Book Review: Leadership by Rudy Giuliani
by Stoney deGeyter
Leadership
Author: Rudolph W. Giuliani
Paperback: 432 pages
Originally Published: 2002
It’s completely coincidental that I picked this book up during political season. I
overheard someone say that this was a great book on leadership and being the
leadership connoisseur that I am, I bought it and gave it a read.
This isn’t your normal everyday leadership book detailing x number of
leadership principles, checklists and how-tos. Leadership is really more of a
biography of Rudy Giuliani’s career specifically focusing on the leadership
principles that helped him accomplish all that he has. It’s not a complete story
on his life, just the leadership highlights. Giuliani’s gives us real life example
after example where his leadership principles were put to the test. As the man
that “fixed” New York City from much of the crime and decay that was prevalent before he became mayor, and
also kept it running after 9/11, we know that when it comes to the testing of leadership principles, Rudy’s been
through it. Much of the book focuses on the aftermath of 9/11, but it’s not a chronological narrative. Giuliani
breaks the book into chapters, each outlining a leadership principle that helped him through his careers both as
prosecutor and as mayor, and architect of the 9/11 recovery. Within each chapter Giuliani pulls stories from his
life that show these skills in action and the result and accomplishments that followed.Rudy isn’t necessarily my
man for the 2008 election but after reading Leadership, I have a newfound respect for the man.
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Several years ago, I read thru Rudy’s book on Leadership. I wrote down the following reminders. Reviewing
them this morning, I found them again helpful as I face the challenges of today.
1. First Things First: Start each day with activities that bring focus and create results.
2. Prepare Relentlessly: When it comes to communication, hit a home run every time.
3. Everyone’s Accountable, All the Time: Don’t let anything slip through the cracks.
4. Surround Yourself with Great People: Nothing is as good as a great team.
5. Reflect, Then Decide: Well timed choices are the most important part of leadership.
6. Underpromise and Overdeliver: Be sure you always exceed expectations.
7. Develop and Communicate Strong Beliefs: Guiding values make leadership work.
8. Be Your Own Man: Take responsibility, don’t hide behind anything or anyone.
9. Loyalty: The Vital Virtue: Honor relationships and stick up for the underdog.
10. Weddings Discretionary, Funerals Mandatory: Always serve people who are in pain.
11. Stand Up to Bullies: Don’t let the little guy get pushed around.
12. Study, Read, Learn Independently: Always keep a learning posture.
13. Organize Around a Purpose: Funnel all activity towards meaningful outcomes.
14. Bribe Only Those Who Will Stay Bribed: Trust people, but check them
out first.
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