Book Review
Published on Book Sneeze & Amazon
Book Review
Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud
This is a must read book for all leaders in any organization. Henry Cloud has an amazing ability to write about leadership in a way that is both rich in theory and abundant in practice. Additionally, the issues that he addresses hit the key issues of leadership, particularly the relational side of leadership that is so critical today.
This book did not disappoint. In fact, Its probably one of the best books that Dr. Cloud has written on leadership. My one critique would be that he could have made his argument just as strongly in less pages. The focus of the book is on results and relationships, both of which matter. Many leaders tend to focus on one over the other. He also addresses the issue of authority, or being in charge. Dr. Cloud makes sure to reiterate the main point of the book throughout the book which is ‘leaders get what they create and what they allow.’ This has stuck with since I first read it and has shaped how I lead and will continue to lead. Rarely do we think about leadership culture, even though it is the most critical aspect of leadership outside of personal integrity. Most leaders are not good with boundaries, whether they do not set them for themselves or they fail to set them for others. This book addresses those issues in many ways. If leaders were to focus on leadership culture based on the main premise of this book, I think they would achieve greater health and results in their organizations. If we look at the toxic or negative aspects of our organization and consider what we have done or are doing that creates or allows these things to occur, we could address them with greater effectiveness. If we think about what we want to see in our organizations, we could carefully consider what we need to do in order to create and allow for those things to occur.
I strongly recommend this book for any leader who wants to change the culture or improve the relationships and results in the organizations in which they serve. This is a book that is helpful for all leaders in any setting, whether you have been leading for a day or for your lifetime.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Rev. Marcus J Carlson