Becoming an Effective Leader for Life: A Book Review

Abstract

Successful leaders don’t rest on their laurels because leadership is not a title on a business card. Leadership is a living process and life means growth (Blanchard, 2012). The paper embodies a critical analysis of the book by Cashman (2017) which is meant to exemplify novel paradigms for Generation (z) leaders and beyond. This epic work invites leaders to become innovative and inventive in their practices and to dare to debunk the ideology of boxed leadership practiced in previous epochs. Its journey motif is reflective of the metamorphosing path that each leader must take as they seek to grow, develop and master the expectations of what it means to be an effective leader. Chapter one acts as a mirror which invites the leader to examine and acknowledge one’s own belief systems and ideologies while seeking to lead others. The thrust of chapter two challenges the leader to create stories which inspire the hearts and minds of those they lead to be spurred into action. Chapter three represents the plot in the story motif of chapter two. In chapter three, the leader must set goals, and develop a blueprint which delineates how these goals or actions will be set into motion towards a successful outcome or resolution. Chapter four illuminates the value of building and leading a team through collaboration; while chapter five propels the leader to embrace change in meeting the demands of altering world contexts. In chapter six the author implores leaders to practice a positive and healthy lifestyle which influence greater resilience and energy among those they lead. Being Mastery, in chapter seven, displays the symbiotic relationship between leadership and presence. The leader acts out the vision and mission of the organization and becomes the litmus by which the organizations’ success is gauged. Finally, in chapter eight, the author compels the cycle of growth and maturity in the leader by encouraging, coaching and mentoring in order that they can become more efficient in their practice and generate efficacy in those they lead. This work is expected to guide future leaders in developing greater self- awareness in order to be equipped in rising to the challenges facing 21^st century leaders in a multicultural world.