2018: Book #28

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” 

FDR spoke those words at his first presidential inauguration in 1933. Alan Axelrod uses that famous line and turns a phrase with the title of his book, “Nothing to Fear: Lessons in Leadership from FDR.”

Axelrod takes FDR’s speeches and builds leadership principles from them. There’s one thing missing, though…stories about Roosevelt. I found that disappointing.

As I read the book, I found myself saying to Axelrod, “Don’t just use FDR’s words, back them up with stories about the man!” Other than that, the book is great.

Here are some really good quotes from one of my favorite leaders, FDR:

“A selfish victory is always destined to be an ultimate defeat.”

“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

“You cannot build a modern dynamo with the ancient forge and bellows of the medieval blacksmith.”

Axelrod uses FDR’s words to take you through lessons on preparation, clarity, planning, inspiration, and more. The Chapters are short and simple.  It’s a good daily read for any leader.

I give it 4 stars out of 5.

That’s book #28 for 2018.

24 more to go to reach 52 for the year.

Remember, all leaders are readers.
If you want to be a better leader…be a reader.
#52in2018

Interested in purchasing this book?