The CEO Refresher - Leadership

Leadership
by Rudy Giuliani
reviewed by Darlene Y. Pineda

Why read Leadership, by Rudy Giuliani? Besides his being the TIME 2001 Person of the year, or the mayor of one of the great cities, or even because of the magnificent way he handled 9/11, you need to read this book because it describes the values and principles that gave him the ability to be a hero.

Much of the book was written before 9/11, and the insight into the man, along with the constant real life examples and stories, give a remarkable vision of what makes a great leader, and demonstrates once again that no one reached greatness "overnight" - rather, it was years of service and learning and mistakes and triumphs.

From such chapters titled "Weddings Discretionary, Funerals Mandatory", and "Be Your Own Man", you learn what it takes to build a foundation strong enough to be a great leader all the time, no matter what is happening around you.

Down to earth and completely practical - this book doesn't deal in theories or models, it is based in day-to-day realities, field-tested under all types of conditions, and proving to be a winning combination.

"For having more faith in us than we had in ourselves, for being brave when required and rude where appropriate and tender without being trite, for not sleeping and not quitting and not shrinking from the pain all around him, Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of the World, is TIME 2001 Person of the Year." - TIME

Rudy Giuliani was featured as The Leader of the Year in The CEO Refresher:
The Leader of the Year: New York City Mayor - Rudolph Giuliani

Leading "on the front lines" has no better example in action than Rudy Giuliani in a time of unfathomable crisis. Imagine, the challenge of being 'a leader' during the horrific tragedy we witnessed. There was no plan or script that could prepare anyone for the inconceivable challenge at hand. There was no precedent. All Mr. Giuliani could do was be Rudy Giuliani - and be the leader.

See also:
Leadership at 'Ground Zero' by Anne Riches.

In his speech at Yankee Stadium on September 23, Giuliani used simple and clear language, invoked powerful comparisons, drew inspirational images from history, acknowledged the pain and described the future. His words united New Yorkers as they go forward to rebuild New York City. This kind of communication is also the hallmark of a true leader. Think Mandela, think Martin Luther King, think Churchill. Simple, compelling, moving, galvanising language. Whatever the future holds for Rudolph Giuliani, he has shown observers of 'leadership' one clear thing - leadership can emerge from those who you least expect it.

Darlene Pineda is US Operations Manager for a specialty retailing enterprise and is a co-editor of 1001 Ways to WOW Your Customers! published by Refresher Publications Inc. Contact Darlene c/o Refresher Publications Inc, by e-mail: vfr@refresher.com .

Leadership
by Rudolph W. Giuliani
Hyperion,
October 2002

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