Small Acts of Leadership

August 15, 2016
In his thoughtful but unwieldy latest work, entrepreneur Hunter (Out-Think) presents 12 critical competencies intended to help readers become more successful leaders, asserting that the key is “small, incremental steps taken each day.” Drawing on interviews, personal experience, and research, the author offers lessons on such traits as grit, kindness, and resilience from a diverse array of individuals, including athletes, academics, and authors. He adds business relevance through references to and quotes from corporate leaders at companies like Merck, Schering-Plough, and Ingram Micro. Throughout, the author introduces a wide variety of helpful concepts in short nuggets of helpful advice and insights, many of which can be implemented in the small steps he describes. However, the sheer volume of ideas and concepts in each chapter becomes overwhelming. While the sourcing of scholarly research is helpful, the work often feels like one academic name-drop after another, and is too dense to easily digest or focus on. For readers who can absorb the tips in small chunks, the ideas may be helpful. Agent: Lisa DiMona, Writers House.

September 15, 2016

Can small acts really make a difference? Hunter (Out Think), an entrepreneur and founder of e-learning company Mindscaling, explores how focusing on purposeful changes can help shape successful leaders and, potentially, their teams. In a world of rushing to meetings and constant screen time, Hunter suggests a small-scale, mindful, and deliberate approach toward positive change. Each chapter describes a behavior that, when practiced habitually, can help one become a more effective leader. The steps begin with focusing inward (increasing self-efficacy and confidence), then developing one's workplace and team members (expressing gratitude, fueling curiosity, and granting autonomy), and finally looking outward to improve the quality of one's external relationships (being fully present and inspiring others). Delivered throughout are robust examples illustrating these strategies told through stories and interviews in easily digestible segments. The book's strength is its solid, practical advice presented in straightforward language. VERDICT Recommended for those new to leadership and those interested in developing and adopting guiding principles for their careers.--Cori Wilhelm, SUNY Canton Coll. of Tech. Lib.

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