Leading: Learning from Life and My Years at Manchester United

It is a modern trend to learn leadership skills on universities around the world. Lecturers try to convey messages about how to lead a group, team, or company, despite the fact that more often than not, they are confined behind desks at faculty rooms.This is a leadership book like no other, since it is written by a 'lecturer' never bounded by desks. Sir Alex Ferguson (SAF) is one of the world's most decorated football managers, and his retirement in 2013 ended an illustrious career of trophy-laden journey. Afterwards, he took lecturing duties at Harvard Business School, of which this book, "Leading", is based upon.It is fair to say, therefore, that this is a textbook of leadership. It is a textbook not filled by technical jargons or whatever. Instead, this is SAF telling you almost first hand on important leadership skills, particularly those that he found most pivotal. He divided those skills into tiny, bite-sized parts that are consumable in minutes. Not with theories, instead, he told us readers how he developed those skills while working mainly for Manchester United (1986-2013).It is almost in essence a complement to his two autobiographies, "Managing My Life" and "My Autobiography". However, this book looks even more like a set of life lessons compared to his two autobiographies. The way he organized the book actually makes it easy to read, and makes you also desire to read more—I finish the entire book in less than 10 hours, because I cannot put it down.It has a lot of great insights from the boss himself. Do not be surprised that you may find some stories have been told before in either of his past autobiographies. Nonetheless, this remains a very captivating reading, and for the purpose of Leadership 101, "Leading" has a lot to offer, straight from "the" boss himself.

A very easy read to gain many leadership perspectives and views. Sir Alex is a man who is greatly admired but seen as a somewhat stern and aloof character but he is more a man pursuing a higher level of perfection as each year passed by. It is one of the best leadership books I’ve read and is particularly inspirational.

I thoroughly enjoyed Leading. It is an extension IMHO of a Harvard Business Review article that ran a few years ago.Easy read, great stories. Recommended for all, not just for Man U fans (I am not one!!!).My 5 Stars is based purely on my enjoyment of the book. It was a fun, easy read with great stories of great teams and players from the past and the journeys of some of the new stars. The stories were interesting and compelling and that is what sold me on the book.As far as being revolutionary in new leadership trends, not so much. His leadership style is simple, straightforward and has been addressed in many other texts and magazines.If you are looking to read about football and players and journeys - buy it. If you are looking for a book on leadership, I would search elsewhere. Something old - Maxwell. Something new - Start with Why or Turn the Ship Around.

I enjoy this book tremendously. Not just because I'm a soccer junky but because it goes beyond success on the football pitch and addresses what it takes to be a good leader in any industry. This book is great for the soccer mad fan that wants some inside access to the dynasty of Manchester United. It's also fantastic for the person that wants to get more out of themselves and their life. I loved the football but my favorite chapter may be the epilogue comparing Sir Alex and European football to the cut throat world of high tech Silicon Valley. Enjoy!

I am an Manchester United fan and have followed Sir Alex all his time in MU. In this book he presents his thoughts about the different aspects of his work as a manager. He is not pretending to give general managementadvices. He is simply telling us what has worked for him in MU. He also gives us some interesting insight in why he did what he did in different issues about selling and buying of players. A very interesting book, for MU fans in particular.The epilogue was far less interesting for me.

Enjoyed the book, and I say that as an Arsenal fan. Sir Alex was one of a kind.The epilogue was unfortunate - too long and too many strained comparisons between ManU and Sequoia.

Reading this book is like sitting by a fireplace with a pint of ale, hearing Sir Alex Ferguson talking you about leadership.Lots of nuggets of wisdom from a hard worker who always put the maximum attention to details.What emerges is the utmost respect for his colleagues, rival teams. Good read not only for soccer/football fans, but for whoever is interested in leadership and self improvement.

Some info that will appeal to football supporters especially those Utd fans. However there is a tendency to over emphasise the skillset of Sir Alex Ferguson with that neede by those in industry & other professionals. No doubt Sir Alex has leadership qualities but I believe its an indulgence to compare him to those who require leadership skills for more crucial & lifechanging roles!