De-railed by Tim Irwin
Dr. Irwin clearly summarizes De-Railed this way: “This book has two primary objectives: first, to help us understand how derailment occurs—the real point of the six leader profiles; second, to help us avoid a cataclysmic train wreck in our own careers—the subject of the second half of the book.” The character flaws of these six high-profile CEOs show us where even the average person can get off track. These traits are: 1. Authenticity 2. Self-management 3. Humility 4. Courage.
I really had to push myself to finish this book. I’m a strong believer in the strengths-based teaching of people like Marcus Buckingham. Dr. Irwin seems defensive very early in the book in response to strengths-based teaching, which then put me on the defensive as the reader. I had a hard time with the profiling of the CEOs; I don’t question the failures of these leaders so I think it was more they way that they were profiled that I didn’t like. It seems that Dr. Irwin is referring to character flaws and not misuse of strengths or an ignorance of weaknesses. He’s really bringing attention to a serious issue, but the way in which he does is a turn off.
The second half of the book was much better. There was great advice and questions to ask yourself to avoid the stated character issues. Unfortunately, over all I feel that the book was poorly written and just didn’t keep my attention despite some great content.
*** This book was reviewed as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program. ***
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