Michael Lee Stallard

Kevin Eikenberry and I met in December 2007 at 800-CEO-READ’s Pow Wow for business authors. His new book entitled Remarkable Leadership is impressive for the breadth and depth of material it covers. I’m not surprised. Kevin is an energetic individual who combines a passion for leadership with a bright mind and extensive experience. Reading Kevin’s book is like working with a great leadership teacher and leadership coach combined in one individual. The teacher in Kevin explains leadership concepts in understandable ways and the coach makes practical suggestions about how to implement the concepts.

The book is also user-friendly. It is well-organized into a logically-sequenced presentation of concepts and practices. Kevin’s positive attitude and conversational writing style make this book easy to read.

Let me mention several other reasons why Remarkable Leadership is a standout among leadership books. I liked that Kevin shares gems he discovered in other leadership books. It says a lot about Kevin that he has the humility and curiosity to read extensively about leadership and that he has the confidence and integrity to share with us what he learned from others while conspicuously noting his sources in the text. He gives credit where credit is due (like a remarkable leader should). Kevin emphasizes that becoming a remarkable leader is a journey rather than something that can be easily and quickly accomplished. He also encourages reflection, including the use of a Learning Journal. Throughout the book Kevin also points the reader to additional downloadable content available at RLBonus.com.

In summary, if you aspire to be a remarkable leader, you would be wise to purchase this book, read and reflect on its advice, and then put it into practice. If you purchase it soon, Kevin is including access to additional resources that you can find out about by clicking here.

Last December, it was my good fortune to be invited to 800-CEO-READ’s Pow Wow for business authors. While attending the event held at Chicago’s funky and fun Catalyst Ranch, I met Phil Gerbyshak, author of 10 Ways to Make it Great! and blogger at Make it Great! and B5 Media’s Slacker Manager.

Phil is the kind of guy you can’t miss. Exuberant, knowledgeable, and generous are three words that come to mind when describing him. After reading 10 Ways to Make It Great I can add a fourth: wise.

This book is a brief, practical workbook that will help guide its readers to a productive and satisfying life. Phil provides questions and suggestions that help readers zero in on the factors everyone should consider. If you follow the journey he takes you on, you will indeed make your life a great one. I say this because the issues he tackles are those that relate to satisfying our universal human needs for respect, recognition, belonging, autonomy, personal growth and meaning.

Phil’s book is ideal for individuals who want to reflect on their journey in life, whether the journey is nearer the beginning or a mid-course correction. Small groups of friends would benefit from reading and discussing together the material in 10 Ways to Make it Great! For those who purchase Phil’s book, I would recommend you contact him via one of his blogs to share your thoughts about your journey and how the issues in Phil’s book relate to you. The interaction with him will be an added bonus.

Earlier this week I provided a guest post at Slacker Manager. Everyone who posts a comment about how they increase connection in their workplace will be entered in the contest to win a copy of Fired Up or Burned Out. The book is about how to create a work environment that increases employee engagement, productivity and innovation. Today is the last day to provide comments so hurry on over for a chance to win.