By Robin Sharma

I got this book from the Times book fair at Atria mall end of last year, at the price of RM 43.94 (before 30% off, cheaper than Popular bookshop), after being strongly recommended by a high school friend, who told me how influential this book has been to her. If it wasn’t her, there is no way I’d pick this book up based on its cover page (“real success in business” and “leadership” aren’t really related to me :P).

This is the first time I came across this kind of book. It’s good in a way that it’s written with a story-line, rather than all theory and advice, telling you what to do to become successful in life, in what you do, in your relationships, in your job, in your business etc. It also gives you some reassurance and guidance if something not quite right turns up. Many pieces of good advice in one book, once put in actions, I can imagine people can live such a meaningful life. But I wonder how many lives have been changed by this book? How many people actually take action after reading it? For me, I’m, still, trying.

I like the “feelings” the book brought me nevertheless, so I’ve got another book of Robin Sharma, and planned to read it later this year, when this “feeling” is disappearing. Right now, let me do a revision here to see how much I remember from the book? (Please let me know if I shouldn’t be publishing this here?!)

(1) You need no title to be a leader

IMAGE: Innovation, Mastery, Authenticity, Guts, Ethics

(2) Turbulent times build great leaders

SPARK: Speak with candor, Prioritize, Adversity breeds opportunities, Respond vs React, Kudos for everyone

(3) The deeper your relationship, the your leadership

HUMAN: Helpfulness, Understanding, Mingle, Amuse, Nurture

(4) To be a great leader, first become a great person

SHINE: See clearly, Health is wealth, Inspiration matters, Neglect not your family, Elevate your lifestyle

And finally, my favourite quote –

It is better to go down in fiery failure because you chased your loftiest ambitions than to spend your best hours watching television in some subdivision.