Book Review | The Leap to Leader

Amitesh Jasrotia

May 18

Rating: 3.5 out of 4.

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press (Hardcover)
Year: 2023
Pages: 221
Author: Adam Bryant

Adam Bryant's book The Leap to Leader is one of the most captivating leadership books I have ever read. This book delivers a yawn-free experience - a rare achievement in its genre. And, I don't mean it flippantly. I have read several leadership books that slip into tedium after the initial burst of ideas.

The Leap to Leader book lying on a table

Bryant's book is a different beast. It goes into full-throttle from the get-go and doesn't let your attention wander until the last page.

Leveraging his three-decades-long journalistic experience with the New York Times and Newsweek, Adam Bryant distills hundreds of leadership interviews into essential lessons for "The Leap to Leader."

He mentions, "I have enough material from the roughly 8 million words of my transcripts to fill several books. My focus instead is on exploring the X factors that will have the greatest impact on your career and in your development as a leader."

Comprising four chapters with each chapter addressing a peculiar challenge, The Leap to Leader is a book sans preface. As a reader, trust me, you won't miss it.

In the first chapter called "Do You Really Want to Lead?", Bryant addresses aspiring leaders. He notes that the problem plaguing today's corporate world is that too many managers carry snappy job titles but only a few step up to the plate as true leaders.

Many in leadership positions boast about their power and manage their domains like petty tyrants.

Luckily, such leaders get a reality check sooner than later, but not before they have caused enough damage to their companies. Bryant's book is a solid antidote for this malaise. He warns future leaders, "You will be flying into a stiff headwind if your goal is to wield power because command-and-control leadership has fallen out of favor."

From setting the essential rules for being a good leader, Bryant then hits you with a crucial question that's also the title of the second chapter: "First, Be a Great Manager." There exists a ream of literature that says that you can't be a great leader without first being a great manager. Bryant tackles this head-on.

The modern workplace crawls with mediocre managers who either micromanage everything or just try to look good for their bosses while letting their teams flounder. Bryant labels the latter as 'show ponies'.

One vital takeaway I gleaned from The Leap to Leader is that as a manager, you need to keep your team in the loop. Make sure everyone knows what's going on and what's expected. Transparency about expectations is crucial. If you don't, your team might start assuming the worst about you and the company's intentions. Always be clear and genuinely care about your team.

Chapter 3 of the book carries a rather clickbaity title - "Win Promotions Without Asking For Them". The content delivers though. Bryant urges you to dive into new situations and embrace challenges. He advises the reader to develop a reputation for problem-solving.

Bryant emphasizes, "Reliability builds trust which leads to promotion and greater responsibilities." In a world as ambiguous as today, companies adore people who can navigate the confusing matrix and still get things done.

The major highlight of the book is the how-to's Bryant provides in each chapter. I think that this section brings immense value to the readers.

For example, in one of the chapters he talks about the measures you need to take to make yourself heard. And, he, then goes on to list down 5 ways you can do it: ask for what you want, make sure your manager knows your career goals, build your case, be willing to stir things up, and master the art of self-promotion.

Each chapter ends with a Q&A that features interviews with leaders, which are somewhat hit or miss.

The final chapter titled "Make the Leap to Leader" wraps up Bryant's earlier discussions with a focus on teamwork.

Leaders should aim for collective success, not personal accolades. Bryant advises, "When you play for the outcomes and not for credit, then it creates a virtuous cycle where people want to help you and you want to help them." Traits like trust, effective leadership, and maximizing potential are common in companies regarded as great workplaces.

Conclusion

The Leap to Leader is a must-read for anyone serious about leadership. Whether you're just starting out or are mid-career, there's plenty to learn from Bryant's approach. Amidst a sea of leadership guides, this book stands out for its depth and practicality.

If you're aiming for a leadership role, pick up this book. Your future self will thank you. As you read, highlight key points. You will come back to them. Keep a notebook handy to jot down thoughts, questions, and responses to the book's prompts. This will maximize your takeaway from The Leap to Leader.