REVIEW: The "I" of Leadership by Nigel Nicholson

Date:               9/12/13

Title:                The “I” of Leadership: Strategies for Seeing, Being and Doing

Author:           Nigel Nicholson

ISBN 13:         978-1118567432

Pages:            310

Publisher:      Jossey-Bass

Cover:             Hardcover

Rating:             4 Stars

             The “I” of Leadership: Strategies for Seeing, Being and Doing by Nigel Nicholson,

is probably one of the best leadership books I’ve read lately. There are many leadership styles; this book helps you determine what type of leader you are.

I love that the author reiterated key leadership ideas that many seem to forget or never knew in the first place. Three of my favorites are 1)Leaders have to satisfy followers, which is true is most cases, 2)Leaders transform, this is self explanatory; and 3)Leaders are stewards. When you break it down, leaders serve the people, keyword being “serve.”

IBM’s story is often used when talking about success. The author re-shares the story and introduces to others to the rise, fall and rise of the technology company. The author uses comparisons to this story and describes six SPQ(situation, process and qualities) strategies: shaping, discovery, self-knowledge, assimilation, seeing and selection.

In addition the IBM story, the author has included other stories quotes and scenarios of successful leaders like Warren Buffett. The book has useful information throughout, and out of all the leadership books on my bookshelf, this is one that I will take down to read and refer to on a regular basis.