Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'How the Best Leaders Lead'

There is something so authentic about Brian Tracy books and this one is no exception. Actually, this book is almost four books in one as the author covers:

1. How to set clear goals and objectives for you and others.
2. How you can put 12 military principles to use in your business.
3. How to develop an exciting future vision for your business.
4. How to set priorities and focus on key tasks.
5. How to solve problems faster and make better decisions.

The book is actually more of a manual on how to become a leader in a very short time. In short but cogent chapters, he explains what it takes to assume the leadership role in any organization or company effectively.

When it comes to actual leadership from the book:

Vision: Leaders need a clear vision of the market conditions today and where they will be in the future.

Courage: The leader has to be the bravest person in the company.

Integrity: Always. Someone once told me that when a leader speaks, it is 10 times louder than when anyone else in the company speaks. The leader sets the company’s culture.

Humility: Oh, this is so important. Nothing is more effective than a leader who is modest and secure enough to promote his team and give them credit for the team’s success.

Foresight: The ability to look into the future and see what might occur.

Focus: To focus personal and corporate energies and resources in the most important areas is critical. Leaders focus on results and on what has to be achieved.

Cooperation: Working well with others is essential for effective leadership.

Obviously, these are important elements of effective leadership on a professional level. But interestingly enough, Tracy digs deeper and advises the leader on a more personal level as well. He includes six methods, techniques, and strategies to reorganize and restructure your life from determining your values to setting goals by deciding exactly what you want to even taking care of your physical health.

This is a great book for everyone, and I mean everyone, whether or not they are leaders today. Don’t pass this one up!

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group

Title: How the Best Leaders Lead: Proven Secrets to Getting the Most Out of Yourself and Others
Author: Brian Tracy
Publisher: Copyright 2010 by Amacom a Division of American Management Association
Pages: 256
Price: $24.95