Leadership Book Review by Jeff Bush

by Brian Tracy 

• There are three kinds of people: people that make things happen, people that watch things happen, and people that have no idea what is happening. 

• The way to make others feel important is: 

1. 1. 1. Appreciation
      2. Approval
      3. Admiration
      4. Attention 

• Seven steps for goals as a leader: 

1. 1. 1. Clarify what the goal is. 
      2. Write it down. A goal that is not written down is just a fantasy.
      3. Make a deadline.
      4. Make a list of everything you have to do or have in order to achieve the goal. 
      5. Make an execution plan. Prioritize the most important.
      6. Take action.
      7. Do something every day. 

• The future belongs to the risk takers. Being willing to try something hard or different is what separates leaders from others.

• The ability to react quickly to adverse circumstance is a mark of your leadership. 

• Three important emotional needs of employees:

1. 1. 1. Dependence — feel part to something bigger than self.
      2. Independence – they are important as an individual and what they do for the organization.
      3. Interdependence – they’re part of a team. A leader should help work to keep things harmonious. 

• Leaders must have a high level of commitment. According to the level of commitment they have will be the level of commitment others around them have.

• 85% of your success as a leader is determined by your ability to communicate effectively with others. If you cannot communicate, you cannot lead.

• Be clear about goals, objectives, and vision of company. 

• Learn to give the why more than the what. When people know why, they’re willing to work. 

• Leaders do not think about failure. They look at difficulties and setbacks as lessons to become better.

• Leaders must be solution oriented. If there’s a problem, find a way to fix it instead of looking for someone to blame.

• Persist until you succeed. No matter how difficult it becomes, never give up. 

• Adversity draws out the true man.

• Smart leaders are wise on who they pick to be around them. Strong leaders choose people that are better than them. Weak leaders choose people that are weaker than them. 

• As a leader, decide you will not complain or criticize others.

• Don’t wait for the right time. The right time is now.

• How you treat others sets the tone for how those you work with will treat others. 

• Leaders are readers. Keep growing. 

• Become a better leader by improving yourself. Start doing some things and stop doing other things. 

• Ask your way to success. Learn from others. You don’t live long enough to make all the mistakes, so learn from others. 

• Leaders lead either by command (you make decision), consultation (ask and let others participate), or consensus (let others make the decision). 

• Leaders are listeners. Listen attentively. If you are talking, you are not listening. Ask questions and don’t assume you understand.