Book reviews

Leaders ought to know, by Phillip Van Hooser

Leaders ought to know
Leaders ought to know
Author: Philip Van Hoosler
ISBN-13: 9781118529263
Publisher: Wiley
Guideline Price: €22.99

Too many organisations assume that promoting an employee into a leadership position will result in their becoming a competent leader, absorbing by osmosis what is required to do the job. People fail to define what is expected of their leaders and then claim to be surprised when these newly minted leaders fail to deliver. However, there are some things every prospective leader can learn before they assume office, which is the premise of this book by Van Hooser, who has advised many top US companies.

There are a number of key principles, he says, which include: taking responsibility for your choice to lead; knowing your followers’ expectations of you and how to exceed them; discovering the wants and needs that motivate your followers; behaving consistently and making informed decisions and communicating difficult truths in an appropriate manner.

Mastering four management functions – plan, organise, direct and control – are vital, and while this may seem simple and obvious, the opportunity for phenomenal success or horrendous failure rests with them. A useful manual here for those assuming high office.