Leadership guru Warren Bennis has divided his examination of leadership into three distinct sections; (a) tricks of the new trade, (b) tricks and team traits and (c) exemplary leadership.

In the first section, he argues that a leader should be passionate about their job and have a strong sense of purpose and be obsessive about their goal. Bennis believes that people want meaning, direction, trust, optimism and results from their leader. The leader must then be competent, consistent, caring, candid and have character.

Leaders can inspire their employees to work harder by telling them of the importance of their work which can lead to job satisfaction, whilst greater autonomy will lead to better communication and collaboration.

In section 2, Bennis accepts that many current management writers were influenced by Frederick Taylor and Max Weber, which has led to the control and command mentality still existing in many firms. However, he believes that many leaders are faced with new social realities, which implies that it is no longer possible for one person to solve every problem. A more collaborative type of leadership is needed with larger groups where the members can contribute to its effectiveness. Leaders must be able to attract and keep the best people and not treat labour as a disposable commodity.

In the final section, Bennis is concerned initially with the fact that leaders are instrumental in releasing the brainpower of their employees, which will ensure the survival of their organisations. It is also important for leaders to consider that everyone has a stake in an organisation and they must strike a balance between the various groups. The type of organisation will be affected by the style of leadership, but the main aspect of leadership should be to develop collaborative relationships. There should also be a sound psychological contract between the leader and the employees, but such a contract will depend on the leader’s interpersonal skills.

Although it offers some interesting insights, this book is more suited to the general reader and manager, rather than the student who is already faced with enough recommended texts for their leadership diploma examinations.

Peter Morris

Retired CIPS purchasing and management lecturer