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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Leader as a Mensch summary
Bruna Martinuzzi
Become the Kind of Person Others Want to Follow
9 mins
Brief summary
The Leader as a Mensch by Bruna Martinuzzi is a guidebook for leaders looking to build their character and lead with integrity. It offers practical tips to become a "mensch," a person of honor and decency.
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The Leader as a Mensch
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Key idea 1 of 4
The roots of a great leader lie in humility, empathy and authenticity.
We all know that a tree without roots doesn’t stand a chance. It’ll fail to grow and a gust of wind could bring it crashing down. Well, the same goes for leaders. But what makes the solid roots of a great leader – or, in the author’s words, a great Mensch?
First off, humility helps a Mensch view things through the eyes of a novice, and this opens the door to infinite possibilities. Just take Anthony Kevin Dungy, a former NFL player and the current coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Despite his innumerable accomplishments, he never brags or even talks about himself.
Rather, he teaches his players in a toned-down, humble manner. He listens to their thoughts and is constantly learning himself.
The second thing about Mensch leaders is their awareness that sticking to their values will enable them to make a unique contribution to the world. Or, to put it simply, they’re authentic.
That means they stick to what they know is right, no matter what. For instance, if a Mensch profoundly cares for the environment, but learns he can make more money by using unsustainable materials, he’ll ignore that option altogether. This is a key Mensch quality because it makes those around them happier and more respectful.
And finally, the third root of Mensch leaders is empathy, which helps them build trust by making others feel safe and understood. For instance, a Mensch takes into consideration how others feel about themselves during interactions. By being present and focusing entirely during any conversation, a Mensch shows others that he cares about what they have to say.
But empathy doesn’t mean you have to make everyone like you. To paraphrase former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell: if you try to please everybody, you’ll avoid tough choices and shy away from confronting people when you should. According to him, this will only lead to your coming off as fake and untrustworthy.
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What is The Leader as a Mensch about?
The Leader as a Mensch (2009) is a guide to becoming a great leader. Learn the importance of caring for those you lead, and how reflecting on yourself will bring you closer than ever to becoming the best leader you can be.
The Leader as a Mensch Review
The Leader as a Mensch (2009) by Bruna Martinuzzi is a compelling book that offers valuable insights into leadership and character development. Here's why you should consider reading this book:
- Covering topics such as integrity and empathy, the book provides practical guidance on becoming a leader who inspires trust and respect.
- Through real-life examples and anecdotes, Martinuzzi brings the concepts to life, making it relatable and applicable to various leadership scenarios.
- With its emphasis on the importance of ethical leadership, the book challenges conventional ideas, sparking thought and discussion, and making it far from boring.
Best quote from The Leader as a Mensch
How we make others feel is the secret to human relationships.
—Bruna Martinuzzi
Who should read The Leader as a Mensch?
- Managers and supervisors who want to become better leaders
- Anyone wanting to improve their communication skills
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The Leader as a Mensch FAQs
What is the main message of The Leader as a Mensch?
The main message of The Leader as a Mensch is the importance of balancing professional success with personal integrity.
How long does it take to read The Leader as a Mensch?
The reading time for The Leader as a Mensch varies but can be completed in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Leader as a Mensch a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Leader as a Mensch is worth reading as it provides valuable insights and practical tips for becoming a better leader while maintaining personal values.
Who is the author of The Leader as a Mensch?
The author of The Leader as a Mensch is Bruna Martinuzzi.
What to read after The Leader as a Mensch?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Leader as a Mensch, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Age of AI by Henry Kissinger
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick M. Lencioni
- Leading from the Middle by Scott Mautz
- Visual Thinking by Temple Grandin
- The First Rule of Mastery by Michael Gervais
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis
- Leadershift by John C. Maxwell
- Zero to One by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters