Where Have our Leaders Gone - Book Report/Review Example

? “Where have our leaders gone?” affiliation “Where have our leaders gone?” Part The book ‘Where Have Our Leaders Gone’is a personal narration literature piece in addressing an issue that is negatively affecting the society. The novel is written by Lee Iacocca. The author has encountered both privileges and challenges in his professional life. At his old age he has met with significant world leader such as Fidel Castro, Pope John Paul II, Senator John Kerry, Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and Rapper Snoop Dogg among many other leaders in their respective sectors (Iacocca, 2007). The argument and inspirational quotes and teaching from the leaders cited are effectively highlighted in the novel. Lee then further supports their argument by citing situations and sectors whereby the leaders left a mark (Iacocca, 2007). The book is a review of the modern leader and the modern leadership strategies. The author does not focus on one aspect and paradigm of leadership. Lee Iacocca focuses on leadership on numerous scopes from politics, business, religion, and music, inspirational and personal experiences(Iacocca, 2007). The book is a denotation leadership in the modern century. However, the author is not much pleased by the direction at which leadership characters are taking. In the most parts of the novel Lee Iacocca shows displeasure in the way leadership positions are utilized and major sectors in the world are being handled. Also in the book is the personal experience of the author and his leadership aspects. The relationship between the author and leadership is based on his past experiences on leadership positions in his personal life and corporate career. The novel is also written as a critique to major leaders across the globe. One major leader criticized in the novel is George Bush. Lee has more than once criticized the leadership styles by George Bush and the evils he committed during his era as president (Iacocca, 2007). Additionally, Lee argues the leadership of George Bush was a sign of the degradation of the leadership status of the United States in which he has doubts on its return as the most significant nation in the Globe (Iacocca, 2007). The novel criticizes the handling of the sectors around the United States ranging from health, finance and political sectors. The downfall of the American industries can be attributed to the type of leaders that are incorporated to head the systems. In support of his argument, Lee cites the sales numbers in Chrysler during his tenure and the current sales(Iacocca, 2007). There is a great difference in bot the quality of production, quantity of production; thus, influencing a great difference in the number of sales (Iacocca, 2007). The novel is basedon the argument that leaders a century or years aback were more competent in creating strategies and working formulae. Lee reviews significant leaders such as Fidel Castro and the policies he used in his leadership styles and compares to the policies modern leaders use (Iacocca, 2007). Modern leadership policies lack style, originality, competence and performance. Lee shifts the critique to a personal level as he directly criticizes many leadership paradigms arguing he could do a better job that most society and corporate leaders (Iacocca, 2007). Part 2 In the book, the aspect that interests me most is the fact that leadership lies on the hands of the citizens or the normal individual. Lee lashes put his anger on citizens who do not bother to vote. He argues that voting is a special chance and that citizens have to change the present authority and leadership. In his argument, it is irresponsible for any person not to vote and it should be treated as a crime (Iacocca, 2007). Apart from the patriotic responsibility of voting, it is a personal responsibility to select the most appropriate leader. Additionally, there is the argument on the influences voting decisions. Lee put across that most voters in the United States do not base their voting on policies but rather on the candidate of a party(Iacocca, 2007). This has greatly hindered development of national policies (Iacocca, 2007). In analyzing voting mechanisms a century ago, the American citizen based their voting on the need to have change in the nation. This voting decision paradigm is responsible for the change the nation has seen and the freedom citizens enjoy. Lee cites leadership figures such as Ronald Reagan and the significance the American citizen held him by (Iacocca, 2007). However, the situation has changed in the modern political field. Most of the young populations do not have the urgency to participate in voting. The young population has the highest population in the United States which means that they could create leadership change in the leadership system. The failure to vote gives the rise to bad leadership regimes like one experienced during George Bush’s era. Lee argues that voting wisely is key in changing the leadership system from better to best (Iacocca, 2007). The author further points out that the leadership system in the United States is poor and it would take a lot to change the system (Iacocca, 2007). He presents his fears that the nation could be stuck in the current status of poor leadership and implementation of poor policies if irresponsible vices such as lack of voting dominate the American citizen (Iacocca, 2007). In a personal expansion on the aspect, it is an obvious assumption that lack of voting by a significant population such as the youth is a great hindrance to effective leadership and management. The youth in a particular nation are the agents of changing in regards to their large population and large life expectancy. Practicing responsible voting among the youth can be significant is the United States has to experiences in its leadership systems. Apart from the state responsibility, each and every person should have the need to select their preferred leader depending on what they believe on effective leadership. Additionally, the choice of the leadership one chooses should be based on policies the leader sells or seeks to implement but not on choices such as party affiliation, social status or race (Iacocca, 2007). Part 3 The information in the novel has positively impacted in my study of business. In business, leadership is the most important tool for success. Lee analyses his time at Chrysler head of management and the policies he put in place to ensure that the company excelled. He then analyses the current Chrysler management team and the policies they have put in place to push sales(Iacocca, 2007). After an analysis of the two eras, it is an obvious assumption that Lee was an excellent manger compared to his counterparts. As a business student, this difference in management reflects lot on the type of policies I need to ensure excellence to any business entity I am responsible for management. Additionally, Lee cites simple excellence such as proper management of human resources and a good market research as strategies that would ensure excellence in business(Iacocca, 2007).. The information from other leaders highlighted in the novel has also a great impact on my business career. Each leader featured in the novel provides motivation on any reader. Lee uses the leader’s policies and what drives their spirit towards success (Iacocca, 2007). This is motivation enough to any student to focus on success above anything else. Fro instance, the review on Robert McNamara is very inspirational. The author highlights the teachings of McNamara on success is clear and concise manner (Iacocca, 2007). As a business student the tips on success by these leaders puts one in a position to develop leadership skills and tips towards success. Additionally, Lee is honest enough to provide enough information both negative and positive on effective leadership and appropriate management of leadership positions regardless the significance. As a student in business, one should be directly informed on the negativity and positivity of implementing poor leadership practices. Additionally, the information in the book gives clear information on the effects of poor leadership on society and large and the institution a leader is affiliated to. This gives students a forecast in the consequences of the mismanagement of leadership position in business entities. Part 4 The interplay between Canadian law and business has been significant over the years. The corporate relationship between the United States and Canada has led to the rise of retailers in the Canadian market. However, the Canadian has great hindrances in its market provided by its legal system. The legality to operate in Canada requires deep consultations with legal personnel with great knowledge of the system to avoid litigation, closures and fines. In reviewing the Canadian Law, Lee argues that the limits foreign investment and this is bad leadership (Iacocca, 2007). However, he acknowledges the need to tighten trading rules and legal provisions to limit fraudulent business investment and increase the investment if local entrepreneurs and business entities. Regardless of the strictness provided by the Canadian Law, the level of business and corporate investment in the region has been significant; this can be cited to the way the corporate system is managed. Lee argues that the Canadian law is an example of policy careful as well as responsible enough for success of businesses in the region (Iacocca, 2007). Reference Iacocca, L. (2007). Where Have All the Leaders Gone? New York: Scribner. Read More