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On Leadership

Lessons for the 21st Century

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On Leadership

By: Tony Blair
Narrated by: Tony Blair
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Tony Blair learnt the precepts of governing the hard way: by leading a country for over ten years. In that time he came to understand that there are certain key characteristics of successful government that he wished he had known about when he started.

Now he has written the manual on political leadership that he would have wanted when he first took office in 1997, sharing the insights he has gained from his personal experience and from observing other world leaders at first hand, both while he was prime minister and since, through his Institute’s work with political leaders and governments globally.

Written in short, pithy chapters, packed with examples drawn from all forms of political systems from around the world, the book answers the key questions: How should a leader organise the centre of government and their office? How should they prioritise and develop the right plan and hire the right personnel, cope with unforeseen events and crises, and balance short-term wins with longterm structural change? What’s the best way to deal with an obstructive or inert bureaucracy, to attract investment, to reform healthcare or education, and to ensure security for the citizen? And how should governments harness the massive opportunities of the 21st-century technological revolution?

This is a masterclass on leadership in general, and political leadership in particular, from a master statesman.

'A fascinating treatise on leadership . . . I am glad Blair has written it. It will fascinate anyone interested in the art of governing, even in the abstract' Nicola Sturgeon, Guardian

'Engaging, insightful, provocative' Observer


©2024 Tony Blair (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State Inspiring 21st Century

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Critic reviews

A brilliant, unusual book . . . What this book captures about Blair is not just his mastery of the political arts, but his infectious optimism about politics itself. The book is informed, intelligent and interesting — but it is more than that. It is the most practically useful guide to politics I have ever read . . . It’s the lifetime learnings of a once leader for current and future leaders. (George Osborne)
The book is engaging, insightful, provocative and derisive of “place-holder” leaders who lack the grit to be “a change-maker” (Andrew Rawnsley)
A fascinating treatise on leadership . . . The best bits of the book – and they are genuinely very good – are the passages offering advice on how to cope with the personal burdens of leadership, from dealing with the pressures of social media, to developing a hinterland, avoiding hubris, and knowing when to leave the stage . . . There is much to learn from On Leadership, and I am glad Blair has written it. It will fascinate anyone interested in the art of governing, even in the abstract – and represents a good investment of time for anyone in or aspiring to political leadership. (Nicola Sturgeon)
‘Tantalising, fascinating and insightful . . . worth reading if you want to understand why some governments and political movements succeed and others fail.’ (Isabel Hardman)
‘[Blair’s] institute has given him a perspective no other leading British politician can rival . . . The result is a profoundly non-insular analysis . . . full of practical advice . . . Useful and timely . . . [Blair] is a deeply thoughtful, highly experienced and self-critical man who deserves to be taken seriously by anyone interested in how democratic power is effectively wielded.’ (Andrew Marr)

What listeners say about On Leadership

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Great leadership lessons

Tony makes it come to life with real stories we can understand. Clear and actionable leadership lessons you can use. Recommend to any people leader

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supurb

a proper leader epitomised regardless of your political beliefs. you'll be amazed at his candour and wit, and enthralled by his calm demeanor

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How to bring people on side and how to make friends with people you’ve previously fallen out with

I liked the latter chapters on AI and technology. Also the importance of managing your schedule and making time for reflection.

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Very interesting but also self restricting?

Tony Blair outlines his approach to the key tenants of leadership within a political system. Generous to many others, the book also reinforces his central pole - The Leader is the centre and is the political project. This is not narcissism by another name, it is a opening up as to his belief in what a political leader and leadership has presented itself to him as one of the small and with respect to the UK Labour a club whose members can still almost be counted on one hand. It reminds me of Sir Tony’s command of communication and ability to explain policy and strategy and given what I know of his lack of understanding and use of every day technology in No 10, a very good and understandable history, evolution story and a projection of the future of iterative Artificial Intelligence. His powerful use of language to convey opportunities whilst corralling risk is compelling but a classic theme tune emerges, is use as what is dangerously close to a panacea - the digital identity card for citizens everywhere and at every time. Tony Blair is a compelling case study in modern leadership - re-emerging via his institute as the intellectual heavyweight of a, what I consider to be the most effective application of Labour values as held in the UK for a modern setting as was said 30 years ago is no achieve

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Read by author

Enjoyable book read by the author, a real and practical insight into leadership today and how to navigate both the shoots and choppy waters.

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Stick With It.

I chose this book as I found "A Journey" fascinating and insightful. However there is no escaping this book is purely on how to be a good leader. At first I was listening and making comparisons to the new Starmer Government but the more I listened the more I found myself being inspired and how some if the lessons could be applied in my own life. I definitely found this book more enjoyable the further into it I got.

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Insightful account of political leadership

Fascinating inside knowledge of what it takes to lead a democracy for a decade. Blair’s book will be a touchstone for a new generation of leaders.

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Notes on Leadership written and offered by a true leader

Though never a big fan of Tony Blair until more recent times he clearly does know about leadership. He has learnt over his incredible political journey so many lessons and here reflects insightfully on that acquired knowledge and experience.
Well read by the man himself and seemingly very honest about the highs and lows of having power and being in power.
At this point, October 2024, in the UK national story I really hope Keir Starmer and his colleagues have read this book and listen to this man.
If you are interested in politics and power then read this book.

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Entertaining and engaging

This is highly enjoyable! lots of short chapters on different topics summarising Tony Balir's advice for those in power. I was less interested in the tech related chapters but on the whole it was really interesting and engaging, with references to his own career (but not too many!) Essential reading for leaders!

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Riveting/ compelling/ engrossing

Tony's genius use of language in narrating and breaking down into relatable detail and solutions to this subject matter is truly award winning.

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1 person found this helpful