| SHU-A7-GS George Seraphim DIPL-3101AA - Concepts in Leadership Ambassador Kamal October 28, 2000 John W. Gardner’s “On Leadership” summary "Examine Gardner's book as a whole, and choose the one chapter which identifies a point which you consider the most important contribution to your learning about the essentials of leadership." Introduction John W. Gardner’s “On Leadership” is a book regarding many aspects of leadership. It was written throughout experience and knowledge. To emphasize Gardner’s experience, he has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civil honor in the United States. The book is written in a simple way but it becomes perplexed at times. It is easily understood because of the examples Gardner uses relating to his ideas. On Leadership The book is divided in seventeen chapters. The book analyzes leadership all through leadership’s nature, its tasks and contents, advantages and disadvantages, leadership teams and motivation amongst leadership. Gardner uses examples and definitions to help readers understand his various concepts. He highlights the role of a leader and the importance of a relationship between the leader and its constituents. He explains how the leader feeds off the constituents that establish his/her success. Gardner also mentions the leadership development in the early years and a lifelong growth. He explains how leaders are in the political sector and also in the private one and uses essential examples of each concept he mentions, in order to simplify the meaning. Motivation Touching upon many tasks of leadership, there is one that sticks out. The task of motivation is one of the most important parts of leadership and that is emphasized in one of the last chapters of the book, chapter sixteen. Having the ability to motivate can make a person a leader. A motivator can be a role model and at most times is a leading figure. People tend to look up to someone that can motivate them and many times seek his advice and opinion before doing something. Gardner notes the importance of a leader in being able to communicate and especially motivate the constituents. Needs, though often-rational can sometimes be unreasonable, hence emotional. Unexpressed needs are important and they tend to be muted by leaders. He mentions how leaders must understand the theory of mutual dependence; that individuals cannot live in isolation. Conclusion “On Leadership” is a very helpful book to the leaders of tomorrow. The book, though is based on American standards, it relates to most aspects of leadership and is an asset to its readers. John W. Gardner does a good job putting everything together and presenting the image and concept of a leader. |