What You Don’t Know About Leadership, but Probably Should: Applications to Daily Life

Kottler, a psychiatry professor at Baylor College of Medicine, offers an insightful and surprisingly fresh examination of the tired topic of leadership. What sets this work apart from the legion of books on the subject is the underlying premise that effective leaders must model in their own lives the behavior they seek to inspire in others. He explores the benefits of admitting what one doesn’t know and the pitfalls of leadership blind spots. An invaluable chapter on having “meaningful interactions” delves into the ubiquitous experience of dull and endless meetings, along with tips for improving them, such as “inviting collaboration” and “suggesting constructive steps of action.” Kottler also provides an intriguing, if too short, list of the attributes that distinguish great leaders from poor ones and an intriguing look at the leadership styles of American presidents. His exploration of bad management will resonate with people at all levels of the corporate ladder, as will his chapter on leadership in everyday life. Readers in leadership positions will appreciate Kottler’s reminder that, as he writes at the book’s conclusion, “it’s not just about what you do, but who you are” that makes the difference.[em] (Apr.) [/em]