Leadership style and other related issues are addressed in ‘Discover Your Leadership Style’, a highly readable book by business developer and leadership-cum-HR coach Mark Chew.
In the book, the author – also formerly a sportsman, team manager and military officer – quotes iconic leaders and provides vivid illustra- tions to explain the characteristics of a true leader.
Under the chapter on ‘Are Leaders Born or Made?’, he starts off with a quote by American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn – “Character isn’t something you were born with and can’t
change, like your fingerprints. It’s something you weren’t born with and must take responsibility for forming.”
The use of descriptive words and imagery is another tool Mark uses to deliver his stories. This can be seen in various parts of the book, especially when he explains the concepts in detail. The chapter on a flexible leader is broken down into different noteworthy points and each point is illustrated with related anecdotes.
Arranged in a story-like format, the book is written in an engaging style that puts the reader right at the scene, as though it was playing out in front of his or her eyes. Such a writing style is appropriate, for it enables the reader to easily understand the points that the author raises and apply the book’s concepts in his or her own life.
The lessons taught in Mark’s book are highly inspirational. For instance, Mark explains the importance of being a friendly leader, and how the small things you do for your team will last a lifetime. In the chapter on how to be a friendly leader, he quotes Sun Tzu from the ‘Art of War’, and reminds leaders of how they should treat their employees in order to reach a common goal.
The questions asked at every alternate chapter are thought- provoking, and designed for the reader to reflect on the points that were previously addressed. At the end of Chapter 8: Are You A Fair Leader, revision questions such as ‘How Impartial are you?’ and ‘Do you possess Moral Courage?’, are posed to the reader. By asking these questions, Mark gets his readers to reflect on their existing leadership style and in turn understand themselves better as leaders. This enables readers to apply the knowledge they have learnt and incorporate the skills in their own leadership positions.
Overall, ‘Discover Your Leadership Style’ is a succinct read for anyone who strives to be a better leader. Jam-packed with advice, the book aims to be a motivational tool for the reader to discover his or her leadership style via easy-to-understand concepts and ideas.
Discover Your Leadership Style by Mark Chew Price: S$22.00 Publisher: Armour Publishing Tel: +65-62769976
E-mail: mail@armourpublishing.com
