Greater Than Yourself (GTY) is not an ordinary leadership book - this book is special, providing a universal message for all aspiring leaders. In fact, the book is really a call to action.
The author, Steve Farber, has taken the concept of The Golden Rule and effectively applied it to the workplace and every person in a position of leadership.
This book is told as an inspiring parable. Farber is a highly effective story teller and he does a great job of keeping his readers glued to every chapter of the story. He effectively weaves leadership related lessons and ideas into the story and provides ideas and solutions that are actionable by the reader.
Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership will challenge you to look beyond your own wants and needs, and begin to think about how you can contribute to another person with the goal of making them greater than they are today.You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.
- Zig Ziglar
The story teaches us that because of the journey you will take in making another person better, you too must change. You must learn and grow and because of the sacrifices you make on behalf of another individual, you too will become greater than you were when the journey began.
It is inevitable that we change as time goes on, provided we are actively seeking knowledge to improve ourselves. As a leader, Farber encourages us to put others first in that quest for knowledge, and in return the leader will also benefit from the experience.
It makes total sense. The best way to become an expert at anything, is to have to teach the subject to someone else.
- Steve Farber
The author is the first to admit that the process of GTY can feel awkward at first, even counter-intuitive.
After all, most of us are taught early on to compete and work hard to maintain a competitive advantage over anyone who might someday threaten our position.
Farber maintains that while giving of yourself may feel strange because of how we tend to be conditioned, giving is actually a human need and the perceived risks of giving are myths.
There truly is no gift greater that you can give yourself as the gift of giving to another person.
Helping our fellow man, coaching our subordinates, sharing our best
practices with peers – all of these actions make us better, stronger –
not weaker.
Leaders who have a loyal following are those who instinctively work alongside their team members, showing them the way to success.
GTY leaders are often heard saying things like:
"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as who you become by achieving your goals."
- Zig Ziglar
The Greater Than Yourself approach truly has the power to change your life, the lives of others, and indeed the world. I encourage you to take the first step and read this book. You’ll be glad you did.
Steve Farber is a
leadership consultant and speaker, and has authored the bestseller The Radical Leap. Learn more at SteveFarber.com