The Naked Leader

Just browsing. To my horror, I found that 'Naked Leader' has only got 8 reviews? How can this be? Unless people like me, who absolutely love the book and think David Taylor's work is up there with the best on the planet, have become complacent. Maybe we think the book is sooooo good that everyone else will leave 5 star reviews?And then I noticed that one of the reviews warranted just 2 stars? What? How? Helloooo?In short, this one one of the books that kick-started my life. Sounds a bit dramatic. Because it was. There I was, chugging along nicely, doing just 'fine' when David's books (starting with this one) rattled my cage. And all of a sudden 'fine' seemed rather insipid. The very simple messages written in very simple English were just what I needed. I was an academic. And now I'm not. I was bumbling along. And now I'm not. I wasn't setting goals. And now I am!Thank you Sir David

I bought this book just before I started a new leadership role. It is full of different ideas and approaches and whilst some are not covered in great depth it is enough to decide if the method is right for you and thus allow greater research. Since then I have bought further books on those subjects and have developed new skills and approaches which have lead to my career developing significantly. That said I still refer back to this book from time to time, especially if I find a situation that would benefit from a new approach. The way the book is broken up with `chapters' presented in a non-sequential order is an interesting quirk when reading the book but can be a frustration when trying to refer back to something later on.If, like me, you are put-off by the classic `You're great, now go do it'' self help book then other then one small detour in to this arena in the introductory chapters you will find the rest of the book very factual and practical.

An excellent read. Motivational and no-nonsense. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dave also and he does an even better job in person! Looking forward to the next book Dave.

Firstly, I promise I'm not the author - this is a genuine review!Many of us have knowledge of and experience in our chosen crafts and professions. We go on with the best intentions, doing what we think is the right, often without real direction and blissfully unaware of our effect on others. Few of us are taught how to define what we really want out of life and, very importantly, what we need to do both as individuals and in our relationships with others.There are many 'self-improvement' books, seminars and systems on the market ranging from the impenetrable to the extra-terrestrial! And I've experienced a broad selection - I want to do and be the best I can. The Naked Leader shows us not only how to understand ourselves and what we really want, but also what we need to do to achieve it and how to work with other people who are crucial to us achieving what we can.This book is down to earth, clear, logical and very practical. It neither preaches nor dictates and actively encourages challenge of proposed ideas. It poses key questions that the reader only can ponder and answer.Another small but crucial eleemnt is that he style of presentation is very culturally relevant to us in the UK, being written in a familiar style and in tune with our social mores (not that it's only for us in the UK by any means).I will strongly recommend this to anyone who wants to achieve their real potential and develop fruitful working (and personal) relationships, But remember, in the end it's you and not the book that has to do the work!

I will echo the many postive comments written by other reviewers, however...I've read this all before and if far greater detail.If you prefer a bit more meat on the bone, then Anthony Robbins books, e.g. 'Unlimited Power' will deliver a feast.I'm not saying David Taylor has brought something new to the party, just somethig smaller and wrapped up differently.I smiled when I read the bulleted version of Abraham Lincoln's rise to being elected president, as I'd read it in Mr Robbin's book 'Unlimited Power'.The subject of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) is a big one, and I'm all for simplifying subjects so that the ordinary Joe can get their head around it. However, I think reducing it to just over 3 pages is at best a good intro into the subject, and at worst an over-simplication.There are 51 chapters but a contents page is not provided - this would have been helpful. I had to constantly flick through the headings at the top of each page to navigate my way through the book.I would suggest this a good entry-level book, it's written in an easy style and there are many short paragraphs that allow you to dip in and out at your leisure. There is more information on this subject of leadership and running your brain out there, just cast your net about.

Interesting leadership book with some unique perspectives that I hadn't come across in other leadership books that I have read. Interesting writing style, as I read the book as it had been written that meant that I did not have a clue, how far I was to the finish line.I recommend this book for its unique writing style and the focussed unique viewpoints, for which the book has to be read.

The Naked Leader was refreshing and inspirational. David Taylor reminds us of many things we already know but have done nothing about and inspires us to think through the benefits of making choices, taking action and accepting responsibility for those choices and actions. David brings a smile to your face when he makes you realise that not taking action or making decisions is also a choice we make! We can choose to do nothing, we can choose to do the opposite - but the choice is ours. David's style is informal yet informed, easy to read and creates the interest to keep us moving through the journey we choose to take.I have recommended The Naked Leader to colleagues and friends, including people not currently working but who can benefit from thinking through what choices they have available to them and realising their own potential. This books helps us to think through our choices at both a professional and a personal level.