My Review 

Before reading this book I was expecting to learn how to inspire, given the name, but what I did not expect was how truly impacted I would be. When it comes to self-improvement books, I am all ears, but unlike others I have read in the past, I could not put this book down. 

The synopsis caught my attention immediately – “When a leader can inspire the hearts and minds of their team every day, your organization will become one of the best in the world, and your team will perform at heights you never imagined” (Back Cover). This book encourages anyone and everyone who wants an opportunity to inspire others, and although I am no CEO yet, I certainly have the tools to how after reading. Author, Gifford Thomas, invites leaders from organizations, big and small, the chance to learn how to inspire their teams to achieve excellence in their work and develop the next generation of leaders. 

Thomas’s conversational writing style made it intriguing and easy to get wrapped up in. Each chapter covers a different aspect, characteristic, or quality of leadership encouraging readers to maximize their potential. The book promises to inspire people to believe they are capable of accomplishing anything they set their mind to, and it certainly delivers. 

My Favorite Lessons 

The countless lessons, ideas, and knowledge such as how to build a servant leadership culture, becoming an empathetic leader, leading your team by example, the difference between a leader and a manager, and how the right environment can inspire greatness to follow, made the book well worth the read. However, my favorite lessons and insightful tips left me with a profound sense of excitement and eagerness. 

“Leadership is about people. It’s about inspiring people to believe that the impossible is possible” (pg. 19). 

The author's dedication to inspiring others to believe in themselves is exemplified when describing the importance of being a visionary leader. Thomas discussed the importance of visionary leaders being imaginative and big-picture-oriented, open to sharing their dreams, and capable of turning their visions into reality. Every lesson contains different tips that are a critical component of becoming an inspirational leader.  

“Visionary leaders and great innovators follow that feeling in their hearts; they know without knowing. They see what isn’t yet there and create what does not yet exist. Visionaries see the way forward while the world reacts. They see something no one else can’t see, and most importantly, they feel it in their heart and boldly go after it until their vision comes to fruition” (pg. 105). 

One of the main purposes of this book is to inspire your team members to do the impossible. Thomas emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging all employees to think and act like leaders. “What separates good leaders from great inspirational leaders is their ability to build a leadership culture throughout their organization that cultivates great leaders” (pg. 59). When leaders delegate responsibility to all the members of the team, not only does the environment boost because of morale increase, but more people grow into inspirational leaders themselves. 

“Leadership isn’t about your title; it’s about one life influencing another for the greater good of the individuals they are entrusted to serve; their customers, community, and by extension, the world” (pg. 60). 

A fundamental factor of becoming a great leader is to love the people you are leading. The author describes how much value and respect you can incorporate into your team by simply checking in with them. Thomas notes that although this critical step in going from “a good leader to a great leader” takes time and effort, but “the impact is worth it” (pg. 27). Your team will be inspired and happy to come to work with optimism and passion, eager to bring the organization to new heights. “You cannot lead if you do not love the people on your team” (pg.27).  

Aspects of Review 

Gifford Thomas is the founder of Leadership First, an online resource of daily inspirational quotes and articles to inspire leaders to create the best organizations and teams they can. He is also the author of several other self-improvement novels as well as a popular coach and mentor to leaders all across the world. Thomas is recognized for his commitment to supporting others as they learn and grow to become inspirational leaders in their jobs and communities. 

As I stated in the beginning, I love a good self-improvement book. The Inspirational Leader reminded me of one of my favorites I read last year, Mark Manson’s, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*CK. Manson’s ability to craft literature in such a personal and conversational manner was similar to how Thomas wrote. However, one of the major differences in their writing was Manson’s use of sarcasm and dramatics, whereas Thomas spoke with encouragement and optimism. I truly enjoyed both of these books, but I would say The Inspirational Reader resonated more with my personality. 

The author made several references to other well-known inspirational speakers and authors such as Simon Sinek, bringing attention to the impactful TED Talks and books he has written. Thomas also uses famous leaders such as Steve Jobs and Collee Wegman from Wegman Food Markets as examples to show certain leadership styles and characteristics in the real world. 

Wrapping It Up  

This book is a phenomenal resource that can help individuals become the leaders they have always dreamt of being. Thomas not only wrote about the positives of leadership but he also dedicated chapters to expose poor leadership qualities. His transparency of the negative impact and toxic environments micro-managers create limit individual and organizational achievement. To combat the issues that surface with poor leadership, Thomas offers actionable steps and strategies to facilitate a better work environment. 

“Great Leaders aren’t know-it-alls who continuously try to outshine everyone” (pg. 103) 

My only critique for his book is that some chapters were a little too brief. I found myself wishing Thomas incorporated more examples so the content could be more relatable if you are someone who has not experienced anything similar to the discussion. 

Have you ever read a book that encourages you to reflect on your own experiences so deeply that you recognize what you need to change to grow? What do you think are the differences between a good leader and a great leader? If you are unwilling to recognize ways to improve yourself as a leader, how would you create a high-functioning, high-achieving, and happy work environment?

About the Author 

Gifford Thomas has an “MBA from Henley Business School, University of Reading, and a B.A. (HONS) Business Management degree from Anglia Ruskin University.” He is “a member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, a Council member with GLG, an advisor with visaQ Inc., and one of the leading writers on Quora for Leadership Development.” 

Cited from: Leadership First