University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Learn Like a Leader
Book

Learn Like a Leader

Today's Top Leaders Share Their Learning Journeys

Marshall Goldsmith, Beverly Kaye and Ken Shelton
Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2010
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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Concrete Examples
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

The Learning Network (TLN) is an organization of management and organization authorities, development experts and learning leaders. TLN asked 100 thought leaders – among them Jim Collins and Warren Bennis – to describe their most notable learning experiences. From these accounts, editors Marshall Goldsmith, Beverly Kaye and Ken Shelton assembled an inspiring collection of 35 “learning journeys,” divided into eight sections. Each narrative is a gripping personal story and provides excellent material for unexpected learning. getAbstract recommends this compilation to those seeking to build their capacities for learning and leadership.

Summary

To Live Is to Learn

People learn best through experience, and experience creates stories that must be told. Each story concludes with a question to help you apply the tale to your own experiences. These invaluable lessons emerge:

  • To be a great leader, first, lead yourself. You will learn best when you live your life in a meaningful, effective way.
  • The paths you choose make all the difference.
  • The best students are the best teachers.
  • You can’t understand or improve your life if you don’t “step back” and gain perspective.
  • Life is a gamble, so take chances to get ahead.
  • Learning often requires unlearning. You need an open mind to quest for knowledge.
  • The more it hurts, the more you learn.
  • Mentors can open your eyes.

“Developing Self-Knowledge”

Elizabeth Pinchot, co-founder of the Bainbridge Graduate Institute, recounts her five years at an “experimental ecological farm.” During this period, Pinchot attended a lecture by E.F. Schumacher, author of the popular book Small Is Beautiful. Pinchot sat next to Margaret Mead, the great and formative cultural anthropologist, who died later...

About the Authors

Marshall Goldsmith is a management and leadership development expert. Beverly Kaye is an authority on career counseling. Ken Shelton is CEO of Executive Excellence.

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