'Leadership'
By: Ruldolph W. Giuliani & Ken Kurson
(Hardcover / 407 Pages / Miramax / ISBN: 0786868414 / $29.95)
Description:Writing in his familiar voice—a New Yorker's bluntness, leavened by his passion for ideas—Rudolph Giuliani demonstrates in 'Leadership' how the leadership skills he practices can be employed successfully by anyone who has to run anything. After all, until the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center pushed him into an unwanted role in history, Giuliani was only months away from leaving office with a reputation as one of the most effective mayors New York had ever seen.
Verdict:In 'Leadership' Rudy Giuliani describes a childhood confrontation with a neighborhood bully. Prodded by his uncle, Rudy confronted and beat a bigger boy. From that day forward Giuliani never backed down, whether was John Gotti or Arafat.
'Leadership' is a fascinating book where Giuliani tells his amazing life story while applying his experiences to some solid leadership principles - the foundation being, "Don't Back Down." Rather than boring readers in a serial description of his life from birth until now, Rudy blends key events, like 9-11, into an interesting mix tied to a logical sequence of leadership principles.
No book can describe the amazing accomplishments by the former mayor in lowering crime and rebuilding NYC. No biography can depict the emotional and vital leadership Rudy provided in the tragic days after 9-11. Giuliani's attempt may be too pragmatic to capture all of his values, but he tries. This reader's only disappointment is Rudy's determination to defend past indiscretions in this book. We are beyond those moments in our respect for the mayor. Both the glow and cracks make-up his character.
Over all, it's a book worth reading. We hope Rudy will attempt another biography in the future, where a longer and broader perspective may enrich his story.
Reviewed by Russ Trunk