The Power of Leadership Effectiveness Training

I wish all bosses would read this book. Gordon has figured out an ethical way to solve problems that arise between people. No more "my way or the highway" or "union rules only". His techniques get bosses and employees working together, for the betterment of all parties. Sounds too good to be true, yet it works.

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I love this book.

I read Gordon’s Parent Effectiveness Training, which was outstanding and, hence, the reason I decided to read this book. However, Leadership Effectiveness Training was not as good as PET. First, I didn’t like how employees are referred to as subordinates since that terminology is inconsistent with the book’s teachings that leaders and group members should view each other as equals.

Second, a lot of the terms and concepts are outdated. For example, when the book refers to a situation of learning a new skill, “operating a calculator” is mentioned, which is ridiculous, because what adult has not used a calculator? In another example, numbers are called “figures.” Other phrases are outdated as well as sexist, such as, “man to man,” referring to adult women as “girls” or “gals,” and “manpower.” (However, I 'read' the audio version, and print versions might be more updated than the audio format.)

With that said, this is still an excellent book. The book is great because it gives examples of how to actively listen, send non-blaming “I” messages, and problem solve by taking a win-win approach. It doesn’t just recommend what to do (such as avoid using power to control employees), it explains how to do it with clear relevant examples of detailed dialogue (include both what works and what doesn’t work). LET is a powerful communication skill book to apply in the workplace, which we all need. Although the book is geared towards supervisors (leaders), the concepts are relevant to everyone at all levels of an organization. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has a job or who every plans on getting one.

One of the best books on how to communicate that I have ever read. Really good advice.

There is a tone to the book that turned me off, there are some good chapters and content but overall not my favorite.