The Art of Leadership by J. Donald Walters

by J. Donald Walters

This outstanding pocket-sized, hardcover book is an excellent reminder of what is required of a leader. Most leaders need reminding everyday that with their privileges comes responsibility and obligation. If any young man or woman seeking to become a leader and not a manager only reads one book on leadership, let it be this one!

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

See also: Kriyananda

Kriyananda (born James Donald Walters; May 19, 1926, Azuga – April 21, 2013, Assisi) was a direct disciple of the yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, and the founder of the Ananda, a worldwide movement of spiritual intentional communities based on Yogananda's World Brotherhood Colonies ideal. Yogananda made Walters a minister for his organization, Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF).

Reviews

[Breakfast & Bookmarks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the ideas, thoughts and advice provided in this book. They are practical for anyone who has authoritive esponsibility whether that responsibility comes from being a parent, a spouse, or authoritive figure in a business setting.

I gave it a 3 star review because it was a bit too short for me. For as much advice that can be taken from the writing, I feel it lacked depth and detail which I would have much more appreciated.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is short and to the point which is good. The views stated are great. The best advice is to be a great leader is not to dictate but to guide and teach. A leader is not afraid to get in and help out wherever necessary. And a leader takes pride in the recognition of his/her team rather than him/her self.

[Niki Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read and serves as a great overview of the basic principles of leadership. It easily published in 1987, so could use a slight refresh. Also, it would be great if it were backed with some data or research. Regardless, these are clearly foundational themes in leadership. Good to have on hand when a leader may feel in a rut.

[Mitchell Thoms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very straightforward; no redundancy. Gives nice bulletpoints of important points at end of each chapter. Quick easy read, but loaded with practical and applicable information. Wonderful for anyone, especially peoples in a position of leadership.

[Sue Reifsnider · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good, quick read. I would recommend it to any small business owner.

[Adrian Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Christina Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, the best leadership book I’ve ever read. Concise and no redundancy like other leadership/management books I’ve read in the past.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty bland read on Leadership. Nothing groundbreaking or new within the pages...just standard business leadership practices.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a good musings book for quick digestion, don’t expect life shattering advice. I’ll keep it handy if I need a quick reminder for myself of the motives of a leader.

[Nikki McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read packed with a lot of valuable information. Small enough to carry around and revert back to when necessary. Five stars easy.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but also a useful one for those wondering about the art of leadership.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas to apply for becoming a better leader and getting things done

[Trent Walley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but effective principles for leadership.

[Shayna Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet! Good principles that I'll apply to my life.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t be fooled by its size: The Art of Leadership contains a lot of big concepts. Walters impressively and concisely discusses the qualities that define a true leader, and how a real leader thinks. Perhaps most noteworthy is Walters’ description of what a true leader does. Although many people want to be good leaders, comprehending the true nature of leadership is a challenge. Leadership is not about ego or the leader’s self-interests. Leadership is knowing that people are more important than things and using that insight to deal with situations. Leaders take creative action as well as come up with good ideas. At times, people can confuse position with true leadership. The Art of Leadership is meant to help people tap into their own potential and also to bring out the best in others.

In addition, the book provides practical techniques that produce clear results. Although the book’s chapters are fairly concise, Walters provides succinct summaries that recap the key points of the chapter and can be looked up quickly when needed.

Probably the most significant point that Walters makes is that "Genuine leadership is of only one type: supportive.” He goes on to say that true leaders involve people in projects and situations, but not by coercing them. He reiterates that point that leaders don’t lose sight of the most important principle governing any project involving human beings" namely, that people are more important than things.”

Walters drives home the point that leadership is an art, not a science and that although perfection is a direction in which to go, it is not an accomplishment. These concepts emphasize continuous improvement, but understanding - a trait that many leaders need to develop. This is a popular book and it is suggested that if any young man or woman seeking to become a leader and not just a manager, reads just one book on leadership, it should be this one!

[Anthony Huntley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book as my summer reading book because leadership is an important part of my life. This book defines in depth what leadership is and how it can be accomplished. A couple of my favorite quotes are "Leadership is intuition guided by common sense." And, "Genuine leadership is of only one type: supportive. It leads people: It doesn't drive them. It involves them: It doesn't coerce them. It never loses sight of the most important principle governing any project involving human beings" namely, that people are more important than things." Also, I enjoyed how J. Donald Walters used stories to give examples and to help the reader understand his lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone who will ever assume a role of leadership in their life (basically anyone.)

[Connor Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very underrated book about leadership and self-improvements through behavior, actions, and habits. A lot different than other books I have read on the topic. Thanks, whomever left this in the Delt Presidential cabinet.

[Bridget]

Have this book.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good pointers on what to do and not to do when you are in a position of making an influence.

[James Espinoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very concise and to the point... a very good read

[Divina · Rating 4 out of 5]

very inspiring book

[Gin Tadvick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple little book with powerful words. The "it's not about you" book for acquiring leadership skills.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read with Sound, Brief Advice on Several Issues Regarding Leadership