How to Lead

Who Read it?

Scott Oeltjen

Scott’s Take on the Book:

How to Lead, by David Rubenstein is a highly enjoyable and inspiring collection of interviews with some of the world’s most influential people in their industry. Although I found the book hard to put down, the audio book with the interview recordings gave me a better feel for each person’s own style.

A Few Common Themes:

• Where you started is not always a good indicator of where you will end up. This group of leaders has vastly different backgrounds and history, but all became highly successful.
• Nothing can replace hard work, determination, and perseverance. Period.
• Leaders lead and think about others, not just themselves.

Scott’s Favorite Passages: 

Indra Nooyi (Page 189) – Replying to the question of if she had it all:

“On a relative basis, yes, I have it all… But to get here and stay here there have been lots of trade-offs, lots of sacrifices, a lot of collateral damage.”

Scott’s Takeaway: I feel her characterization of collateral damage really struck a chord with me. We can only do so much, and we must make the best decisions we can to drive our success and happiness. Only we can make those decisions and we must be accountable to ourselves.

Colin Powel (Page 221) – When asked “What in your view makes a great leader?”, Colin answered:

“A person who understands that they’re Leading followers. A person who understands that they are here to put a group of human beings into work that has value, that has a purpose, and that the leader will give them the inspiration needed to achieve that purpose, and that the leader will make sure they have everything they need to get the job done.”

Scott’s Takeaway: Do not tell people the way, show them the way.

James A. Baker III (Page 264):

“Prior preparation prevents poor performance”

Scott’s Takeaway: Take this one straight to the bank.

Bill Clinton (Page 201):

“All these people who tell you they were born in a log cabin they built themselves are full of bull.”

Scott’s Takeaway: I am a product of my parents and my grandparents before them. The coaches, teachers, and mentors that I learned from. Although the hard work we all put in is important, having the right opportunities, the right people around us, and a little bit of luck can take anyone a long way.

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I hope you enjoy the book!

Scott Oeltjen, PCR Business Systems

www.pcrbusiness.com

Finished this one and want to read another book about leadership? Check out our review of Leadership by Bill Considine.