There is nothing unusual about a book presenting a new theory on leadership. But the authors here make a huge claim for their model: effectively, they assert that their "evolutionary leadership theory" is a grand unifying idea that explains all previous leadership thinking.

As the title of the book and the theory suggest, the authors turn to evolution, drawing heavily on Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and more modern work in the field of genetics to propose that the need for some people to act as leaders—and for others to follow-is a throwback to mankind's earliest days.

Those ancestors who grouped together for survival and took up leadership/followership roles survived and therefore now dominate the gene pool. The authors also suggest that the dissonance between these ancient tendencies and the modern work environment explains much poor leadership.

Despite its grandiose claims, this book presents a persuasive argument. If nothing else it acts as a refresher course on existing leadership theory. It's harder to accept the claim that theirs is the only idea that makes sense.