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4th out of 50 books
—
30 voters
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
by
Seth Godin
A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea. For millions of years, humans have been seeking out tribes, be they religious, ethnic, economic, political, or even musical (think of the Deadheads). It?s our nature.
Now the Internet has eliminated the barriers of geography, cost, and time. All those blogs and social n...more
Now the Internet has eliminated the barriers of geography, cost, and time. All those blogs and social n...more
Hardcover, 153 pages
Published
October 16th 2008
by Portfolio Hardcover
(first published 2000)
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This book will make you want to go out and change the world.
It's a powerful reminder that what we call "marketing" is really just doing something that you believe in passionately and then sharing that passion with other people, getting them to believe in you as well. There are all sorts of ideas and causes around which we might organize--but in order to do it, we need to be out there, making things happen because we refuse to live with the fear that we can't.
It's a powerful reminder that what we call "marketing" is really just doing something that you believe in passionately and then sharing that passion with other people, getting them to believe in you as well. There are all sorts of ideas and causes around which we might organize--but in order to do it, we need to be out there, making things happen because we refuse to live with the fear that we can't.
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Oct 10, 2008
Molly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone striving for change
Recommended to Molly by:
Seth's blog
Seth Godin is an inspiration to an entire generation of people, many of which spend a large portion of their day in front of a computer for both fun AND profit.
This book Tribes, is the best book on leadership, social change and creating a movement that I have read.
A book that SCREAMS to be highlighted and written in and talked about.
Extremely short chapters that pack a punch, this is a must read for anyone with a burning desire for change who just needs the little push to get beyond the fear.
E...more
This book Tribes, is the best book on leadership, social change and creating a movement that I have read.
A book that SCREAMS to be highlighted and written in and talked about.
Extremely short chapters that pack a punch, this is a must read for anyone with a burning desire for change who just needs the little push to get beyond the fear.
E...more
This was an interesting mix of self-help/motivational leadership stuff with a bit of insight about how tribes are now forming. I liked it best when Godin talked about the nature of how tribes interact,especially when he explained the difference between how things used to be and how they are now.
The motivational cheerleading seemed a bit inauthentic. I mean, he would write things like "you should be leading..." and I would just think, How do you know? You don't know me.
The motivational cheerleading seemed a bit inauthentic. I mean, he would write things like "you should be leading..." and I would just think, How do you know? You don't know me.
So far, not too impressed. The author stays just on the surface and hasn't said anything new or thought-provoking (so far). It would be a better book if it were more focused and had depth, but it seems to be just a repackaging of what's already out there and trendy in the business/marketing world.
While the book is small and in some ways lightweight, it also manages to be deeply engaging. In essence it's a rant to get you off your ass and do what you love to do and inspire others to follow. It's about true leadership, not about being a boss or a manager, but a leader.
I'll tell you right up front that this is a book you'll dismiss or embrace. I'm fairly certain there is no middle ground here. What it comes down to is your willingness to believe you can lead and your acceptance that most folks are sheepwalking.
Seth takes us through a perspective on what constitutes a leader and what leaders do. He explains from his point of view why companies large and small and the individuals within fight to maintain the status quo. But more than that, there are hit home ex...more
Seth takes us through a perspective on what constitutes a leader and what leaders do. He explains from his point of view why companies large and small and the individuals within fight to maintain the status quo. But more than that, there are hit home ex...more
In the classic Godin style, more than anything this book is motivational, with an expected emphasis on embracing change and overcoming the F-word (Fear). But this time there's more to it (hence the multitude of tags) -- leadership! We have to assemble and lead a tribe, and "managing" isn't going to work. We must start movements, via motivation and connectivity. "The barriers to leadership have fallen," as the necessary tools are now readily available: blogs, search, RSS, social networks, GTD, pr...more
Business books are usually so vapid and market driven that they rarely deserve a five star rating. Make no mistake, like other books in the genre this too is a small and silly book. What Tribes lacks in sophistication and documentation it makes up for with anecdotes and elegance. The book is filled with rarely articulated common sense observations. Godin's exploration of 21 Century leadership takes the time to make connections between school and lack of leadership. On page 97...
"Training a stud...more
"Training a stud...more
Godin's books and blog provide a wealth of information, observations, opinions, and (especially) challenges that can help others to overcome what James O'Toole so aptly characterizes as "the ideology of comfort and the tyranny of custom." In this, his most recent book, he urges his reader to consider and then take full advantage of unprecedented opportunities to become a leader. He cites five different but related reasons: "everyone in an organization - not just the boss - is expected to lead,"...more
First off, don't approach this book expecting something that is well written. To be honest, the book reads like a few hundred blog posts that, for the most part, link together in some coherent fashion ... although there are times you'll wonder how one thought prompted the next.
Now, with that work of warning out of the way, this book is filled with wisdom about how to lead people. Seth might be a marketing guy to the core, but he's written an amazing book on leadership that aims more to saturate...more
Now, with that work of warning out of the way, this book is filled with wisdom about how to lead people. Seth might be a marketing guy to the core, but he's written an amazing book on leadership that aims more to saturate...more
Great leaders create movements by empowering the tribe to communicate. Tribes are about connections : the story, the connection, the possibilities. Don't manage, lead. You have everything you need to build something far bigger than yourself. They are ready to follow if you're ready to lead. Tribes reward innovation...innovators are happier, what's missing is the will to make the ideas happen. In a battle between two ideas, the best one doesn't necessarily win. The idea that wins is the one with...more
This book reads almost like a big pep talk. Go, lead! Your people await! It was a quick read, but one that has stuck with me. It is saying take what you're passionate about, and build your community. This may not be a concept I will take on right this second, but it will fuel future decisions. After reading it, my blog and other online presences have taken a more purposeful tack, and reveal some deeper thinking from me -- not just what I'm having for dinner tonight!!
Seth Godin has quite a following, and with good reason - he's brilliant. I've read ALL his books since I learned about him in June or July 2008. But this is his best one yet. I'm looking forward to another - perhaps on social media or leadership.
This is not a take-your-hand how-to book. It's a sweeping overview of what Tribes are, why they're important, how they're going to change and are already changing the business world as we know it. Seth uses dozens of examples from every walk of life, fr...more
This is not a take-your-hand how-to book. It's a sweeping overview of what Tribes are, why they're important, how they're going to change and are already changing the business world as we know it. Seth uses dozens of examples from every walk of life, fr...more
Part motivational pep, part story-telling, all marketing.
A very easy read, I was well entertained. Godin does well to point out some very basic truths about how to change the status quo. But the quality of these insights were tempered by my annoyance at Godin's "that only you can save mankind" self-help-book style of writing.
Maybe that's just because I hate to think that I can't feel just enthusiasm for the positive message, and that I continue have my own doubts at my abilities to lead.
As Godi...more
A very easy read, I was well entertained. Godin does well to point out some very basic truths about how to change the status quo. But the quality of these insights were tempered by my annoyance at Godin's "that only you can save mankind" self-help-book style of writing.
Maybe that's just because I hate to think that I can't feel just enthusiasm for the positive message, and that I continue have my own doubts at my abilities to lead.
As Godi...more
It's been a long time since I've read such a book of nonsense. I'm about half-way in, and so far he has said absolutely nothing. I feel like I'm reading a George Lucas script - all sound-bites and no content.
I'll save you the time and expense of buying this book. The message is this: Give your life over to a specific aspect of life, become the go-to person for that niche, be innovative in your use of the internet to spread the word about your masterfulness.
I cannot for the life of be believe th...more
I'll save you the time and expense of buying this book. The message is this: Give your life over to a specific aspect of life, become the go-to person for that niche, be innovative in your use of the internet to spread the word about your masterfulness.
I cannot for the life of be believe th...more
I've listened to several of Godin's books on audio and the man is a passionate speaker. Listening to his books makes wonderful ideas bounce around inside my head. I feel energized to do something (if I only knew what that was). Mostly it makes me ready to write about something anything as long as I'm getting something out there. My friends have used the word tribe before to describe the camaraderie between us esp online. This book uses that version of tribe with marketing in mind, community buil...more
I've been reading Seth's blog
for a month now
wondering if I should
buy and download his new book
Tribes
to my Kindle
Today's blog on Thanksgiving
http://tinyurl.com/Seth-Godin-Thanksg...
Left me no doubt
Finished book
which was rather short
but that's what I've been
shouting 'bout
An important concept
like tribes and their leaders
should not be extended out
for 500 pages
Far more important
to convey the basic concept
then to expand
the ideas through blog
and wiki contributions
for a month now
wondering if I should
buy and download his new book
Tribes
to my Kindle
Today's blog on Thanksgiving
http://tinyurl.com/Seth-Godin-Thanksg...
Left me no doubt
Finished book
which was rather short
but that's what I've been
shouting 'bout
An important concept
like tribes and their leaders
should not be extended out
for 500 pages
Far more important
to convey the basic concept
then to expand
the ideas through blog
and wiki contributions
I have to say that I was very disappointed in this outing by Seth Godin. I've read most of his work since Permission Marketing and found this to be one of the weakest.
The book is primarily a call to arms for those in larger organizations who fear taking the lead within those organizations. Very little of it is truly about "Tribes" and how they impact business which is what I thought I was getting.
The book is primarily a call to arms for those in larger organizations who fear taking the lead within those organizations. Very little of it is truly about "Tribes" and how they impact business which is what I thought I was getting.
Seth Godin é um escritor bastante pragmático. Ele escreve para que você faça alguma coisa imediatamente depois que voce terminar de ler um dos dos seus livros.
Seus livros também não são profundos, acho que nem ele tem a pretenção de que sejam. Ele capta uma tendência de mudança no mundo do marketing, especialmente o mundo digital, mas também na chamada economia tradicional, e rapidamente escreve um novo livro.
Com este livro não foi diferente. Seth Godin está seguindo o rastro deixado pelo boon...more
Seus livros também não são profundos, acho que nem ele tem a pretenção de que sejam. Ele capta uma tendência de mudança no mundo do marketing, especialmente o mundo digital, mas também na chamada economia tradicional, e rapidamente escreve um novo livro.
Com este livro não foi diferente. Seth Godin está seguindo o rastro deixado pelo boon...more
I am a fan of Seth Godin, but this book annoyed me just as much as it entertained me.
In short, Godin seeks to elevate leadership —and I applaud his ideas in that regard, however he does so at the expense of management, and he depreciates the worth of managers nearly every single time he mentions them. I understand the comparison he is trying to make, however please don’t buy in to that notion that we don’t need managers —he is dead wrong.
I listened to this on audio first, and when I saw the hard...more
In short, Godin seeks to elevate leadership —and I applaud his ideas in that regard, however he does so at the expense of management, and he depreciates the worth of managers nearly every single time he mentions them. I understand the comparison he is trying to make, however please don’t buy in to that notion that we don’t need managers —he is dead wrong.
I listened to this on audio first, and when I saw the hard...more
Leadership is in desperate demand, especially given the current uncertainty in our global economy. Seth Godin provides a call to action for anyone who wants to fill the void, regardless of your current station in life.
The focus is on "tribes" which the author defines as a group of individuals who share a common interest along with a way to communicate with one another. Tribes need leadership. We all belong to multiple tribes. Pick one and lead. That is the author's call-to-action.
I'm a fan of Se...more
The focus is on "tribes" which the author defines as a group of individuals who share a common interest along with a way to communicate with one another. Tribes need leadership. We all belong to multiple tribes. Pick one and lead. That is the author's call-to-action.
I'm a fan of Se...more
It was a good book. I just think I read it wrong.
What I mean is, I thought I'd be reading a book that was going to give pointers and practical help in how to build a tribe, nurture a tribe, and lead a tribe. However, at the very end he states that some will be mad and he'll "get a lot of flak" for not doing that. He says that his goal was to intentionally leave it open and without those concrete elements so that they could be filled in by the readers and leaders from all different walks of life....more
What I mean is, I thought I'd be reading a book that was going to give pointers and practical help in how to build a tribe, nurture a tribe, and lead a tribe. However, at the very end he states that some will be mad and he'll "get a lot of flak" for not doing that. He says that his goal was to intentionally leave it open and without those concrete elements so that they could be filled in by the readers and leaders from all different walks of life....more
There are literally libraries of books devoted to giving smart advice to the go-getters starting out on the first rung of the corporate ladder as well as to the CEO who is looking to increase their distance from the commoners. This book purports to teach, through a series of brief and quotable vignettes, just how leaders become leaders. Spoiler Alert: I am not a leader.
I figured this out a while ago when I went to a sort-of leadership camp before my senior year of high school. I was elected as a...more
I figured this out a while ago when I went to a sort-of leadership camp before my senior year of high school. I was elected as a...more
What this book lacks in novel / deep insights, it makes up for in disorganization. (No table of contents? Really?)
He also likes to coopt words to increase contrast ("taut" and "squishy"?... faith good, "religion" bad... leaders good, "managers" brainless clowns essentially.) Not my style.
I do not disagree with his observations on the whole (e.g. about fear being the initial roadblock) but he could have gone further into practical matters (e.g. how to overcome fear) while still assiduously avoidi...more
He also likes to coopt words to increase contrast ("taut" and "squishy"?... faith good, "religion" bad... leaders good, "managers" brainless clowns essentially.) Not my style.
I do not disagree with his observations on the whole (e.g. about fear being the initial roadblock) but he could have gone further into practical matters (e.g. how to overcome fear) while still assiduously avoidi...more
The thing that makes Seth Godin's blog so fun is the same thing that makes his book so frustrating. But props to the man for sticking to his guns. "Tribes" is a call to action to the leader in every one of us to go out and follow our passion so the willing would-be tribe members will know who to follow. He highly emphasizes the ease of leading movements in the Internet age which allows any person to leverage the power of the masses without the need of a factory, an office, or some other symbol o...more
This is a book about leadership. Not about how to be a leader, but why you can and should be a leader. This is a brief, inspirational book that discusses the changes we have experienced technologically and how these shifts have empowered the individual to impact others. With a linked world, we can now have a huge effect on others by connecting personally with a small number of passionate followers. Gone are the days of one giant message that it used to beat everyone into submission. Today, we ca...more
I don't understand what the big deal is with Seth Godin. I follow his blog and he rarely says anything that I find terribly insightful. Maybe it's the difference in our backgrounds - he comes from a management background and I come from theatre and the arts - but most of what he says is stuff that's pretty obvious to me. And he tends to try and make comparisons between things that are frequently incorrect. For example, in one recent blog post, he compared a Bentley to a Toyota and stated that th...more
I read business books before, but none like Tribes by Seth Godin. When this book was first recommended to me I thought that it was going to be one of those group friendly, feel good, “the Internet will solve all your problems” books. But instead it was about leadership and it's the kind of leadership that I've often suspected to be genuine. Seth describes the act of taking initiative in creating your own tribe which you lead accidentally or on purpose. And I have to say it's quite refreshing.
The...more
The...more
Reading someone else's book about leadership-- probably my fault on that one. I won't say there weren't any good points in the book because there were. Many were just spot on, but it's the way that the book is written that bothers me. I expected more of an objective approach rather than that of a motivational book. It's those lucid and clear objective bits I liked, but all this "we" talk felt like an insult. Godin writes that "we" are scared to speak up, "we" don't want to be noticed, "we" are s...more
Best-selling author and popular blogger Seth Godin (http://sethgodin.com) wants us to lead. We know he does: he tells us that in the title to this book. His wonderful manifesto about how leaders and their contemporary tribes find each other is an enticing starting point for those who don't have the time or inclination to read denser theses on change management such as Everett Rogers' classic "Diffusion of Innovations" (now in its fifth edition). His language is sparse and direct. Declarative sen...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who's winning? The Corporations or the Public? | 1 | 17 | Oct 29, 2009 09:17pm | |
| First thing.... | 5 | 49 | Jun 24, 2009 06:27am |
Seth Godin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur and agent of change.
Godin is author of ten books that have been bestsellers around the world, and he is also a renowned speaker. He was recently chosen as one of 21 Speakers for the Next Century by Successful Meetings and is consistently rated among the very best speakers by the audiences he addresses.
Seth was founder and CEO of Yoyodyne, the indust...more
More about Seth Godin...
Godin is author of ten books that have been bestsellers around the world, and he is also a renowned speaker. He was recently chosen as one of 21 Speakers for the Next Century by Successful Meetings and is consistently rated among the very best speakers by the audiences he addresses.
Seth was founder and CEO of Yoyodyne, the indust...more
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“A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea. For millions of years, human beings have been part of one tribe or another. A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.”
—
16 people liked it
“In a battle between two ideas, the best one doesn't necessarily win. No, the idea that wins is the one with the most fearless heretic behind it.”
—
14 people liked it
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