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

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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.

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.

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.

Donald Phillips did a wonderful job of telling the story of Martin Luther King Jr. from his childhood to his death, and connecting it all to a marvelous leadership style. Being a student of leadership studies and a fan of Martin Luther King Jr., I chose this book as a study of both subjects. Having read it, I have to say I learned more about leadership from this book than any other I have read. However, I am no longer a fan of MLK......... he is now a hero of mine.

As Donald Phillips points out, for every major turning point in American history, creative leaders - right for the times and uniquely suited to the task - assume the mantle of leadership. Donald Phillips not only describes how MLK ended up at the mantle, but how and why he was the right person for the job.

MLK's movement is not the same civil rights movement being pushed by the self-serving, so-called, activists today. Read this book, you will learn about a true leader and what a true leader is. It is easy reading and inspiring. Highly recommended.

Donald T. Phillips does an exceptional job at narrating the life of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He does an incredible job in tying in the aspects of Dr. King's life as a man, and activist together with the principals of Leadership.

He breaks down the book into 4 sections, that each details the start and end of the American Civil Rights movement. Phillips does an amazing job at chronicling the events that most shaped the philosophy of Dr. King.

I truly enjoyed this book because it helped me realize that it is possible for me to achieve my goals using the same techniques that Dr. King used. The book does a great job at outlining how a normal person can create change the way Dr. King did. Whether you live in turbulent times like those in which the Civil Rights took place or not.

I recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position to those who aspire to be leaders, but mostly to those with a goal to succeed. The knowledge you will acquire with this book is invaluable to future successes.

The book targets all, but I think it specifically aims to inspire African- Americans especially those who wish to be in leadership positions. The book in general is a great read for businesses and for groups in general. It informs the audience about the dynamics of groups and how to work through the problems that groups face.

It helps inform leaders as to the advantages and disadvantages of being a leader. Overall the book is a great read. And you will truly enjoy it.

I am a student and a teacher of leadership skills, and I have found no better example than Martin Luther King Jr. This book combines the history of King's movement, but also chronicles the qualities which made King great. The text is easy to read, and fascinating. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Leadership should be required reading for anyone who hopes to impact their world. The famed Harvard psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, who studied moral development, named King as one of the greatest moral thinkers in history. Read this book, and you will understand why.

I have to say that this book as given me some great insights to what Mr. King was really about and what he stood for. I am only 35% in Kindle version but there is one thing that I can say about Mr. King. That is, he was/is a true leader! Most leaders today talk the talk but don't walk the walk, especially in the work force. Not in this case with Mr. King, when he was punched in the face by a white man, he didn't fight back. He actually stood there letting the guy punch him in the face. Mr. King always preached that you need to become what you preached/or talk about(in that situation, don't fight violence with violence). He didn't even want to press charges against the guy. He wanted to reason with man. He wanted to change the system that made a man like that, do what he did. I like the fact that when white people bombed the black churches and the black community wanted to take revenge. Mr. King told them not to, that they needed to take the higher road, not become violent. This book really shows you what Mr. King stood for, and that we NEED more leaders like him today! If you're wanting to become a leader and want to know what some of the qualities of one are? Well, look no further, this book really lays it out for you in simple terms to understand it.


Edit: I just finished this book. I have to say this is one of the most moving books I have read in a while in regard to leadership. I have taken to heart what Mr. King went through and how he persisted in the face of danger, outright criticism in his stance in regard to the Vietnam war and near death by being stabbed in the chest. This man kept going when people told him things couldn't be done, or the overwhelming odds, he faced everyday. Well, I say he proved them wrong. He died doing what he knew was God's will and all I know is that we need more men like him now more than ever!

Heard MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ON LEADERSHIP, written
and read by Donald T. Phillips.

The book effectively integrates a history of King with leadership
principles . . . along the way, there's much detail on the Civil
Rights movement of the late 1950s and the 1960s.

In particular, I liked how Phillips used the Montgomery bus boycott
to draw out these five leadership principles:

1. Set goals and create a plan of action.
2. Create a new formal alliance.
3. Involve the people.
4. Seek dialogue and negotiation.
5. Innovate.

In addition, ON LEADERSHIP got me to revisit this classic King quote:
" A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder
of consensus."

If you're interested in the subject of leadership, you'll find this
book by Phillips has much to offer . . . it will also serve as
an excellent introduction to King's life--particularly for any readers not old
enough to have known about his greatness.

I have enjoyed all of the "On Leadership" books from Phillips, but this one actually made me tear up at times. A wonderful book, and I hope every person who wants to DO something reads it! Thank you Mr. Phillips for writing it!

I have always wanted to perfect situational leadership and this book gives insight into what that means.