Author, Frank Sonnenberg,of Leadership By Example has penned ten prior books and been referred to as “America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders” and “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts.” (2023, inside back cover)

Sonnenberg leveraged his talents by being fortunate to sit on numerous boards and consult with many of the most influential firms in the world. To learn more about this impressive man and author you can visit his personal blog at FrankSonnenbergOnline.

Frank opens this book with the following, “Here’s to role models who believe in the power of good – not what’s good for them but rather, what’s good for others.” (2023, p.1) Furthermore, he says, “Talking and doing are not synonyms.” I concur. Actions always show best what your words speak about.

There are fifteen guidelines he suggests we each use to help inspire others to do their best. (2023, pgs. 7-9) The first is to look for something good in others and ensure they know they are appreciated. Dovetailing into that he says to encourage people to feel better about themselves.

Celebrate the achievements in others. Delegate so your employees can learn to be accountable for their actions and words. Demonstrate how to lead through your actions. Create ways to encourage personal growth. Do not sugar coat criticism. Set the bar high and promote positive change. Provide feedback that raises their self-confidence and self-reliance.

Stay open minded. Don’t judge. Increase your expectations so your followers can raise their standards and values. Page 15 tells us that to remain in our comfort zone is easy. However, the only way to stretch is to move out of our comfort zone and reach for the stars.

 Sometimes it is not easy to choose. All choices are forks in the road. Sonnenberg says “Choose the right path rather than the easy one.” (2023, p.19) “When you do nothing, nothing happens.” (p.21) What will you choose? This line reminds me of the Michael Jackson song Man in the Mirror, Sonnenberg says “If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, don’t blame the mirror.” (2023, p.26) I totally agree.

You are the only one who can change you. So as Michael Jackson aptly said, “Make that change.” Sonnenberg tells us that there are some questions we can ask to ensure we are on the proper path. For example, “Do you - Pursue what you want or what’s expected of you? Think for yourself or surrender to public opinion?” (2023, p.37) And there are several more.

I don’t want to give away all of his secret bullets for leadership so buy it, read it, and make the changes to ensure your leadership skills are worthy of truly leading. "