Posted on Apr 14, 2015
Do you think good leaders actually have to read books on leadership?
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Recently working on a Director's desk and I came across these books. Mind you have only been working with this man for about 3 months and given all the books he has I though he would be a much better leader. Unfortunately there have been instances with him where he is very temperamental, short with those under him and yelling at people on the call center floor.
Is this a leader or just someone with power?
This got me thinking about some of the people I got to work under and analyze my relationship with them. Most of the people that I have admired did not have any such books. They it seemed that they just knew what needed to be done and how to do it.
Not saying that such books are a waste, but have the good/great leaders you know every used such books?
Is this a leader or just someone with power?
This got me thinking about some of the people I got to work under and analyze my relationship with them. Most of the people that I have admired did not have any such books. They it seemed that they just knew what needed to be done and how to do it.
Not saying that such books are a waste, but have the good/great leaders you know every used such books?
Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Management
Leadership Management
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
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Have to? No. Recommended? Absolutely. A good leader should always look into finding new tools to add to their skillset. If you are a "good" leader - why settle if you can be better? You won't be made into a good leader by just reading a book. Lot's of ingredients go into making a good leader.
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I think the whole leaders are born idea is wrong. I think the best leaders are born and brought up in environments that help them learn to be great leaders and definitely give them a head start when the are older.
As far as your questions, the best leaders I have seen have traits that allow them to be good leaders and are students of leadership. Without both, a person can never reach their full potential.
As far as your questions, the best leaders I have seen have traits that allow them to be good leaders and are students of leadership. Without both, a person can never reach their full potential.
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PO1 (Join to see)
I agree with you on born leaders. I think some of the good people I got to work under were taken under and groomed to be great leaders. Some are fortunate that way I guess. Then there are those that just happen upon the position. Unfortunately I know one person that happened upon their position because they started early in the company.. No real leadership experience. I believe this is/was their very first position and now they are in a management position only after 3 years with company.
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CPT Bob Moore
Some people get lucky like that. It sounds like "right place at the right time".
I think sometimes people don't see the effort that people with great mentors put in. I have found some mentors by chance and I have put in the effort to find and connect with others. I think some people don't want to put in the effort to learn how their particar skills and abilities can be used as a leader and then find ways to overcome their shortcomings. No one is the perfect leader, but everyone can be an effective leader in some way.
I think sometimes people don't see the effort that people with great mentors put in. I have found some mentors by chance and I have put in the effort to find and connect with others. I think some people don't want to put in the effort to learn how their particar skills and abilities can be used as a leader and then find ways to overcome their shortcomings. No one is the perfect leader, but everyone can be an effective leader in some way.
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PO1 (Join to see)
Yeah, it is right place right time. She is a very nice girl, but speaking with her under manager not very insightful as to on goings with her management duties. I.E.. You need to watch the door so no one else in the company has to answer it, but at the same time too make sure you get all your other office duties are handled. *fizzle*
I told the under manager to place that responsibility back at her. "Do you want me to sit here and watch the door, or do you need me to handle the contractors and direct them what we need done?". That silliness ended quick!
I told the under manager to place that responsibility back at her. "Do you want me to sit here and watch the door, or do you need me to handle the contractors and direct them what we need done?". That silliness ended quick!
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I have learned a lot about leadership by first seeing great leaders in action, but I have also benefited from some great literature on the matter. However, I would never display a bunch of leadership books across my office. That to me is somebody trying to signal that you want to convey to your visitors how versed they are in leadership, vice actually displaying it through action.
I also wouldn't interpret his display of such books as equal to him actually reading them, let alone internalizing their message.
I also wouldn't interpret his display of such books as equal to him actually reading them, let alone internalizing their message.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
CDR (Anoymous) and P01 Henry Acosta, Not everybody beats on their books, I have hundreds and I've read all of the books I own and they still look new. I place a value on book and do read a lot both for information as well as pleasure. I take care of all the things I own, that's why they last so long !
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