Billed as "a practical blueprint for developing your own abilities as a leader", this is a collection of six previous John Adair books on leadership stitched together to form a (reasonably) coherent one-stop resource for both students and practitioners. While some commentators question our obsession with prioritising leadership over management, Adair has no such qualms. He views the discovery of the role and effects of leadership as one of the wonders of civilisation.
There is a huge amount of content here, and it is unlikely that many will read the entire collection cover to cover. But even dipping in and out will give most readers insights on how to be a better leader.
Adair is well known for an approachable style that presents complex topics in clear language. To do this he employs stylistic devices such as the conversational style of the first book (Not Bosses But Leaders), which imagines a discussion with a junior manager. Such tools either engage or irritate. Either way, whether student or practitioner, there is something for most readers to gain.
