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ivantable's review
1.0
Few books that we have read in the course of this semester deal with such issues as Michael Maccoby The Leaders We Need: And What Makes Us Follow has. Unlike most leadership books that deal with the ideal leader or the habits of an effective leader, this book is based on decades’ worth of research in the area of psychoanalysis and teaching positions across the United States. Maccoby’s definition of a leader is quite simple: "leaders are those people follow." But the interesting part is how Maccoby utilizes the concepts of emotional intelligence and argues that since we are now in a knowledge society, we must rethink how we look at leadership.
One of the most helpful thought- provoking aspects of this book and indeed a helpful contribution to the subject of leadership studies, is the chapters in which Maccoby describes healthy and thriving leadership models in a wide-ranging set of positions: leaders for knowledge work, leaders for health care; leaders for learning; and finally, the President we need. These are fascinating chapters to say the least. To be honest, I found it hard to engage this book.
While there is some to appreciate, a lot of it, in my estimation, is pure pyschobabble. One helpful section I found was one of the final chapters on “Becoming a Leader We Need”. Near the end, Maccoby lists a few practical suggestions for ensuring we indeed become the leader we need. Heading the list is to “develop the heart”. Maccoby writes, “Developing the heart means exercising it, being willing to experience strong and painful feelings.... No muscle gets strengthened without painful exercise.” As Christians, we know this all too well. While the Marines say “No pain, No gain,” Christians understand that pain is an undeniable reality on this side of heaven. I appreciate this point, which Warren Bennis made in his book repeatedly. For that I am thankful.
One of the most helpful thought- provoking aspects of this book and indeed a helpful contribution to the subject of leadership studies, is the chapters in which Maccoby describes healthy and thriving leadership models in a wide-ranging set of positions: leaders for knowledge work, leaders for health care; leaders for learning; and finally, the President we need. These are fascinating chapters to say the least. To be honest, I found it hard to engage this book.
While there is some to appreciate, a lot of it, in my estimation, is pure pyschobabble. One helpful section I found was one of the final chapters on “Becoming a Leader We Need”. Near the end, Maccoby lists a few practical suggestions for ensuring we indeed become the leader we need. Heading the list is to “develop the heart”. Maccoby writes, “Developing the heart means exercising it, being willing to experience strong and painful feelings.... No muscle gets strengthened without painful exercise.” As Christians, we know this all too well. While the Marines say “No pain, No gain,” Christians understand that pain is an undeniable reality on this side of heaven. I appreciate this point, which Warren Bennis made in his book repeatedly. For that I am thankful.
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