Leaders Ought To Know

Leaders Ought to Know – Phillip van Hooser

(Wiley, £14.99)

Phillip van Hooser writes from a personal perspective throughout Leaders Ought to Know, lending both gravitas and realism to each of the 11 ground rules he covers. The first, “Leadership is a choice – reinforced by individual effort”, is certainly food for thought, particularly as a PA, which is by definition a role with a hierarchical superior.

The difference between van Hooser and other authors on the subject is that he writes from years of experience, which is clear throughout the book. His comments are not only relevant to those in a business but to the self-employed, VAs for example, who can also benefit from his anecdotes and approach.

Using his own career challenges, he encourages readers to re-evaluate the ways in which they try to grow as professionals. Once you have digested his slightly overwhelming American positivity, there are some simple, effective and motivational rules to support this aim.

Bethany Fovargue, PA, Data Interchange