Myers, senior adviser to presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and former executive director of the Harvard Center for Public Leadership, hits a homerun with this first work that takes a fresh look at characteristics and traits that enable individuals to motivate, inspire, and influence individuals and groups. Myers explores what constitutes successful modern leadership, focusing on qualities of emotional intelligence, which she maintains are as essential to leadership effectiveness as more tactical management abilities. The author organizes the book around seven leadership traits: authenticity, connection, respect, clarity, willingness to collaborate, an openness to continuous learning, and the courage to do the right thing, themes which she illustrates with examples drawn from her impressive vantage point in government and academia as well as from her own personal life. As instructive as her stories are about Bill and Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Donna Shalala, Rahm Emanuel, and Barack Obama, among others, are her stories about her daughter, sister Dee Dee Myers, and friends, which underscore her point of view that leadership is about being in touch with one's true self, feelings, and passionate engagement. Written in an intelligent but conversational and approachable tone, this inspirational primer is a perfect read for anyone seeking to understand, develop, or unleash his or her genuine leadership potential. (Sept.)
