The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life Paperback – December 28, 2010

For some reason, reading this book reminds me quite strongly of the scene in the Robin Williams movie, "Dead Poets Society" where he admonishes the boys to seize the day and to make their lives extraordinary. In a way, this is truly the theme of this very important, though short and unpretentious book. Between the covers of this book, Robin Sharma uses the foil of a modern business fable to communicate essential principles of Leadership. They are summarized in four quite worthwhile acronyms:IMAGESPARKHUMANSHINEThe Image acronym reminds us to practice Innovativeness, Mastery, Authenticity, Guts, and Ethics. Next, the SPARK acronym reminds us to Speak with Candor, to have Priorities, to recognize that Adversity breeds Opportunity, to Respond to situations rather than reacting and to share Kudos with everyone. Human is the relationship acronym that reminds us to be helpful and understanding, to mingle, to amuse, and to nurture. Finally, the Shine acronym reminds us to See clearly, that Health makes Wealth, that Inspiration matters, that we mustn't Neglect our family, and that all of the above lead us to the opportunity to Elevate our lifestyles.The profound revelation of this book is that anyone, at any level, can be a leader. We can move resolutely from Victims to Victors. Indeed, we can all make our lives extraordinary. I strongly recommend this important little book, and commend its excellent author. God bless.

This book, especially for those that know what it is to serve their country, ties emotional reaction to life lessons. I honestly believe that if you tell someone something they will remember it for only the next few minutes to an hour. If you teach them something they may remember it for a week to a year. But if you can involve emotion they will remember it for a life time.For those that live in the illusion that peace and freedom come without sacrifice this book will appear as a corny fraud. For those who have represented our country to ensure the life style we see so many take for granted, the book will imprint powerful lessons through emotion.I have read many books on self-improvement. They are all great; but one thing seems to always get me. They all ask up front for huge life changes. This in fact is usually a recipe for failure. Going into a gym and working your heart out on the first day will cause damage so painful that it will prevent all from perusing fitness. If a person however takes small steps in the right direction, they will eventually get to the point where they can compete in body building competitions without having to consistently talk themselves into working out. This is because they do not have to justify the high level of pain.Success and continual reading is the path way for success. Reading this book had the one key for me, to bring all of the self-improvement lessons I have had together. This may or may not be the book to trigger the best in you. The only way to find out is to read it. The lesson that was the trigger for me was, dream big and take small steps. Even one goal success a day is progress in the right direction. I was trying to implement too much at one time consistently and failed continuously. Now I am not focused on being perfect but focused on eating one small success goal at a time. My life has already dramatically changed for the better.For those that see this as a book to give optimal work for no more pay. Your heart is in the wrong place, as it is not about your boss or your pay. It is about being your personal best. When you are your personal best you will be happier with yourself. To me, being happy is way more important than being rich. Yes, money can buy cool things and make life easier; but it does not deliver any form of permanent satisfaction. Also it does not remove regret of a life not fully lived.I highly recommend this book for those that have military service and their family members. I also recommend this book for those looking to be their personal best and are trying to be happy in all areas of their lives.James

This book takes you on a journey to gain humility, purpose and direction in a non-text book way of writing.After quickly reading it I have already found myself putting into play the teachings. Don’t get me wrong I didn’t walk away from this book 2x the person I am or don’t struggle with the same b.s. as before but I know have a little bit more of a light to follow.Excited to buy other books from this author who has a novelesque way of engaging the reader, one could argue its too good because at night when I read it never puts me to sleep so I have to drop it for a boring book when it’s passed my adult bed time!

Titles seem to give permission. It's far easier to ask people to do things or request favors when we're put in a position of authority by someone else. What happens if we are not in a titled position? Is it still possible to lead? This is what Robin Sharma is answering with his book.Unlike most business books, where facts and opinions are stated, Robin instead chooses to use a fictional story to get his ideas across to the reader. The main character has returned from the war and is working a job at the local book store. Things aren't going the way he wants to, professionally or in his relationships, but isn't sure what exactly to do about it. Like all good hero stories, the all wise and knowing mentor appears to show him the error of his ways and guide him to prosperity.Following a story line similar to A Christmas Carol, the teacher takes our hero to visit a few others who follow the LWT (Leader Without a Title) philosophy. Each imparting wisdom to guide him, and us, into doing more without having to be given permission.The story is cheesy and takes some getting used to but it makes for a more interesting read than most leadership books. Little nuggets of inspiration are littered throughout, encouraging people to lead others but almost just as important is the call to be a better person and achieve your own goals.Leading doesn't just mean other people but ourselves as well. It sounds like a strange concept but we sometime have a lack of focus or direction in what we want to do in life. Letting others make decisions for us is much easier. This way, we have someone to blame if things go wrong.Sharma provides a way for us to take ownership of ourselves, imparting info on ways to live a healthy life, create more time in the day, overcome fear, and just be a positive person.