“The secret of leadership is simple:  Do what you believe in.  Paint a picture of the future.  Go there.  People will follow.”

Seth Godin has written a very easy to read synopsis on leadership using  examples that the reader can identify with.  He talks about tribes (followers) and the need for people to feel connection and to feel that they belong.  He reinforces that anyone in an organization can and should lead since leadership is about creating change that you believe in though motivation, connection and leverage not about titles and status.

Godin encourages readers to be brave and to reject the status quo despite fears of failure, criticism, making mistakes and losing face.  This makes me think of the you tube video which highlights successful individuals who had experienced failure prior to success.  Innovation and success come from trying new things and being comfortable with the risk of failure.

The common themes in leadership are relationships, communication and dedication.  This book reinforces what is evident in day to day professional and personal situations.  Listening to others and building trustworthy relationships engages individuals to respect and follow the leaders.  Simple ideas yet sometimes challenging with the complexity, politics and fast pace of organizations.  Simple ideas that can make all the difference!

“People won’t follow you if they don’t believe you can get to where you say you’re going.”