Seth Godin has done it again – written an amazing, fresh, relevant, and useful book I love. This time it is Tribes – a book about the importance of leadership. The book is probably the least “marketing” oriented book Seth has written, focusing instead on addressing the much broader topic of leading other human beings.
The book talks a great deal about the importance of overcoming fear in the pursuit of innovation. In today’s world, I am fully convinced that the old ways of “go along and get along” can only lead to a slow death – whether that applies to education, business, marketing, non-profits, or any other facet of life. Today, the rewards go to the risk takers, the creators, and the innovators who are willing to step up with a vision and lead others toward realizing it.
Here is an excerpt from one of the passages on The Elements of Leadership:
- Leaders challenge the status quo.
- Leaders create a culture around their goal and involve others.
- Leaders have an extraordinary amount of curiousity about the world they are trying to change.
- Leaders use charisma (in a variety of forms) to attract and motivate followers.
- Leaders communicate their vision of the future.
- Leaders commit to a vision of the future and make decisions based on that commitment.
- Leaders connect their followers to one another.
The book also discusses numerous ways that individuals can levarage the web, blogs, and tools like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Squidoo, and others to build a tribe of followers. Seth outlines numerous examples of others who have successfully built a tribe, and highlights simple strategies for following in their footsteps and leading with yours.
Not only is it a great book, but I even got a free copy of it. I had pre-ordered the book on Amazon a few months ago. Two weeks ago, a surprise advance copy showed up on my doorstep. Seth sent them out to people who ordered early so that we could have a sneak peak at the book. Talk about engaging the Tirbe. The one I paid for showed up last Tuesday, and I quickly gave it to a friend to read… and the Tribe grows.
Thank you to Seth for continuing to be an inspiration to me, for providing me with countless great ideas, and for motivating me with your words and actions to be a leader with mine.
Amazon.com: Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us: Seth Godin: Books
