For many years, Warren Bennis has persuasively argued that leaders are not born—they are made. And for countless readers, On Becoming a Leader has served as a beacon of insight, delving into the qualities that define leadership, the people who exemplify it, and the strategies that anyone can apply to achieve it. In a world increasingly defined by turbulence and uncertainty, the call to leadership is more urgent than ever. Featuring a provocative new epilogue on the challenges and opportunities facing leaders today, this new edition will inspire the next generation and guide us into the future.
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"This book is among the most valuable and most influential books on the subject of effective leadership at a time when the need for it has never been greater. Those who aspire to become effective leaders will find much of value in this book. It's a great book for both managers and employees. It's definitely worth reading and fortunately it's very easy to read."
— Daniel (5 out of 5 stars)
" This books helps you to understand your role as a leader. Bennis explains what it takes to be a leader and what it doesn’t take, good leadership to bad leadership, and how leaders strengthens and weaknesses help them to be successful. Bennis motivates readers to reflect, ponder, and connect with self and other leaders. "
— Faye Kirk, 8/15/2021" Prof. Bennis is an inspiring man. This is a great introduction/summary of his work and his call for innovative leaders with creative visions "
— Brentley, 2/14/2014" I liked it because it has a different take on some management-subjects. "
— David, 2/3/2014" A bit repetitive...especially for someone not used to reading business books. "
— Beth, 1/23/2014" Absolute classic, inspirational every time I read it. "
— Dbdanvers, 1/17/2014" This was a great book. Anyone stepping into a leadership position should study this book. "
— Luis, 1/13/2014" I love the way Bennis teaches. He ties it to the big picture in how the concepts affect all of us. "
— Rusty, 1/7/2014" I tried reading this book many years ago and couldn't get into it. Finally made it this time - it seems to make sense after you already know what he has to say. It's a rambling essay, more an explanation of his philosophy than a manual or a guidebook. "
— Nora, 12/28/2013" The best book on leadership. "
— Bob, 12/13/2013" I like to say I have my own leadership style...but this guy has laid the foundation. Hands down, a must read for anyone in business. "
— Rob, 12/9/2013" An excellent study of leadership. "
— Thomas, 11/23/2013" I read an older version of this. I would be curious what examples of leadership he uses in this newer version. "
— Mark, 11/17/2013" Warren Bennis is one of the best authors & speakers on leadership. This book is one of his best. I strongly recommend you read it. "
— Jamal, 8/20/2013" This is a great book the highlights many of the key points of leadership and applications of classic leadership principles. It will be on my shelves for years to come and re-read by me multiple times "
— Patrick, 5/21/2013" Fantastic advice on becoming yourself. "
— Camille, 5/17/2013" A refreshing take on leadership because it's not a "7 steps" approach more of an inspirational take that stimulates internal reflection and thought. Short but dense. Definitely will be added to my permanent library. "
— Kristin, 4/14/2013" A must-read book on leadership for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs. "
— Lori, 3/23/2013" Inspiring and brilliant, I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Just what I needed right now. "
— Gueorgui, 10/23/2012" Some useful and enlightening anecdotes. Unfortunately many of the arguments presented in the book lack rigor, and the material feels unstructured. "
— Cristian, 2/26/2012" I wish, I really wish there was some, any really, new information in this book. That said, I equally wish there was something interesting in this book. Nope. Nada. Nothing. "
— Bernard, 11/16/2011" The newer edition is the one I read, it had a different cover. It was actually pretty interesting. I liked his style of writing. "
— Jennifer, 11/8/2011" This is a great book. It tells us that leaders is actually made, not born, and give some insightful thinking about how to make yourself a leader. "
— Ricky, 7/6/2011" This book reads more like a textbook than a book about how to become a leader. "
— Chris, 12/29/2010" This is a great book the highlights many of the key points of leadership and applications of classic leadership principles. It will be on my shelves for years to come and re-read by me multiple times "
— Patrick, 7/20/2010" A refreshing take on leadership because it's not a "7 steps" approach more of an inspirational take that stimulates internal reflection and thought. Short but dense. Definitely will be added to my permanent library. "
— Kristin, 10/19/2009" Good for what I was looking for. "
— Sandra, 6/24/2009" I have to read this for a management class. It's the most readable thing we've had in the class. Bennis is a clear writer and infuses the discussion with personal recollections with numerous people in leadership roles. "
— Jessica, 6/3/2009" I like to say I have my own leadership style...but this guy has laid the foundation. Hands down, a must read for anyone in business. "
— Rob, 9/19/2008" Read for a class on leadership and enjoyed more than I thought I would. Hadn't ever put much thought into the topic. "
— Laurie, 7/15/2008" I love the way Bennis teaches. He ties it to the big picture in how the concepts affect all of us. "
— Rusty, 6/24/2008" Fantastic advice on becoming yourself. "
— Camille, 4/3/2008Daniel Goleman, a former science journalist for the New York Times, is the author of thirteen books and lectures frequently to professional groups and business audiences and on college campuses. He cofounded the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning at the Yale University Child Studies Center, now at the University of Illinois, at Chicago.
Walter Dixon is a broadcast media veteran of more than twenty years’ experience with a background in theater and performing arts and voice work for commercials. After a career in public radio, he is now a full-time narrator with more than fifty audiobooks recorded in genres ranging from religion and politics to children’s stories.