On Becoming a Leader

• Warren Bennis
• 1989-01-01
• 9780609601124
• Business & Leadership

On Becoming a Leader is a leadership and management book written by Warren Bennis that explores the key qualities and characteristics of effective leaders. Bennis is a well-known speaker and author on the topic of leadership, and his book has been widely recognized as a classic in the field.
According to Bennis, effective leaders are those who are able to inspire and motivate others to achieve shared goals and objectives. He argues that effective leaders are not born, but rather they are made through a combination of personal qualities and experiences.
Bennis identifies a number of key qualities and characteristics that define effective leaders, including:
1. Vision: Effective leaders have a clear and compelling vision of what they want to achieve, and are able to inspire and motivate others to work towards that vision.
2. Integrity: Effective leaders are honest and transparent in their communication, and are true to their values and beliefs.
3. Empathy: Effective leaders are able to understand and connect with others on a personal level, and are able to build strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
4. Courage: Effective leaders are willing to take risks and make difficult decisions, and are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
5. Self-awareness: Effective leaders are self-aware and introspective, and are able to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses.
6. Adaptability: Effective leaders are able to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges, and are able to adjust their approach as needed.
To help leaders develop these qualities and characteristics, Bennis provides a number of strategies and tools, including:
1. Seek out challenges and opportunities for growth: This involves seeking out new challenges and opportunities for learning and development, and being open to new experiences.
2. Build strong relationships: This involves developing effective communication and social skills, and being empathetic and understanding towards others.
3. Reflect on your experiences and learn from them: This involves taking time to reflect on your experiences and the lessons you have learned from them, and using that knowledge to inform your future decisions and actions.
4. Seek out mentors and role models: This involves finding mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support, and learning from their experiences and insights.
5. Practice continuous learning and development: This involves investing in your own learning and development, and staying attuned to new ideas and trends in your field.