Customer Reviews

Apples Are Square: Thinking Differently About Leadership

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I recently borrowed this book from a friend and found it to be an invigorating read. There are so many leadership books out there that teach you how to be assertive, how to communicate well, how to have a vision et-cetera et-cetera - all great values, but few that discuss this 'human' side of leadership. I think that's what sets this book aside for me - the humanized leadership model. This book combines wonderfully with many older leadership books, and is an asset to my personal library.

The book is written around an assorted group of 25 leaders and their stories. There are some very interesting experiences mentioned in the book - starting from the one that gave its title. I don't want to spoil the story for you, but I think you can read some chapters of the book on its website.

I've read the stories mentioned in the book over and over again, and every time I find hidden gems previously overlooked. The authors did a wonderful job weaving the book around these leaders, making it an inspiring narrative-story-like read rather than just theory.

Besides just the six leadership qualities mentioned, the book also discusses steps to improve as a leader - another feature which I found very useful. I wish every time I've had to work under a control-freak, or just a boss who-I-wish-would-disappear, I could have given them a copy of this book.

After hearing an interview with the Kuczmarski's, I felt that the book might be a very good read. The authors sounded like they had a genuine passion for leadership based on sound values.

Our current negative perception of leadership has been generated by the misconduct and unethical behavior so often revealed amongst the leaders of corporate America as well as government officials. We have seen so many examples of what not to do that it is very refreshing to read this book that tells the stories of 25 leaders who showcase new values-based ways to lead. The Kuczmarski's have thoroughly researched their 25 leaders and have given the reader real life examples of the six critical values the authors deem necessary to lead successfully.

This book is exremely readable and could very well be used as a reality check on our current negative perception of leadership. The Kuczmarski's have shown that there are good leaders for us to emulate.

What I liked most about this books is that it breaks away from the stereotypical leadership book. With most books on leadership, once you've read one, you've read them all--they all discuss the same leaders and the same leadership styles. Apples breaks from this mold--the leaders profiled are unique and have fascinating stories to tell, and the leadership paradigm presented is one I really believe makes sense. A refreshingly insightful read.

The Kuczmarski's are on to something important in this book. Certainly anyone who has been stifled by a highly controlling boss or who is thinking about their own place in the world of management will find value in Apples Are Square.

This book searches for, and reveals, the human side of leadership. It makes the case that in an increasingly global economy, a new style of leadership is not only important, it is vital. The authors call for an end to the traditional control and compete model of management and substitute instead a form built on human qualities--things like humility and values-based decision making.

We can watch Enron collapse and study the crash of its CEO or we can watch craigslist enjoy huge success and explore what it is about Craig Newmark that triggers such a following. I prefer the lessons of Craig to sifting through the destruction of Enron.

Read this book. It reveals the values of leadership and a strategy for incorporating them in your own life and workplace. Apples are Square is a significant contribution.

Everyone who aspires to be come a better leader, whether in business, community affairs, or in other endeavors, should buy this book and read it--several times. All of us will benefit.

The authors show that while great leadership is absolutely essential to better organizations, it isn't or needn't be a highly technical matter. They show that great leaders are easy to find if we know where to look and what to look for. And they show how to do that.

First, great leaders aren't the rapacious, egocentric, greedy bullies who are too often romanticized in the popular culture. Second, they are all around us--if we only where to look and know what to look for.

The formula? Great leaders are service-oriented (toward clients, customers, constituents, colleagues, and emplooyees/subordinates alike, regardless of personal 'status"), collaborative, respectful, honest, and loyal.

Where do we find hese individuals? Not in the limelight. They're too busy enabling others to reach their potential. In other words, they are all around us--if we only where to look and know what to look for.


It's easy to become discouraged about the state of leaders and leadership these days. The Kuczmarskis show us a way up and a way out.


More good news: where do we find hese individuals? Not in the limelight. They're too busy enabling others to reach their potential. In other words, they are all around us--if we only where to look and know what to look for.

If you have ever worked with people who have these gifts it will bring a tear to your eyes. Should you lead others with these talents, thank you. The authors demonstrate the values in their writing. You can do it!

I have read many leadership books that deliver the same theories and conclusions, however, Apples Are Square, was a book I connected with from the very beginning and could easily relate to. It had a very refreshing look at this important subject. I highly recommend this book to people who feel the "inner leader" starting to develop and for those who are in leadership roles that need to make changes to move their company/organization forward in the right direction or to realize, they are indeed, not leaders at all.

If you want a book that gives a unique perspective on leadership and can help you become a better leader in your personal life, community and company, I highly recommend this book.

Alexander H. Perry

I read this book, found on my host's desk, in toto Tuesday and finished this morning. It is one that will never, never, truly capture your interest. A waste.