Lead!
Finding your voice in a chaotic world
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My newest leadership book is now
also available from Amazon - buy it here!
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In ‘Lead Like Mary’ we explored the concept of authentic leadership. We met Mary, low in
ego, high in humility, a leader who inspires and enables others, gaining her legitimacy from who she is, not the position she holds, part of an evolution from autocratic to authentic leadership, from a leadership paradigm of Command & Control to one built around Inspiring & enabling others.
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But becoming an authentic leader is no longer enough. We live in a chaotic world, turned
upside down by seismic events. We’ve faced a global pandemic and we have a climate
emergency. Wars, terrorism, corruption and rampant self-interest blight our world, while
closer to home poverty and food banks have become part of everyday life.
We cannot wait for or expect that leadership to come from the top, from governments,
political leaders, religious leaders, heads of conglomerates and corporations. It’s inevitable we’ve become cynical, worn out by self-preservation, big egos and obsessive wealth gathering.
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Here’s the good news. We don’t need to rely on those leaders. Every one of us is capable of taking action ourselves. Today.
We can become a leader who makes a difference, builds a better world around them, helps build a better tomorrow for others. You know the most exciting thing? No-one can stop you!
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I’m not talking about individuals like you and me delivering major change, this is about
much smaller actions that might create a better world for just one person. Imagine that
repeated millions of times - that’s when major change occurs.
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As Greta Thunberg says 'no-one is too small to make a difference.’
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My new book aims to inspire and enable you to find your voice, to focus on what’s possible and to build a better world from the inside-out. We revisit Mary’s traits, share the inspirational stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and explore a framework for finding your voice and delivering sustainable change.
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Reviews of Lead!...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 March 2024
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I attended one of Barry's leadership courses about 10 years and received his first book on leadership 'Lead Like Mary' as part of the course, which is written in the style of a story (with lessons). I really recommend buying and reading this book too (first if possible) as it cleraly highlights the qualities that do and do not make good leaders.
This book 'Lead! Finding your Voice in a Chaotic World' takes the learning from the first book much further and with the exercises and reflections built in - it is more like a thought provoking leadership manual. It has actually taken me a few months to read the whole book and complete the exercises - some I found relatively straight forward - others much harder - we often do not stop to think about our purpose for example - but thinking about the deeper stuff is good!
And then Lead! then goes on to say (more or less) - what are you going to do to lead in this world? what is stopping you, how can you overcome these barriers?
There are also inspirational examples from some brilliant leaders who Barry has encountered.
Reading this book has come at a really important time for me in my career and I want to thank Barry for the support the book has provided.
It is super accessible -there is no jargon, you do not need to work in business or anything - in fact examples are drawn from a school and NGOs. There is a lot in here - great value for money.
If you like Barry's style - you can also join the Lead! Community Facebook group and listen to his Leadership Reflections podcasts - both of which I also recommend.
I highly recommend buying this book, reading it, writing in it, learning as you read it, sharing its content, enjoying it and putting it into practice.
Nicky
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5.0 out of 5 stars Urgent call for impactful leaders
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2023
This book is a very important call to action to us all, to lead in different aspects of our lives to make an impact.
Barry gives practical and clear advice and inspiration to encourage you to develop your leadership skills.
Let’s all LEAD!
PJ Colley
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5.0 out of 5 stars The leadership book all leaders need to read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2023
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This is a fantastic book that all aspiring and existing leaders need to read. This is a real insight into authentic leadership and how to put this into practice on a daily basis. A must read for all leaders no matter what your experience is.
AJ Bennett
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good practical advice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2023
I love books that get to the nub of an issue in a really accessible way. This book does exactly that. It really helped me to reflect and challenged my thinking. Everyone can be a leader and whether you’re new to leadership or - like me - been at it a while this book will have something for you.
Lesley Dixon
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from Barry Dore!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2023
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Being fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of attending a series of leadership development workshops delivered by Barry Dore some years ago, I have first hand experience of the impact his passion for inspiring leaders to realise their own potential. This book follows on from his first leadership book 'Lead like Mary' ( also highly recommended!) and is written is a style that is so easy to follow and digest - almost as if Barry is there, delivering his insight directly as you sit and read. The book includes case studies and personal accounts/reflections from Barry. With the World in such turmoil and seemingly lurching from one crisis to another, authentic leaders will do their bit in leading us to less troubled waters. This doesn't have to be on the World stage - we all have our part to play, no matter how big or small that may be. Barry will open your eyes to all manner of possibilities, enabling you to develop as a leader and
do your bit, at whatever level you aim for. My tip? buy it, read it, share it - you won't be disappointed!
Steve D
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5.0 out of 5 stars Lead! Just what all leaders need right now!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 November 2023
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I wasn’t sure how Barry Dore could top the advice and direction that his first book Lead Like Mary gave on authentic leadership and the empowering message that anyone can be a leader… but he bloomin well has! You can’t often say a non-fiction is a page turner but this book will resonate so strongly with anyone trying to lead a team or project or community group right now in todays chaotic environment that you just can’t put it down until you have consumed it! Thank you Barry!
Donna Tew
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great to support your own leadership skills and share with others
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2023
A great follow up to lead like Mary and a great tool to use to support your own leadership growth and to support others. I particularly like the exercise sections to promote planning and reflection. Great value for money!
AE Walls
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2023
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Barry’s latest book is the best yet - reminders of Lead like Mary and then real life examples that inspire and show what incredible things are possible. Barry’s books always reset me - bringing me back to what’s most important. An absolute must read for anyone, at every stage of life or career.
Katie Helps
5.0 out of 5 stars A message the world needs right now
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2023
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The world feels pretty chaotic at the moment with an ever urgent need for leaders and significant change. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to feel empowered, with step by step chapters to become more efficient and focused to lead this change. It has and will continue to help support me in my work life and beyond.
S King
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2023
Lead! by Barry Dore – you must gift this book to everyone you love/like - and most definitely everyone else who falls outside this category.
I’m pretty certain that this is the first time a non-fiction book has made me feel emotional. But then why wouldn’t it, when the whole premise of the book challenges us all to ‘step up, take action, and lead’ in a world that has become chaotic, the call for action is now, and it’s for all of us.
Barry’s point, and one I wholeheartedly agree with, is that we are all leaders, in some part of our lives and that we all have the capability to effect change if we followed the principles outlined in this book. ‘Inside out Leadership’ ie begin with yourself, what are your values and beliefs, what makes you happy – big questions, which we rarely get to the bottom of. In my work as a coach I talk to clients on an almost weekly basis about their values – rarely do I ever get a face that doesn’t look quizzical until I explain why this is crucial.
Leadership is a whole life activity? – absolutely – how are you living your life as a leader and what more can you do. How can you elevate your voice. This is a book I’ve spent 8 weeks reading – I’ve dipped in, done some thinking, more reading, reflecting, pondering, challenging myself. I’ve done the exercises and they have really made me think – who are the people who influence me is just one example – I analysed that to death then made some radical changes.
I know this one will resonate: self-care, good mental health – how can we look after ourselves, those around us and develop this so that it becomes ‘just the way we do things around here’ – more great examples and exercises.
The discussion about ‘To Do’ lists – revealing what I’ve been doing wrong all these years – so obvious when it’s pointed out. Thank you!
Then there’s the big birthday challenge – you may need tissues because if you’re sitting quietly and you read deeply into Barry’s words, I guarantee they will resonate – and I can’t help but think that when I reach my next significant zero birthday Barry will be in my head, in a very positive way.
Whether you are a leader, you definitely don’t think you’re a leader or you’re not sure either way, you will get so much insight about yourself and what more you are capable of from reading this book and completing the exercises.
And a final word from me, to you Barry. I feel so very privileged that you asked me to contribute to your book. Honestly, having read it from cover to cover I feel really very proud to call you a friend and if anyone is more of a selfless, visionary and committed to serving others it’s certainly you.
And now I’m off to “give myself a damn good listening to”! - and to find out what that involves you must, of course, BUY THE BOOK
​Sarah Jones
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