On Becoming a Leader
Book Author: Warren Bennis
MDA Reviewer: Peter Germann, MBA
When I was in one of my first leadership roles in my
20’s I became a student of
leadership. One of the questions I had was, is a leader born
or made. Someone recommended the book On Becoming a Leader.
In this book Warren Bennis, one of the foremost gurus on
leadership, convinced me that leaders are made not born. Once
I realized this, my next question became how do you go about
becoming a leader?
Bennis uses stories of leaders who “became leaders” because they understood the basics of leadership and they knew the difference between leadership and management. Bennis states the basics in a few simple parts: a guiding vision, passion, integrity, trust and curiosity. Bennis was one of the first people who helped me to understand the difference between leadership and management. This distinction has help me throughout my career and I frequently consult with clients at MDA to help them understand the roles they play and the different perspectives you need when you are leading versus when you are managing.
One of the key insights that Bennis makes in this book is that we need to “know ourselves.” He states, “Knowing thyself means separating who you are and who you want to be from what the world thinks you are and wants you to be.” This is a lesson that we all need to learn and relearn. I believe that leaders need to continuously be on the journey to understand themselves, especially when they go through a leadership transition of any kind.
Another concept from this book that resonated with me when I was 20—and still does today—is the concept of mastery. A leader needs to master the art of leadership. Great leaders not only practice leadership but they master leadership and they do what it takes to become a master of leadership. It’s like golf—you’re not an expert the first time you swing the club. It takes commitment and practice to master the game (and some luck!)
Anyone interested in reading one of the classics on leadership
will benefit from the insights in the updated and expanded version
of On Becoming a Leader. Bennis has updated his classic to
include recent examples and stories. The essence of the book,
though, is captured in the basics that are as relevant today as
they were decades ago. Enjoy the read and enjoy the
continuous journey of mastering leadership.