John R. Hook

The Leadership Touch: the Search for a Rare Quality John R. Hook

Think of the most inspiring leader you have observed, worked for, or read about ? a leader who so attracted and inspired you that you would fight to work with him or her on any enterprise. Would you like to become such a leader? You can ? and this book will show you how. Author John R. Hook describes such leaders as having ?The Leadership Touch.? His book identifies the attributes that produce the touch, and provides guidance to leaders seeking this high order of leadership capability ? for themselves or throughout their organizations. His methodology was to find followers who had experienced this strong attraction to a leader, and then to ask why. What attributes made that leader so attractive? What produced the draw? For data he uses one compelling historical example (Sir Ernest Shackleton), six outstanding leaders from his own experience, and the views of 25 experienced colleagues. The result is a persuasive argument for the existence of the leadership touch and a comprehensive list of attributes contributing to the touch, and the specific behaviors found in leaders who have each of the attributes. The book concludes with two action plans: one for personal development, and another to improve leadership throughout the organization. In summary, if you aspire to the very highest order of leadership capacity, for yourself or your organization, read this book!