[February 26, 2016] As I write today, we are getting a typical blustery winter day in New York City. Workers are hurrying about with their faces covered to protect themselves from the high winds and cold temps. The heavy coats are being worn but everyone still looks “stylish” despite the weather. Two books for my readers, the one by Robert Gates is particularly interesting.
A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service, Robert M. Gates, 2016.
As with any writing from a public official, this book will attract some controversy. One of Robert Gates’ main themes revolves around the idea that to be a good leader, one has to be capable of achieving results without creating enemies needlessly. What Gates is doing in this well-written book is to help guide us on how to transition large institutions. He takes us through the recent failures of American government bureaucracies. His point is that large organizations don’t promote innovation, cost savings, or better customer service but they can, he notes, be fixed despite extraordinarily difficult obstacles. He provides us with some good thinking on how to overcome this and is that makes this book highly recommended.
… and now for my bonus book:
David’s Sling: A History of Democracy in Ten Works of Art, Victoria C. Gardner Coates, 2016.
Another book that challenges our assumptions about humankind and points us to unusual connections that pop into our consciousness only after it being pointed out. Coates argues that societies with the most freedom also produce the greatest works of creativity (in art, architecture, philosophy, etc.). The book weaves together politics and art, placing ten great works of art squarely in our view as an outgrowth of human liberty. Recommended.
To go to the full Professional Reading list, simply click on this direct link: www.theleadermaker.com/reading-list/
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