The Power of Positive Leadership: How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World (Jon Gordon)

Great book for leaders

Jon Gordon’s new book The Power of Positive Leadership really brings to life what makes the difference between good leaders and great leaders. The ability to be a positive leader in the midst of challenges is what makes a difference to those that are following you. “Being positive doesn’t just make you better; it makes everyone around you better.” This is the essence of the message he conveys throughout the book. But this message is different in that it is not how to be a positive person but how to be a positive leader. It is more than having a “positive state of mind”. As Jon states: “Positive leaders invest their time and energy in driving a positive culture. They create and share the vision for the road ahead. They lead with optimism and belief and address and transform the negativity that too often sabotage teams and organizations. They take on the battle, overcome the negativity, face the adversity, and keep moving forward. They devote all their energy and effort to uniting and connecting their organization and invest in relationships that truly build great teams.” The book is full of guidance on how to be this positive leader and has tons of examples of real people that exhibit the kind of leadership that Jon is portraying. It is not just a bunch of theories but time-proven advice that has brought success for the people in the stories he weaves into the pages of the book. From leaders in the sports world to CEOs of large organizations, Jon provides examples of what makes a difference in a positive leader. This is a book that you will want to read and refer back to often to stay on track in being a great leader.

We are ALL leaders whether in formal leadership positions (managers, directors, officers, etc.) or informal position in which we lead projects, have leadership roles in community and/or religious organizations, parents who are in incredible leadership positions, etc. While I have been a fan of Jon Gordon’s work for many years, when I recently finished reading “The Power of Positive Leadership,” my response was simply “wow!” My immediate thought was that certainly those in formal leadership positions should read this book but not just managers, directors, officers, etc., but anybody, I mean anybody, who has leadership responsibilities should read and study this book. For me, one measure of the “greatness” of a book is how many notes I take in the back of the book. The back page that I use for my notes is completely full! Mr. Gordon captures what I believe could be the basic competencies needed to be a leader. For example, what do you as a leader stand for (page 19)? Do you inspire and empower one person at a time (p. 40)? He emphasizes the importance of truly connecting with those who follow, following your passion and living your purpose, believing in others more than they sometimes believe in themselves, pursuing excellence (rather than focusing on a finish line), and so much more. Near the end of the book he writes, “Yes, there’s a lot of negativity in the world. Yes, there are many problems that haven’t been solved yet. But instead of focusing on all that’s wrong, you can realize that this is your time to make things right” (p. 185). I am involved in formal leadership development programs, and I do think this should be required reading for anybody in “formal” leadership. And, this book spoke personally to me in terms of what I can do every day to help make things right and not be an “energy vampire.” I only hope it speaks to others as much as it spoke to me. Ed Nottingham, PhD, PCC Consulting & Clinical Psychologist Author, It's Not As Bad As It Seems

I was able to read this book rather quickly and will most likely refer to sections of it often. I am always on the hunt for good leadership books to recommend to employees that I am doing career development plans with. This book encourages you to be a positive leader, no matter what the circumstance and provides plenty of what I would call case studies of other individuals and companies that have done so. The book starts with the WHY and then quickly moves into the HOW. What I like about the book it it's broken down into easily digestible sections/chapters with a table of contents at the front so if you're looking to improve in just one area, you can quickly jump to that section. The only thing I didn't love about the book is that's it's a little light on the actual steps to take to change your leadership style from a positive to a negative. It's one thing to know how someone else has done it (case studies) but I think including actionable practical tips and steps for employees to start making the changes might of have been helpful. Or maybe even more "pondering" questions to encourage employees to think about how they show up in any given area. I know there is a while one day training you can take on the book so maybe they provide more of that there? In any case, this is one I will have on hand for employees if they need it!

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Great book

This book teaches us -live live powerfully the way you love to live be a leader. Amazing and inspiring book ...

A terrific read from start to finish. I'll be using what I learned in this book in both my professional and personal life.

Great, great book to remind us to see the good and positive side within us and others. Simple, and very clear and to the point, this book really triggered the best and positive within me. Inspiring. Thanks Jon!