There is a dearth of leadership literature aimed at the non-profit and public sectors. Leaders Who Make a Difference by Nanus and Dobbs helps to fill that void. It is a very valuable leadership guide and reference book for leaders in the non-profit sector. Their synthesis of the leadership literature and their emphasis on shared vision, strategy, and team building with tools and guides is very valuable to students of leadership as well as current mangers who are enhancing their leadership skills. The roles of a leader that are emphasized - visionary, strategist, change agent, coach, politician, and campaigner - are useful reminders to leaders in all sectors about the importance and complexity of leading well with a full set of skills. This book is being used in the curriculum of an International Family Planning Leadership Program with great success - so it has global relevance and appeal. Our fellows have found the book to be full of tips and tools that serve to validate the skills that they already have as well as guide them to devleop more facets of their leadership. I highly recommend this book to leadership development programs and practitioners in the non-profit and public sectors.

The authors, Burt Nanus and Stephen M. Dobbs, of this engaging text state their purpose as "to assist individuals who need to understand the compexity, the challenge, and the fulfillment of the nonprofit leader." They have achieved their stated mission and more. Leaders Who Make a Difference provides readers with rich illustrations highlighting the struggles and triumphs of non-profit leaders working in a variety of settings. The plentiful examples of real leaders at work is placed in a conceptual framework that is easily digestable and practical for the aspiring or practicing non-profit leader. The book kicks off with an inspiring beginning that encourages leaders to meet the challenges of a changing non-profit terrain at the turn of the century. This is followed by a thoughtful discussion of key roles and related skills for non-profit leaders. These include: visionary, strategist, change agent, politician (advocate, troubleshooter, spokesperson), and campaigner. The book concludes with ideas about accountability and strategies for measuring results. I highly recommend this book, and not only for those in the very top positions in organization but for anyone whose work in the non-profit arena requires the flexibily of roles that is necessary for success in today's world.

"As Editor of the Not-for-Profit CEO Monthly Letter, I had occasion to review "Leaders Who Make a Difference" for our readership, which consists almost entirely of executive directors and board members. I recommended it enthusiastically, telling our readers that 'this volume should be on your desk; not in the book case, but on your desk.' After the review was published, I received the following letter from a nationally known consultant to not-for-profit boards." George B. Wright, Editor, "The Not-For-Profit CEO Monthly Letter," C3 Strategies, Portland, OR

"The challenges today's nonprofit organizations face make effective leadership a critical need. By combining relevant theory with case studies that exemplify leadership excellence, Nanus and Dobbs have created an invaluable and much-needed resource for all nonprofit leaders." Kathleen D. Edwards, consultant and author, Bowman-Edwards & Associates, Seattle, WA.

I have used this book as a guide to visioning in a higher education environment, specifically, health care professional education.This book is the definitive resource for leading an organization to a new future. It clearly delineates the steps the leader should follow to bring the organization to a shared vision of its future which is inspirational yet achievable.The supporting rationale for the advantages of Visioning over conventional Strategic Planning is explained by the author.The progression from Vision to implementation of strategies is also treated in depth.I have used his book for nine years in two different institutions and consider it to be an indispensible part of my personal approach to leadership.

Bookstall 99 proudly recommends this outstanding book to managers and leaders everywhere. The enlightenment to the path to a true vision for an organization is brilliantly set forth. This single text can show a way to improve your organization beyond any other program. We enjoyed this book and refer it to you as a sample of excellence.

It's not often that an author keeps "topping" previous work in terms of refining intricate concepts, but that is what Nanus has done here. If you are in a leadership position, the diagram of the essential components of leadership in the first chapter is alone worth the price of admission. These are insights by someone who has studied and analyzed what it takes to be a "facilitative" leader--not a boss leader, not a manager, but a true "inspirer" of others who can harness the energies and maximize the focus of an organization--a "leader of leaders"--this book essentially lays out how to maximize BOTH alignment and empowerment----this is a great book.

This is a good book on leadership -- another Bennis classic. A good airplane book, it is a quick read and worth the time.

However, if you have to read ONE Bennis book, I suggest reading "Organizing Genius".

I like the authors emphasis on the learnability of leadership. Though a little dry in sections, it's rewarding for those that see it through to the finish.

This book is great for anyone who wants to find a compelling vision for their company. Rich with anecdotes and better organized than "On Becoming A Leader," this book provides the essential ingredients on what it takes to be a courageous, innovative leader, not just a manager. I also recommend John Gardner's On Leadership

i reviewed this several months ago, but see that it has been deleted. guess amazon didn't like my review.

well, my mind hasn't changed.

this booklet is not up to the standards i expect from burt nanus. read almost anything else of his except this.