The Taboos of Leadership: The 10 Secrets No One Will Tell You about Leaders and What They Really Think

Tony Smith writes with a refreshing directness and candor that most "leadership" or "management" books lack. Neither too academic as to be boring, nor too silly to be believed - I read it in one train ride and told everyone I met that day about it (and even talked about some taboos!). The greatest value in this book is the impact it has to make you consider holding conversations about these things, that is, should leaders and their "followers" even be discussing these issues? No other book I have ever read has attempted to capture such rarified topics and presented them in such a light as to make me aware of things I didn't know and then curious enough to consider raising some of the issues myself (or not if they are too frightful, which I think some are!). I enjoyed the straight-forward style of wirting, the interesting stories from his experience, and the lack of presumtion that he or anyone else holds all of the answers to these tough questions. Thought provoking...Highly recommended!!!

Tony Smith's willingness to tackle somewhat unseemly, but realistic topics about leadership demonstrates his courage and his value as a coach and researcher. He acknoweldges the "facts of life" and this makes him that much more effective in guiding executives -- and in coaching people who hope someday to be executives. Nothing makes Tony squeemish -- and the reader is better off because of it.

I think that the most valuable part of this book is that it provokes thought and conversation. It deals with subjects that could be described in a superficial political way but instead, challenges our conventional thinking and views about both senior leadership and ourselves. If leadership is to continue to evolve and grasp opportunities, this book is a great start to that thought process. We are responsible but books such as Mr. Smith's force us to think about how we get there.

This book has already made an impact in my professional relationships. Dr. Smith offers readers insight and information that only the best of the best would know. I was impressed with what he has learned through the relationships he has had with some of the most influential leaders in a variety of industries. This book will help shorten my learning curve as I meet the challenge of growing a grass roots nonprofit organization. His teachings made me realize that having a vision is only part of the game. If you want to win the game, you also need execution, time, energy, and perseverance. Because the nonprofit organization I am growing was inspired by a tragic event, our leadership has used charisma to inspire others. In the past, I have made the mistake of stifling charisma as a leadership style due to the recent criticisms in leadership books. Dr. Smith provides a brilliant rationale for why in certain situations charisma is not only "ok," it is essential for impact.

An excellent revealing, honest, and surprising glimpse into the realities of the business world at the top executive corporate level. A definite facinating, must read!