Seven Secrets of Inspired Leaders: How to achieve the extraordinary . by the leaders who have been there and done it (The Inspired Leaders Network)

As a student currently studying business and communication at the collegiate level, I found this book extremely interesting and insightful. Dourado and Blackburn write the book in an easy-to-read format, which makes it a quick read packed full of useful information. The real world examples and quotes make each secret come to life and put its application in a current situation. The idea of being an inspired leader is one that not talked about in the classroom, but this book tackles the subject and brings about discussing leadership in a new way that involves current world situations like globalization and the rapid growth of technology. One phrase the book states that really hit me hard was: "Being inspired is a virus". The book goes into more detail about each metaphor it makes and but what really makes this a great read is the amount of vivid metaphors the authors use to really make sense of complicated issues. I was also impressed how each secret seemed independent, yet formatted in a somewhat hierarchy. I felt this gives the reader the sense that as they turn each page, they are continually building on what they just read. Not only does this book make you look inside yourself to see what qualities you possess as an inspired leader, it made aware of the type of organization and leadership that I want to work with once I graduate. Overall, Dourado and Blackburn do an excellent job of creating a book on leadership that is informative, helpful, and most importantly current. Yet this book has implications that are omnipresent and would be useful to leaders of all ages. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to hold a leadership position in any aspect of their life and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is about to graduate college and head into the work force.

This is a great little book with a lot of big ideas. Ideas like the notion of permission marketing where the authors argue that one of the jobs of a leader is to time communication to customers according to when, and how, it benefits the customer. I agree wholeheartedly with their premise that research is no substitute for engagement. The book is rich in examples and contributions from the Inspired Leader network and a very good addition to the bookshelf.