P.E.T) and teachers (T.E.T.) - was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize because of how his work benefits our world. But besides the high falutin' ideals about conflict resolution and its importance to the world, L.E.T. is all about skills that make your work easier, more productive and more rewarding. What this book does is simultaneously keep both feet firmly planted in two different worlds (a goal most business books don't even dream of achieving): it's both a life-changing philosophy of human relations and a book to give you and your company a competitive advantage. I've been using this system for a few years now and it really works. It's not a magic cure, and it takes a commitment to learn and put the skills to use, but it's such a worthwhile payoff: problems with other people still pop up, but I don't get stuck dealing them like I used to and my blood pressure doesn't go nuts. Also, the communication and problem-solving skills you learn aren't ones you're able to just turn off and leave at the office -- they have a habit of insinuating themselves (and improving your relationships) when dealing with friends, spouses, kids. Don't let the fact that this is a new version of a book that was originally published in 1977 keep you from buying it. Its concepts are universal and timeless. Lots of other books on leadership have come and gone in 25 years; there's definitely a good reason why this one's still around.L.E.T. makes a great companion to Steven Covey's 7 Habits (another fine book, though it's not as straightforward and skill-laden as this one).

Dr. Gordon's pioneering book "Group-Centered Leadership" was published in 1955. Later he wrote best selling "Parent Effectiveness Training," highly praised Teacher Effectivess Training and this leadership book. I still believe Gordon is one of the most influential thinkers on the topic of working well with others. His "No-Lose" method was later re-invented as the "Win-Win" method of problem solving. Learning his active listening method and using it for the past 30 years has been the most valuable tool I've had in becoming a successful parent, spouse and business person. I've solved many problems by doing nothing except listen to others. I've also mediated many crisis situations for global companies and health organizations by teaching and using active listening with those involved in the conflicts.

I read the book in 1990, attended a seminar, and put the communication skills into practice in my work life and my personal life. Dr. Gordon does a great job of showing how to use "I-messages" and active listening to communicate effectively and to get folks to solve their own problems. There's even a good section on effective meetings.Our company has made L.E.T. one of the foundation elements of supervisor training.