Not Bosses But Leaders: How to Lead the Way to Success [Hardcover]

John Adair (Author), Peter Reed (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 14, 2003

* Long awaited new edition of the classic best-seller

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An authoritative and wise guide to leadership theory and research." -- Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Management at the University of Southern California, the Thomas S. Murphy Distinguished Research Fellow at the Harvard Business School, and author of "Geeks and Geezers"

"John Adair is without doubt one of the foremost thinkers on leadership in the world." -- Sir John Harvey-Jones

About the Author

John Adair the world's first Professor of Leadership Studies (at the University of Surrey), is an acknowledged authority on leadership development. The author of many books and articles on leadership, he has significantly evolved the debate as to what effective leadership is all about. He continues to write, teach and consult throughout the world, inspiring new audiences with his timeless vision of leadership.

Peter Reed is a successful leadership and organizational development advisor who has worked on major projects for many national governments. He is also the author of "Extraordinary Leadership" (Kogan Page).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 186 pages
• Publisher: Kogan Page Business Books; 3rd edition (February 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0749438991
• ISBN-13: 978-0749438999
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,574,984 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended!, May 19, 2004

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not Bosses But Leaders: How to Lead the Way to Success (Hardcover)

This short volume collects some of the most time-honored principles of leadership and compiles them in a series of short, easy-to-read chapters. Author John Adair draws on some unlikely sources for his material, finding inspiration even in Cromwell, the fanatical Puritan revolutionary; in the experience of the German army during World War II and in other characters and events not usually cited in management tomes. Adair's classic on leadership, now reissued, is a very useful handbook that resembles inspirational reading more than an expository how-to. On the downside, the book needs tightening. In particular, the author's lists of "key points" tend to be vague, passive and general. Nonetheless, we believe that gem seekers will find useful nuggets of leadership counsel here and that business readers will enjoy the intriguing array of quotable stories and sources.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and Enlightening Little Book, May 11, 2007

By 

Elijah Chingosho "Dr Elijah Chingosho" (Nairobi, Kenya) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not Bosses But Leaders: How to Lead the Way to Success (Paperback)

Leadership expert, John Adair, has come up with a delightful and enlightening little book on effective leadership. He succintly explains the key elements of successful leaders. Citing various sources and using a unique presentation style, he highlights the fundamental aspects of leadership which are so critical in today's highly dynamic operating environment.

If you are seeking to be an outstanding leader where you do not have to rely on your position or authority to reach organisational goals, then I recommend you to read this book. You will, among other things, learn to set a shared vision and motivate followers to willingly and enthusiastically work towards the achievement of the shared goals.

Overal, an awesome and practical book on inspiring leadership.

4.0 out of 5 stars What is leadership?, March 17, 2007

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not Bosses But Leaders: How to Lead the Way to Success (Paperback)

'Leadership is action: not position': In summary, this is the key to effective leadership.

This is one of those books where most statements would appear to be self-evident truths. So why, then, is it so difficult to develop effective leaders? And why do so many leaders rely on formal structures and authority?

This slender book is full of insights into leadership. It draws on a number of sources and provides food for thought both for experienced leaders (who may have become so caught up with the urgent that they've forgotten the important) as well as those embarking on the management journey.

The presentation style may not suit all readers, but whether you are seeking to find the keys of effective leadership or to reflect on their use, there is something in this book.

'If you wish to lead others you must first learn to lead yourself.'

Recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith