The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make

by Hans Finzel

Book Overview

Although leadership is the hot topic on conference agendas and book tours, most people who find themselves in positions of leadership have little or no training for the role. They simply continue to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0781445493
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: David C Cook
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.4" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Some very important insights that stand the test of time

This book was written in 1994 and yet when I picked up a copy to read recently it presents concepts absolutely essential to today's corporate environment. This is all the more remarkable considering that his original audience for his book were those in leadership positions in the church. Thus, throughout the book are both organizational and spiritual concepts. The book is divided neatly into ten chapters, each dealing with a "mistake" and providing the counter examples of how these leadership issues can be reversed to allow for more growth within the organization and better leadership. The titles of the ten chapters are themselves fascinating and excellent at describing the leadership mistakes. They include; The top-down attitude; Putting paperwork before people work; The absence of affirmation; No room for mavericks; Dictatorship in decision-making; Dirt delegation; Communication chaos; Missing the clues of corporate culture; Success without successors; Failure to focus on the future. Each of these chapters presents some outstanding insights into how leaders fail to make the most of their people, and get results. One in particular is always the challenge of leadership in most corporations, the "No room for mavericks" describes how the most creative, and insightful of employees are often forced to comply with the inside-the-box thinking of the organizations current status. Of course, without "mavericks" many companies simply fade out of existence, and many others become a shadow of what they once were. Yet today inside many corporations are leaders so focused on compliance and control, that they may control away their futures, and drive those who are innovative away to other places. This book is simple, straightforward, and completely accurate. Very highly recommended, as nearly every chapter could be a book in itself.

Best Power-packed Practical Book on Leadership

Simpy put, if I had to choose only ONE book on leadership to have, this would be it. One, Finzel's book is power-packed and very too-the-point. He wastes little time with redundant examples, but chooses them carefully to illustrate his points. Hence, two, this is a quick read. Three, it is one worth re-reading, and then savoring.

Leaders Beware!

Finzel's book was written in '94, well before Kotter's "What Leaders Really Do" (written in '99) & Collins' "Good to Great" (written in '01). Finzel "outs" the most immediate perils to any leader's reign (top 10) & did so prior to the market research that Kotter & Collins offer. Kotter & Collins provide the data that supports Finzel's book, but Finzel's text is to the point & more eloquent. Pay special attention to mistakes #2 & 8. In today's corportae culture, not fitting the culture is a deal killer.

Quick and to the Point

Do not be fooled by size or the title of this book. Small which makes for a quick read and an excellent reference guide. The points that are developed are not rocket science stuff but points that are faced regularly. I have been in leadership positions for over 30 years and truly enjoyed this style of writting. He points out the mistakes and before you know it you are on knees confessing that you have done the same. I especially liked the chapters on "Dirty Delegation" and how it takes the wind out of the sail from any project. Leaders make this error in the name of geting things done. Another favorite of mine is, "Communication Chaos". This sole, small, simple chapter has changed how we communicate in our corporation. More info, relevant info, important info; info; info and more info. This chapter alone has increased our atmosphere of teamwork and productivity. This is a must read for every executive in your company.

A REAL SLEEPER...GOOD BOOK!

I purchased the book 'TOP TEN MISTAKES...' and then waited a year to read it. I wish I had read this book that instant.This is one of those paperbacks that is short, concise, and Full of information; useful stuff with some examples. As soon as I had finished the book, I found a way to recomend it to MY boss.