On Becoming a Leader

by Warren Bennis

Number of pages: 304

Publisher: Basic Books

BBB Library: Leadership, Business Classics

ISBN: 978-0465014088



About the Author

Warren Bennis is Distinguished Professor of Business Administration and Founding Chairman of the Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California.

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Editorial Review

This is a classic book that delves into the nifty gritty that is involved in leadership. Being a book that is an update of its previous editions, it is a modern approach that includes the modern leadership methods and the attributes that a leader requires to be successful in the 21st century. The book is a sure classic for it is majorly a collection of interviews of some of the most successful executives in the modern American history. It also includes experiences that they faced and lessons learned which make it more influential in shaping any reader into a leader.

Book Reviews

“A long time ago, I was forced into a leadership position on a project that I felt completely unprepared for. A very kind friend in a high place mailed me a copy of this book – Warren Bennis’s On Becoming a Leader – and encouraged me to give it a read. The ideas in this book helped me to step up and actually make the most of the situation as it was handed to me and, since then, I’ve recommended it to several others “ – The Simple Dollar

“Bennis has probably done as much as anyone to shatter the myth of leaders as heroes, born not made. We live in a democracy of leadership now, in which everyone can lead in some way. As more people understand what leadership means and are taught to achieve their potential, it might be expected that competition will increase to ridiculous levels. But whereas competition is the result of everyone striving to win at the same thing, personal visions are unique. To become a leader is to claim the power and assurance that comes from being a one-off..” – Butler Bowdon

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Wisdom to Share

The message of passion can be translated into different emotions. It can translate into enthusiasm or deep commitment.

Integrity has 3 essential parts: self-knowledge, candor, and maturity.

You should never lie to yourself;, a true leader should not do that.

You can invent yourself, if you know what you consist of and what you want to achieve.

Leadership is not about issuing orders or showing the way, leadership is about dedication, capability to work with and learn from others, and being always truthful, never servile.

Managers have his or her eye always on the bottom line; leaders' eye is on the horizon.

Travellers are able to take a fresh view of the foreign land at a different angle.

The fear to make mistakes holds back one from achieving their full potential.

The obstacles are the most effective moments that instill learning by the leaders.

A leader is not successful until the entire team succeeds.

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