Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times [Hardcover]

Donald T. Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

Using the Civil Rights struggle as his historical perspective, Donald T. Phillips has created a detailed and absorbing chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership during the most tumultuous period in America's recent past. Under King's guidance, the unfathomable goal of abolishing federal and state-sanctioned segregation and discrimination was accomplished in only a few short years. From public speaking to peaceful persuasion, from imaginative solutions in changing times to the power of hope, optimism, nonviolence, and the need for a great dream, this valuable study is a comprehensive tool for taking courageous action under even the most difficult of circumstances.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Leadership motivational speaker Donald T. Phillips, who has previously drawn organizational lessons for modern businesses from the careers of Abraham Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, turns to civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as a role model. A discussion of the Montgomery bus boycott, for example, draws out such principles as "Set goals and create a plan of action" and "Involve the people." More effective as a self-help book for business than as a biography, it does provide a useful introduction to King's life.

About the Author

Donald T. Phillips is a widely recognized figure in the field of leadership. His previous books include LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP, THE FOUNDING FATHERS ON LEADERSHIP, and ON THE BRINK: THE LIFE AND LEADERSHIP OF NORMAN BRINKER. He speaks frequently around the country to various corporations, government groups, and professional organizations.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446523674
• ISBN-13: 978-0446523677
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #758,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Best-selling author Don Phillips brings history alive with crisp compelling prose and historical accuracy. His trilogy on American leadership (The Founding Fathers on Leadership, Lincoln on Leadership, Martin Luther King, Jr. on Leadership) continues to win worldwide acclaim. His first book, Lincoln on Leadership, helped pave the way toward the creation of an entire new genre of books on historical leadership. Currently in its 23rd printing, it has been translated into seven languages.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book about a great leader, July 15, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times (Hardcover)

This book carries the reader through two threads of material simultaneously. One thread is designed to give a biographical, history of MLK, Jr. as a leader in the civil rights movement. The other thread is actually laid upon the first and it is a cataloguing of the various leadership styles and techniques which he displayed throughout his career. The book also supplies us with a wealth of meaningful quotes from Dr. King at the beginning and end of each chapter.

I would like to get beyond this somewhat systematic description of the book. I must say that I was deeply moved by the circumstances of this man's life, the obstacles which he had to overcome, the strength he showed in the face of real hatred and danger. It also struck me that Dr. king's life was terribly short and was lived not so long ago. Many of the struggles he fought are still afoot. We are still only in a process of change. I see that we cannot let down the cause of equality and pretend that all is changed and all is well. There is still a long way to go. The cause, however has been expanded to include the rights of women, the rights of the handicapped, the rights of asian minorities, the rights of gay and lesbians and others I do not recognize right now.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring book on leadership, January 30, 2000

By 

Steve M - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times (Paperback)

I picked up this book simply thinking it would be a great story about leadership, but the underlying history of Martin Luther King is riveting as well. The leadership stories translate well to business and personal leadership--they speak to (all) people wanting to be part of a higher, unifying mission. If you like to "mark-up" the margins with thoughts keep a pen handy for this one. Its a book I talked about with colleagues and family more than any other I've read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful!, April 17, 2001

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times (Paperback)

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech was voted the most electrifying public address of the twentieth century. It takes some kind of a leader to give that kind of a speech. Donald T. Phillips presents the ideals of leadership that Martin Luther King Jr. followed in an overview of the history of the civil rights struggle. Phillips describes the techniques King used at various stages of the civil rights battle. He also shares King's comments on leadership. Many of the principles will be quite familiar: listen to learn, lead by being led, awaken direct action, encourage creativity and involve the people. However, the book is especially interesting when it demonstrates how King put these principles into practice. This well-organized, well-written book is clear, direct, and easy to read. While it is written for the general public (especially for African-Americans and those interested in civil rights), we [...] find this book interesting for all managers and executives, particularly those who like to learn the lessons of history.