Don't Just Manage - Lead!

By: Arthur F. Coombs III

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

"People don't want to be managed, they want to be led."

Within the beginning of this book, you'll realize something with new clarity: Managers are a dime a dozen. Most people know or can learn how to manage. But leaders? They're something special - and what they contribute to an organization is what sets it apart from the competition.

Effective leaders make the difference between an organization that succeeds and one that stagnates. Effective leaders make solid decisions, but they take it a step further - they bring the guidance, vision, creativity, and motivation necessary to powerfully execute the decisions. They influence behavior, shape goals, and encourage the best. An influential leader's footprint is forever engraved on a successful organization's heart.

The good news is that you can also learn to be the kind of leader who makes a difference. And this book - written by one of the best - will teach you how.

©2015 Art F. Coombs III (P)2016 Art F. Coombs III

Good information for everyone

What did you love best about Don't Just Manage - Lead!?

It was written in a down-to-earth voice. Even though I have never worked in the corporate world, I found a lot of the stories and lessons applicable in my own little world I manage (my home, family, and homeschool groups).

What did you like best about this story?

Coombs opens up about himself and discusses his failures as well as his successes. He doesn't portray himself in an arrogant manner. In fact, he encourages leaders to be vulnerable in order to really lead. I loved that advice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but it was entertaining enough I could have. I certainly enjoyed listening. Coombs tells quite a few stories to illustrate his points.

Any additional comments?

The performer occasionally slipped up. It didn't detract from the telling too much, but it was noticeable.

a leadership textbook like no other...

Would you consider the audio edition of Don't Just Manage - Lead! to be better than the print version?

Yes

What other book might you compare Don't Just Manage - Lead! to and why?

Seven Disciplines of a Leader by Jeff Wolf with Ken Shelton
The Inch Principle, 21 Million Dollar Inches of Management by John T. Condry and Paul E. Carpenter.

Which scene was your favorite?

What I liked most is the enthusiasm portrayed. Made me believe the message.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Just Do It.

Any additional comments?

Coombs has created a leadership textbook that separates itself from the vast ocean of management books flooding the genre. Through the sharing of personal experiences, thorough analysis of those milestones, and an honest reflection of the benefits of said events, Coombs is able to contribute in a positive manner that motivates the reader to capitalize from this wisdom.

A powerful way to change your path

Would you listen to Don't Just Manage - Lead! again? Why?

Yes, because it helped me to be more confident.

What other book might you compare Don't Just Manage - Lead! to and why?

Honestly, I ave no idea.

Which character – as performed by Chase Ramsey – was your favorite?

There wasn't really any characters as it's a self help book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Honestly, the title works perfect.

Any additional comments?

I just have to say, this being one of the few audiobooks I’ve listened to, it's so convenient! I can be out and about running errands and listen to it in my car. Really, anywhere. It makes it easier when you want to read but are busy. I’ll be doing this more often.

There have been times in my previous work where I have had to be in “charge” so to speak of a particular committee or group. Have you ever been in that position where it felt like instead of dealing grown adults, you’re dealing with grade scholars? That happened to me a number of times. That’s why I found this audio book useful. I wish now that I had it then. It would have given me more insight!

Arthur talks about what it takes to be truly good at what you do in life and do it with confidence. We all lack some of this somewhere or at some time in our lives. I appreciated the fact that he talks about as if it was one on one person. Too many times books like this are lectures. You don’t want to feel like you’re getting lectured when you are trying to better yourself.

I found it refreshing that he talks about his own experiences with struggling to be in the forefront and succeed. He doesn’t approach it as he is better than the rest of us. I also loved the fact that what he has talked about can be used in more ways than just your career. As he tells his own story about his father, it’s a reminder that you can take some of that information and use it with your kids. Especially if you have teenagers and find it hard to get things across.

Over all I felt like Arthur was giving me a boost in the right direction and not boring me with a droning lecture that I had expected when it comes to self help and motivational books. Instead I found myself smiling, making notes and engrossed. I give it a 5 out of 5!

Great book for the Leader in us all

Would you consider the audio edition of Don't Just Manage - Lead! to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version of Don't Just Manage-Lead! but I would highly recommend this edition to anyone interested in learning better management skills. I may not be a manager, but I am a Mom and learned some new techniques to utilize at home. I loved being able to listen to this version as it felt more of like a pep talk from a colleague.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Don't Just Manage - Lead!?

I personally liked the examples of professional leaders that were given. Not only did the author touch upon their achievements, but he also discussed their failures and the long arduous road that it was in order to become a great leader. I especially enjoyed the references to Walt Disney, as I am a Disney enthusiast and it most definitely captured my attention more.

Which character – as performed by Chase Ramsey – was your favorite?

There weren't really characters portrayed. I personally liked him best as the author, Arthur Coombs. Performing an author is a difficult job, but I feel that Ramsey did an excellent job. He was able to adjust well to the feelings depicted in the reading and it makes the listener able to follow along much better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

This is a rather interesting question. I am not great at witty lines; however, I do think that this may do: "Leadership... it's the key ingredient to Great Management."

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning great management/leadership skills. We all could use some of this advice on a daily basis. It was an easy listen and one could definitely finish listening to this book in a weekend. I received a free copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review.

Strong Anecdotes, Relatable Content

Any additional comments?

Great book with a lot of very helpful resources for people who want to be successful leaders not only in the professional space but personal as well. I found a lot of the stories to be ones that could relate to any person from corporate to at home individuals

There were a couple times where the narrator slipped up in his dictation - but nothing too serious that drew away from the overall reading of the book.

I would for sure recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their leadership skills, and in fact I have already.

Overall, great book in regards to leadership and one that will stand out in the mass of books about leadership and management.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

An Excellent Guide for Leading in any Regard

What did you love best about Don't Just Manage - Lead!?

I loved that this book approached leadership from many different aspects and discussed the difference between great business leaders/inventors and great managers. I've always felt that just because someone has a great idea doesn't make them a great leader. I LOVED the portion on raising strong kids and helping them to see their worth and potential in meaningful ways. I have a very self-conscious five-year-old and am still trying to figure out the best way to help her develop to her full potential. I really liked Coombs' idea of ending the day with each child talking about their strengths with specific examples.

What other book might you compare Don't Just Manage - Lead! to and why?

Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown. Coombs discusses how many leaders fail before finding their place in history and realizing their potential. They continually put themselves out there (like Abe Lincoln), and fail, but continue to TRY and not give up.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Chase Ramsey?

Yes, but I don't know if it was just me, but he sounded like he was in a closet for portions and then the sound quality would improve. Having studied broadcasting, it's just something I always notice... But it could have just been the transfer to my car through the cable. He also stumbled through a few parts where the wording was particularly long.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but I really enjoyed listening a bit and then thinking about it for awhile before moving on.

Any additional comments?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great Book on Management

Such a great book that helps you sit back and think about your management style! Coombs does a great job of being authentic and telling great stories that make this book very interesting to read. Highly reccomend!

Don't Just Manage - Lead!

What made the experience of listening to Don't Just Manage - Lead! the most enjoyable?

The narration was easy to listen to and the lessons were motivational. I listened to this in the car on the way to work and I found it to be very uplifting and got me thinking positively about what changes I can implement in my own approach!

What other book might you compare Don't Just Manage - Lead! to and why?

This is a self-help, personal development, business book and could be compared to others in those arenas.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the author's personal stories.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Very uplifting and definitely a "call to action" book.

Great For Anyone in Any Leadership Position

This is a great book that provides ample resources for those who want to become better leaders. It is not just limited to those who work in management either; if you want to be a great leader for any community project this book has great suggestions that point you the direction of being the best leader you can be. You can even apply his leadership tips to other professions; as a teacher I have to act as a leader plenty of times, and while a lot of things he said went right along with my teaching style (better to make the mistakes on paper, self-esteem exercises, etc) there were a few new things I learned that I will most definitely apply to my profession.

The author certainly knows what he is talking about; he gives plenty of examples, his experiences and those of leaders in the past, in order to pinpoint what it takes to be a great leader. With the experiences of the past though I don’t know if I would have chosen Walt Disney as his prime example of his first leader, but that could come with my biases about Disney and watching too much “Adam Ruins Everything.” Otherwise he has some prime examples, my favorite and who I thought was most fitting being Rosa Parks.

Finally, I really enjoyed how he narrated the book. It was almost as if I were sitting in a big hall and he was giving this talk to me as a university student. His seminar tone resonated with those who talk about making big changes to the world on TED Talks. He talks clearly and at a reasonable pace, though I might have heard him stutter once or twice. If it were a seminar I wouldn’t have blamed him, but seeing as this is an audio book that he would have had the chance to edit the stutter threw me off a bit.

Would recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their leadership skills.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Don't Just Manage - Lead!

Don’t Just Manage – Lead! is a very insightful and informative look at what it takes to truly be a strong leader, both in a professional and personal capacity. Coombs focuses on the leadership skills needed to get the results you are looking for, such as communicating goals, focusing on and understanding yours and other’s strengths and weaknesses, how to motivate teams, etc. The topics he focuses on are all important to leadership, but what makes each stand out is how the author presents the topics. He makes his point in each chapter and then greatly enriches and brings life to the topics with stories and anecdotes. He details key moments in famous leaders lives or important and relevant moments in his own life that helps deeply develop the ideas that build great leadership, and in my opinion this makes the book much more inspiring. I liked that this wasn’t just a quick look at the bare points or characteristics that make a good leader but rather really tackles what leadership means with real life experiences and advice.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.