The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders [Hardcover]

Warren Blank (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 2001

Most of us are born with the capacity to lead, but only those who learn and develop the necessary skills will ever become leaders. This work shows us that the "natural born leader" is one whom others perceive that way. He or she demonstrates certain learnable skills in a way that seems effortless and gains willing followers. This approach to leadership presents the "108 skills" under three major areas: foundation skills, such as self awareness establishing rapport, displaying a sense of humour, clarifying expectations; leadership direction skills, such as setting a course, getting another perspective, monitoring change and attracting rising stars; gain willing-follower skills, such as building credability, influencing others, creating a motivating environment, using statistics, stories and metaphors. This book also includes a 54-item self-assessment inventory to help readers gauge where they need more skill-building.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Business consultant Blank (The 9 Natural Laws of Leadership) doesn't believe in natural born leaders; rather, everyone can learn leadership skills, he says. After helping readers assess their abilities, he briefs them on 108 crucial skills. Some are clever and helpful, like "Work like Walton: Talk to Everybody." But many simply repeat jargon (e.g., "Reframe to Motivate"). Possibly useful to new managers, this book will disappoint old hands.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Excellent work that combines systematic and thought-provoking treatment of the nature of leadership." -- Dr. Nick Kanopoulos, Director of Multimedia & Communications, Atmel Corporation

"The book's universal themes make it valuable today, and a handy reference manual for a career." -- Financial Executive December 2001

"The person who aspires to leadership and success will not find a clearer, more accessible guide than this book." -- Grahm B. Painter, Vice President of Public Affairs, Delivery Group Reliant Energy

"This book provides an ideal method to enhance the skills of an entire executive team." -- Jon Flora, President, The Kroger Company of Michigan

"Warren Blank has presented practical suggestions for developing personal leadership characteristics essential at every organizational level and stage of life." -- John G. Rice, President & CEO, GE Power Systems

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (May 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814406467
• ISBN-13: 978-0814406465
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #622,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cliche puree, anyone?, April 8, 2007

By 

Paul Carpenter (Medina, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders (Hardcover)

This book is a random jamble of oddly-assembled cliches without direction or application. The writing style is comprised mainly of four to five word sentences, run together with little regard to flow or building a point. References are often cited with no explanation, and often as many as six references are made to other chapters within a single paragraph. The most useful advice in this book is "read articles or books about..." the topic at hand. At least the author admitted in this instance that he has no idea what he's talking about and had the decency to refer the reader elesewhere for advice. It's no surprise that no real publisher picked up this horrible book. It's easy to see this isn't as much a book as it is a collection of old-school powerpoint slides smashed together into a "book".

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A HIGHLY USEFUL SELF-DEVELOPMENT BOOK., April 14, 2005

By 

Gerry Stern "Stern's Management Review Online" (Culver City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders (Hardcover)

Starting with a description of the basic categories of leadership skills (foundational, direction, and influence), the book provides a self-assessment instrument showing your match with an ideal profile, pointing up areas of strength and weakness. The remaining chapters describe the various skills, clustered by the basic categories. The reader should pick from the array of skills, and focus on those most important or which they want to stress in their repertoire. This is a highly useful self-development work. The book's value is entirely based on the seriousness of the reader in using it as a learning tool. Strongly recommended.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Business Principals Clearly Expressed, July 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders (Hardcover)

The Nine Natural Laws of Leadership is interesting and valuable but The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders rises above and beyond. The message to me is that with attention to these laws and ideas, we all are (or can become) natural born leaders.

This newest Warren Blank book benefited me in many pratical and useful ways. I plan on buying one for my assistant and deputy and one for each of my division managers.