weLEAD Online Magazine

leadingtoday.org

Book Review

How To Unleash The Power of People

Simonton Associates – 1995 shareware ebook (163 pages if printed on 81/2” X 11” paper)

Available at http://www.bensimonton.com/

Author Bennet S. Simonton

Library of Congress Catalog Number 95-092396

Ben Simonton is not your typical author on the subject of leadership. His military background and personal experiences have allowed him to offer a different perspective on the topics of leadership and followership. How to Unleash The Power of People is not your typical book. First of all it is a shareware ebook that can be downloaded, read and purchased ($10 US) from Simonton’s website. Secondly, it reflects the experiences and conviction of an author who candidly admits that a personal conversion toward the importance of workers occurred in his life. He writes with the knowledge that early in his career he made many mistakes and false assumptions. His own personal growth has made Simonton fervent about his discoveries regarding leadership. He is passionate about his beliefs and you can feel the passion through his writing. This is especially demonstrated in Simonton’s emphasis on the importance of values and high standards.

The book has 9 chapters and two appendixes. The first six chapters provide Simonton’s view of basic leadership knowledge and understanding. Within these chapters he outlines what he refers to as 5Star people. How to Unleash The Power of People was written to provide the specific tools for any leader to turn themselves and others into “5Star Superstars”. The final three chapters discuss the practical application of this knowledge. In these final chapters the author defines what he believes to be the “two most important mechanisms” for a leader to know and apply. These are GOTYP (Go Out To Your People) and Group Meetings. The appendixes compliment the original chapters with a candid discussion on successfully dealing with various workplace conditions and changing personal behaviors.

If you are looking for a book that boldly challenges much of the contemporary theory presented by management consultants, How to Unleash The Power of People will stimulate your thinking and may alter how you view both leadership and followership. It is written in a gritty and “no nonsense” style that is not afraid to tackle tough issues or concepts.

As a shareware ebook you may find this publication easier to read if printed. This is easy to do and will totally print about 163 pages if printed on 8 ½” X 11” paper.

To read an exclusive interview with author Ben Simonton, including his comments on this book, please click here!

weLEAD rating highly recommended

BACK TO weLEAD HOME PAGE