You have to read this book!!! I would rank it in the top 3 leadership books I’ve ever read! I just recently heard of and started following the author, Seth Godin. I would strongly recommend you reading his blog on a daily basis.

Here are some of my key take aways from the book:

• For the first time ever, everyone in an organization – not just the boss is expected to lead
• Suddenly, in today’s world – the oldest brands are no longer the fastest growing, the most experienced business people are no longer the most successful, and the safest jobs are not safe anymore.
• Life is too short to make mediocre stuff and hate what you do all day
• You don’t have enough time to be unhappy and mediocre

• We choose not to be remarkable because we’re worried about criticism

• Trying to lead everyone results in leading no one in particular
• You can worry about most people all day, but I promise they’re not worried about you
• The only one holding you back from becoming the kind of person who changes things is: lack of faith
• The art of leadership is understanding what you can’t compromise on
• When you hire amazing people and give them freedom – they do amazing things
• The organizations that need innovation the most are the ones that do the most to stop it from happening
• Being charismatic doesn’t make you a leader, being a leader makes you charismatic
• If you organization requires success before commitment, it will never have either
• We need You to lead Us!

Final Grade: A+ – a Must Read!! Buy it here!

I’ve heard a lot about the author of this book, Marcus Buckingham, but have never actually picked up any of his work. I recently joined Thomas Nelsons “Book Review Bloggers” initiative where you receive free books if you commit to writing a 200+ word review on them. The first book I requested was “The Truth About You“. I choose the book because I have become a student of myself. I think it’s important we learn about ourselves. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? I was hoping this book would help me in the process.

When I got the book, I found out that it is more than a book. It is an experience! It comes with a DVD to watch, a book, and a “re-memo” pad.

The DVD takes you through 3 myths that Marcus Buckingham says people buy into in life.

Three Myths People Buy into in Life:

1. Your personality changes as you get older
2. If you want to grow – don’t rely on your strengths- work on your weaknesses.
3. The best teams have well rounded people playing all the roles well.

He takes each of these myths and breaks them down, explaining why they’re myths, then tells the truth about those areas.
The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get

In the book Marcus teaches you 5 principles that he says is the best advice you’ll ever get:

1. Performance is always the point
2. Your strengths aren’t what you’re good at, and your weaknesses aren’t what you’re bad at
3. When it comes to your job, the “What” always trumps the “Why” and “Who”
4. You’ll never find the perfect job
5. You’ll never turn your weaknesses into strengths

The biggest take away from the book for me was that strengths are anything activities that make you feel stronger. Of course this would mean that your weaknesses are any activities that make you feel weaker. We often think just because we’re good at something means it is a strength – but there are a ton of people who are good at things they hate – you can’t consider that a strength could you?

Homework

Marcus then challenges you to take the rememo pad and anytime you’re doing something you feel strengthens you – write it down and to do the same thing with things that weaken you for an entire week. At the end of the week take both the strengths and weaknesses and try to come up with 3 strength and weakness statements – be specific! This is a great approach of learning your strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book. It can be read in one sitting, the DVD is only 24 minutes long, and the application of the principles will add a ton of value to your life.

Final Grade: A+

Buy it Here!

Thomas Nelson is offering a program that gives free books to bloggers. All you have to do is sign-up, request a book, and write a 200+ word review on the book you read. Then you can pick another one… I think it’s an awesome idea!

Check it out here!