Do the time-tested principles still apply in this day and age of popular cliches like “servant leadership,” “authenticity,” and “emotional intelligence”? Looking through my library’s holdings, I located Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus’s Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge and pulled it out. A seminal work in the field of leadership studies, this book first appeared in 1985. Is its advice relevant even now, some forty years later, or has fresh thinking superseded it?
Alright, let’s get begun.
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A Generation Influenced by Four Approaches
Fundamental to Leaders are four tactics that, according to Bennis and Nanus, each good leader should know:
- Leaders Capture Followers’ eyes by outlining a vivid vision.
- Communicating Meaning — They reinforce and resonate with that vision.
Leaders establish their credibility by ensuring that their behaviors align with their message. This is known as trust via positioning.
- Self-Deployment—They have a clear understanding of who they are and how to lead effectively.
These were not empty platitudes; they were to be put into action. Leaders’ ability to transform abstract concepts into practical recommendations was, in fact, a key factor in their success throughout that era. To identify patterns in the actions, rather than just the words, of successful leaders, Bennis and Nanus interviewed 90 top-performing CEOs.
Their primary concern? Leadership is exemplified by one’s character, not by a title or charm.
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Persistent, Though Surprisingly Contemporary
It’s astounding how many of the book’s principles have stood the test of time. Having a leader with vision? The foundation of every movement remains that. Honest, principled discourse? In this age of digital chaos, perhaps even more so. And the notion that leaders must have self-awareness and honesty as requisites? Especially in a society where followers value authenticity above showmanship, it remains pertinent.
Bennis was one of the first to argue that leadership could be taught. At an era when many thought leaders were born, not formed, that was revolutionary. Many leadership programs around the world still rely on his belief today.
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Discarded Features of Modern Terrain
The book does have some creases, though.
Before the advent of digitalization, globalization, and the rise of remote work, hybrid teams, and DEI, the world in which Leaders was written was vastly different. Most of the people included in its case studies are white, male, and work for American corporations. Even though the ideas are universal, the instances are so old they’re practically in a time capsule. Different questions arise for leaders today, such as how to lead in decentralized, digital-first businesses and how to cultivate psychological safety. In practice, how can one be an inclusive leader?
On occasion, the prose takes on a more formal, academic tone. Leadership feels more like a TED Talk than one of those modern, narrative-driven leadership books. This can force readers to switch gears if they’re looking for engaging, fast-paced writing.
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Why You Should Read It Anyhow
If you are serious about grasping the core of leadership, you should read Leaders, despite its age. Leadership, at its core, is timeless, even as methods and technology evolve. Motivating, understanding, and leading with honesty and transparency are still priorities for most people.
Looking back at the people who initially raised the correct questions can be the most excellent way to move forward.
Thus, it is evident that the book is old. Still, its intelligence is on display.
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Last Remark
The teachings in Leaders apply to everyone who wants to live their life more intentionally, whether they are executives, nonprofit directors, team leads, or anyone else. Take it more as a mirror than a route map. Then, consider whether you are leading with vision, purpose, credibility, and sincerity.
The quote “Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself” is from an article written by Bennis.
That seems like solid advice even after all these years.
📘 Is leadership timeless?
I revisited Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus—published 40 years ago—and asked: Does it still hold up in today’s world of hybrid teams, DEI, and digital chaos?
Spoiler: Some lessons age like fine wine. 🍷
Others? Not so much.
🔍 Read my full reflection on what still matters, what feels dated, and why this leadership classic might be worth your time, again.
