Daring to Be Different: A Manager's Ascent to Leadership

By James A. Hatherley

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898632668
• ISBN13: 9780898632668
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Star Pub Co
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

It's About the People

Jim Hatherley does a terrific job of illustrating the difference between managing and leading. While sound management practices are important to keep an organization on track, Hatherley reminds us that leaders are the visionaries who can see what the right track is. His thoughts on how to attract, coach and empower people are presented in a practical and useful format. The emphasis is on building the organization by developing people. This book is a useful reference for new and experienced leaders/managers, and its anecdotes make it an enjoyable read.

Better than the rest...

Although it's been a while since I last read a management/business book this one struck me as being significantly better that the rest. The author's conversational and disarming approach achieves the goal of being colloquial. This makes for an easy and enjoyable read. As important, the concepts and observations will surely help anybody become a better leader. My experiences have taken me through small, medium and large company adventures. Mr. Hatherley's poignant observations and concepts are as valid in a 5 person group as they are in a 20,000+ person organization. Almost every chapter had an idea, experience, or story that I could directly relate to. This highlights the fact that this book is as much about human and group behavior than about organizations and business. Frankly, I enjoyed this book because it was funny. I finished reading it because it was useful and valuable. It's a rare find when a book can make you laugh out loud yet inspire some thought and help in personal development. Do yourself a favor and get this book, you won't regret it!

Great Book

James, I found your book to be quite enlightening. Leadership is such an interesting topic and yet so difficult for people to get their arms around. In college I was involved in a leadership certificate and actually contemplated getting my Masters in Leadership. The reason I didn't is because many "managers" told me it was a waste and would not be recognized in corporate America, thus I am now working on my MBA. Your book really placed some concrete ways to improve your leadership style. Very rarely in books do you see this. Typically it is very abstract and you feel good while reading it, but it becomes very difficult for people to apply to their lives. Your book creates a very specific list to becoming a stronger leader. Your example throughout the book were incredible and placed very well with the lesson you were trying to portray. Stories are a great way to remember things when you are in the middle and reacting to something. I have heard many of them before, but you placed them well within the context of what you were trying to teach. My favorite story was the 12-point buck story. It is so true, and many people never realize this. It really bothers me when people complain about how unlucky they are, but it is true the better you are the luckier you become. Throughout this book I felt like I was reading about my experiences in my career. I could relate and place my self in situations where the things you were saying were true. I was working in an organization where there were very bad managers. I left the organization and when I put my two weeks notice in, they couldn't believe I was leaving and they wanted to know why. I was very honest with them and told them in not so many words that the management was very poor. For about two weeks they worked on things, but then they just went back to their old ways. Part of the problem was the manager I was discussing this with. It was unfortunate because there were some very talented people in that organization, and should go where they can be appreciated for their efforts. Your management myth: leaders must have gray hair, was great. I was once told I was too young to be a leader, and yet I knew that a foolish reason to not even consider me for the position. I knew at that moment that I would never be able to grow to my full potential in that organization, they wouldn't let me. Your description of the monarch and muralist throughout the book really helped me visualize the differences between leaders and managers. I especially enjoyed how you listed the differences between the two. For example, Muralists dialogue, and monarchs dictate. Those were very helpful and concrete ways for the readers to look at their style and what they need to do to change their style to become a better leader. The section on leading children was excellent. You have actually made me think about ways I could get involved with children to learn from them. It is so true that if you want an h

Take this book with you when you travel!

This is the perfect book to put in your carry-on luggage to read at the airport and on flights. For students, put the book in your backpack and read it while you commute to work (but don't read and drive)! Why carry this book with you? James' stories (parables, even) grab your attention (even for ADHD travelers), relate to your life and job, and bring home the point in a thoroughly enjoyable way. You will find yourself reading the book forward, backward, and searching for passages that were meaningful to your situation. Because James A. Hatherly has written an informative, entertaining, educational guide to being a superior business leader, and can save you from career pitfalls, the earlier you read and heed his advice. Recommended for executives, management, supervisors, employees, teachers, professors (especially business school professors) and students, whether or not their major is business. A perfect gift for Boss' day, birthdays, and any gift-giving occasion!

A diamond in the rough!

This entertaining book is an exceptional study of the difference between effective leaders and dysfunctional managers. The author is incredibly candid about people, relationships, and leadership. It is an inspiration to emerging leaders who are ready to take the road less travelled and become what he calls "muralistic leaders". These muralists are the visionary risk takers who emerge from corporate chaos to create evolutionary change within their organizations. Hatherley deftly fleshes out the daily nuances that exist within all organizations with amazing clarity and eloquence. Some of his stories will leave you laughing, others will change your leadership paradigm, and many will do both. If you appreciate Jim Collins' Level 5 Leaders, you will love the message of Daring to Be Different. Pick it up today...you won't be sorry!