“Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fit It” is a compelling and insightful book co-authored by Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer. This book looks at the topic of personal responsibility and leadership, providing readers with practical strategies to enhance their personal and professional lives.

The central theme revolves around the concept of self-leadership, urging people to take charge of their own destinies rather than waiting for external circumstances or other people to shape their paths. Lennick and Wachendorfer draw from their extensive experience in leadership development and present a roadmap for readers to cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a proactive mindset.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on the importance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. The authors argue that understanding and managing your emotions, as well as recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of others, are critical components of successful leadership. They provide real-world examples and practical exercises to help readers develop these skills, making the content accessible and actionable.

The book also explores the topic of accountability and the role it plays in personal and professional success. Lennick and Wachendorfer contend that taking responsibility for your own actions and decisions is a key aspect of self-leadership. They illustrate this with anecdotes and case studies that will resonate with a lot of readers, making the principles outlined in the book relatable and applicable to a variety of situations.

The book includes a section on resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. The authors talk about how setbacks are inevitable and often completely outside of an individual’s control, but the way in which people respond to setbacks is within their control. Through practical advice and stories, they guide readers on building resilience and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of challenges.

I would also add that even experienced and senior leaders would benefit from the content in the book, which is likely to give you the point of refresh and refocus you might need if you’re feeling stuck or have reached a plateau in what you’re trying to achieve.

One very minor and potential drawback for some readers could be the occasional lack of depth in certain sections. For instance, the discussion on emotional intelligence, while insightful, could benefit from a more thorough exploration of specific strategies for its development. Offering a more detailed breakdown of the practical steps readers can take to enhance their emotional intelligence would strengthen the book’s impact.

Overall, this book delivers a powerful message of personal empowerment and accountability. The writing style is engaging, and the authors effectively weave in anecdotes and examples to drive home their points. The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to translate complex leadership concepts into actionable steps that readers can implement in their daily lives. It’s actually hard to read it without scribbling down the ideas and thoughts that will pop into your head when you read through each chapter. In addition, I have a feeling this is likely to be one of those classic books that leaders and managers will read and will then go on to buy copies for people in their teams.

In conclusion, “Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fit It” is a valuable addition to the self-help and leadership genres. Its strengths lie in its emphasis on emotional intelligence, accountability, resilience, and accessibility to a broad audience. While it may not offer groundbreaking insights for those well-versed in the field, its practical approach makes it an excellent resource for individuals looking to kickstart their journey toward self-leadership.

I recommend this book to anyone seeking practical advice on personal and professional development, particularly those new to emotional intelligence and self-leadership. Whether you are a seasoned leader or someone aspiring to enhance your leadership skills, “Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fit It” provides a roadmap for cultivating the mindset and behaviours necessary for success.

Published by Wiley

Reviewed by Karen Beaven, Director, Reignite HR