With a new introduction by the authorWarren Bennis's formative years, in the 1930s and '40s, were characterized by severe economic hardship and a w...
read full description
reviews
Nov 07, 2011
YVLeadership
rated it: 
“Most business books share stories about a leader of a company and how he or she overcomes particular challenges. Others offer a lesson learned from business experience. Often these books all read alike, but not Bennis’ books. He has a way of sharing a business experience while extracting insight and, more importantly, wisdom. He brings out the best in every story and especially helped me understand the value of self reflection and obstacles. He writes so clearly about how reflection provides se
More...
Feb 28, 2009
Jeff
rated it: 
I had to read this book for a graduate class. When I first started with it, I was excited because it was easy to read and really highlighted some good points with respect to leadership. In reality, I have picked up some good quotes from it.
However, as my coursework progressed and was assigned additional leadership texts, I came to regard this one as very bland. It is meant to be a prescriptive text for leaders but I think it is sporadic in theme and delivery. In some cases, it is har More...
However, as my coursework progressed and was assigned additional leadership texts, I came to regard this one as very bland. It is meant to be a prescriptive text for leaders but I think it is sporadic in theme and delivery. In some cases, it is har More...
Aug 18, 2009
Diane
rated it: 
A classic in leadership theory and practice. Bennis interviewed leaders of many businesses and non-profits on how to become a good, effective leader with integrity. Probably no one at Enron read it.
Loved the stories of actual leader's experiences interspersed throughout. Nice book if you're interested in the topic and are running a bit short on examples in your own life. Buy for your least fav supervisor and leave secretly under the Christmas tree next to the coal. Santa at l More...
Loved the stories of actual leader's experiences interspersed throughout. Nice book if you're interested in the topic and are running a bit short on examples in your own life. Buy for your least fav supervisor and leave secretly under the Christmas tree next to the coal. Santa at l More...
Jun 24, 2011
Emily
rated it:
Read this for my Masters Classes... LOVED it, when I thought it would be boring. LOVE LOVE the concept of adding up all of the pieces and parts that make someone a leader... also has a running theme (among many running themes!) of "Know Thyself" ...and the concept that people put us in positions to be what they want us to be, but it is up to us as individuals to decide what we should be ourselves and to make our own truths still based on life experiences, but from really knowing ourse
More...
Aug 26, 2011
Tom
rated it:
This was assigned reading for a required management class in my MLIS program, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the read. I thought that the book would be a management self-help book, with tips and tricks for becoming a cookie-cutter manager who can achieve results for the bottom-line, but Bennis makes a clear distinction between the manager and the leader, and his insight into leadership could just as well be applied as insight into living as an authentic self
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Nov 04, 2008
Misty
rated it:
Bennis discusses the importance of reflection as a tool for excellent leadership throughout his book On becoming a leader: The leadership classic (2003). I was particularly interested in his insight on reflection because it seems that few leaders have time to luxuriate in quiet time for reflection. After reading this book I see the importance of taking time to listen to one's inner voice. Bennis states that the most important lesson of leadership is learning to trust the inner voice (p. 28). He
More...
Jan 15, 2008
Dan
rated it:
I am suggesting to you that Dr. Warren Bennis launched the whole avalanche of books on leadership with this book. It awakened my interest in the formal study of leadership, and I later went on to get a graduate degree from Chapman University in the Organizational Leadership program.
Dr. Bennis writes in an accessible style that is designed to provoke, stimulate, and encourage the reader’s interest. He leaves the scholarly heavy lifting to other writers, and there are plenty of them wh More...
Dr. Bennis writes in an accessible style that is designed to provoke, stimulate, and encourage the reader’s interest. He leaves the scholarly heavy lifting to other writers, and there are plenty of them wh More...
Oct 13, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it: 
There are a few useful tidbits here: first, the notion that becoming a leader is essentially about becoming yourself; second, the value of continuous learning; third, the ability to accept change and be flexible. These are good ideas to grasp... but this book still feels more like an assignment for a leadership course than a book to change one's life.
Oct 19, 2009
Kristin
rated it:
A refreshing take on leadership because it's not a "7 steps" approach more of an inspirational take that stimulates internal reflection and thought. Short but dense. Definitely will be added to my permanent library.
Jul 20, 2010
Patrick
rated it:
This is a great book the highlights many of the key points of leadership and applications of classic leadership principles. It will be on my shelves for years to come and re-read by me multiple times
Feb 11, 2008
David
rated it:
Pretty good book on Leadership for this time in history (1990's through 2010's). Bennis does a good job enlightening how leaders are formed and how this is a product of a culture/context.
He also does a pretty good job of delineating what kinds of things a leader CAN learn and what might need to be either innate/genetic or cultural (e.g. integrity, empathy).
Yet when Bennis tries to lay out what makes a good leader, it gets a bit weak.
At this point in time, with the changes go More...
He also does a pretty good job of delineating what kinds of things a leader CAN learn and what might need to be either innate/genetic or cultural (e.g. integrity, empathy).
Yet when Bennis tries to lay out what makes a good leader, it gets a bit weak.
At this point in time, with the changes go More...
Dec 26, 2008
Mark
rated it:
I read an older version of this. I would be curious what examples of leadership he uses in this newer version.
Jun 16, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
I have to read this for a management class. It's the most readable thing we've had in the class. Bennis is a clear writer and infuses the discussion with personal recollections with numerous people in leadership roles.
May 08, 2009
Todd
rated it:
This book was included in my book: The 100 Best Business Books of All Time. www.100bestbiz.com
Dec 16, 2009
Chazz
rated it:
On Becoming a Leader, by Warren Bennis - 3 and a half stars. From the business management category, this is an extremely well-written book with personal growth advice. Unfortunately, it fizzled for me in the last 50 pages, but the first 150 pages are pure gold, and I anticipate buying the book even after borrowing it and reading it for free from the library, simply because I know I’ll re-visit the wisdom contained in its opening 150 pages. At first, I didn’t put it on THE LIST, but I keep re-con
More...
Dec 10, 2011
Ms.Given
rated it:
An empowering look at leadership- the necessary skills needed are developed through experience, reflection and building relationships rather than granted through formal titles.
May 29, 2008
This book along with Good to Great is the best business book that I have ever read. When the author started out outlining the lack of leadership at the top of organization and government I was hooked. He covers topics such as risk taking, defining moments, learning and the role of mentors. I refer back to this book regularly when I need an edge.
Jan 31, 2008
Diane
rated it:
A leadership classic with simple but important truths. Know yourself. Study. Strive to use your left brain.And so on. Many quotes on leadership stemming from multiple interviews with thought and business leaders. Written some years ago but still very relevant for the 21st Century. A great primer on the basics of leadership.
Mar 10, 2008
Janet
rated it:
Bennis has practical advice. He also makes a distinction that was helpful to me about "once borns" and "twice borns". He also amplifies the importance of knowing and accepting one's self, and the need to operate from instinct/intuition.
A basic primer that lays foundational concepts for how to become a leader.
A basic primer that lays foundational concepts for how to become a leader.
Aug 26, 2011
Shawn
rated it:
Good information. Very similar to Covey but less verbose. If you are looking to get a little guidance in becoming a leader I suggest it as a necessary read.
Nov 17, 2011
Ricky
rated it:
This is a great book. It tells us that leaders is actually made, not born, and give some insightful thinking about how to make yourself a leader.
Sep 19, 2008
Rob
rated it:
I like to say I have my own leadership style...but this guy has laid the foundation. Hands down, a must read for anyone in business.
Jul 15, 2008
Laurie
rated it:
Read for a class on leadership and enjoyed more than I thought I would. Hadn't ever put much thought into the topic.
Jun 24, 2008
Rusty
rated it:
I love the way Bennis teaches. He ties it to the big picture in how the concepts affect all of us.
