The Leadership Blog

Those who have participated in one of our Leadership Institutes or enrolled in our Leadership classes know, my preferred way of learning about leadership is by searching for it in unusual places. I read books that are not about leadership and observe people in activities to see leadership in action. If you know me, you might be surprised to find me recommending a book with leadership in the title.

Seth Godin’s newest book, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us, presents leadership in the most simplistic way. In less than 150 pages, he makes a compelling case for why someone would want to lead and tells them how to do it. Here’s just a sampling of what he says:

“Heretics are the new leaders. The ones who challenge the status quo, who get out in front of their tribes, who create movements” (p. 11)

“Leadership isn’t difficult, but you’ve been trained for years to avoid it.” (p. 13)

“Leaders have followers. Managers have employees. Managers make widgets. Leaders make change. (p. 14)

“Leaders use passion and ideas to lead people, as opposed to using threats and bureaucracy to manage them.” (p. 22)

“Leadership is scarce because few people are willing to go through the discomfort required to lead.” (p. 55)

“Organizations that destroy the status quo win. Individuals who push their organizations, who inspire other individuals to change the rules, thrive.” (p. 35)

“Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.” (p. 119)

“You can’t manage without knowledge. You can’t lead without imagination.” (p. 137)

“Leadership almost always involves thinking and acting like the underdog: (p. 85)

“Being charismatic doesn’t make you a leader. Being a leader makes you charismatic.” (p. 127)

“The secret of leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there.” (p. 108)

If you are looking for a good book on leadership, Tribes has a lot to offer. It also will help you understand other leadership concepts, including the theories I put forth in my book (co-written by Gen. Al Gray) The Conflicted Leader and Vantage Leadership.

What do you think? In the quotes I show you, has Godin captured the true definition of leadership? Has he convinced you to lead?Please comment.