Fabulous reads – Greatness requires calculated moves
Book review - What Makes Them Great? by Douglas Kruger.
What Makes Them Great?, Douglas Kruger, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9781776093595
I HAVE a low boredom threshold, so I often sit back before the year draws to an end to reflect on how to improve, how to make life and work more interesting, seek challenges, and decide what to delete.
So it was serendipitous that Penguin Random House SA sent me the book: What makes them Great – 50 ways to become the industry leader, by seasoned author and global keynote speaker, Douglas Kruger.
In this book he speaks to the maverick in us, and champions the individual in an age when revering ‘the many’ rears its Marxist head.
He encourages excellence and shows the way to become a shining icon in an industry. Of course, there’s hard work and going the extra mile goes without saying, but there also has to be knowledge, charisma and character. There are many experts who have the knowledge but lack the drive, ambition and personality to take them to the top and beyond.
And while brains and competence matters, the icons are not necessarily those with the most degrees either.
No, they stand out as their purpose and passion are palpable and because they wallow in the proverbial X-factor, they attract publicity and a following, and learn how to use this to their advantage.
ALSO READ: Fabulous reads – Your mind does matter
They grow their brand by maintaining high standards, being innovative, never resting on a past success, but striving and stretching themselves, onwards and upwards.
Douglas, the only person to have won the Southern African Championships for Public Speaking record of five times – and who was conducted in the Professional Speakers Association’s Hall of Fame – shares his own journey to success.
I like the fast pace of the book and practical approach to greatness as he unpacks the answer to the burning question: What makes some people leaders in their field?
I hate the mediocre and loved the swift kick in the proverbial to torpedo you out of a comfort zone and into the scary, but stimulating stratosphere where greatness can be cultivated. Don’t ask me, this is not a book I will lend to anyone. It’s one of those you will go back and read time and again!
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
