Review of Lead You

[Mutai Marshal]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lead You" by Ufuoma Otu.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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In Lead You, Ufuoma Otu explores some issues affecting the African continent. The problems ailing the continent, its potential, and how it can be harnessed to bring transformation are some outstanding matters brought to light.

The simplest definition of a leader is found at the beginning of the book. A leader is someone who can guide and show the way to others. Over the years, negative stereotypes have been projected against Africa by the media. The author argues that the time has come for people to advance positive stereotypes. She identifies poor leadership and mismanagement of economic resources as the principal roots of Africa’s problems. Following the independence of most states in the 1960s, many leaders sought to protect their interests by altering the constitutions and entering into agreements with opposition leaders. This set a poor platform for the continent.

Fortunately, there is an ongoing renaissance characterized by increased awareness of people’s potential and the need for change. Singapore is a nation that rose beyond its shackles of poverty to become a first-world country in three decades under the stewardship of Lee. What was their secret recipe?

I loved the case studies provided by the author to elucidate the crises the continent is grappling with. The poignant personalities and events that punctuated African nations in their first twenty years of independence were well envisaged. Mwalimu Nyerere’s experimental socialism policy in Tanzania–formerly Tanganyika–is one undoing listed. What stood out for me was Otu’s optimism. Despite the murky situation in her continent, she acknowledges the youth as the agents of change. She asserts that African problems require unique solutions and that we should no longer be partakers of philosophies but producers.

The solutions provided to address some of the highlighted problems are within the confines of the continent. For instance, technology can be harnessed to streamline public offices by sealing corruption loopholes. Since Africa has the most extensive ethnic diversity globally, the author dispensed some insights into how ethnicity and cultural differences can be circumvented to bring prosperity.

Lead You is a read I recommend to every passionate individual seeking to transform their status and interested in transformative leadership. Therein, you will find nuggets of wisdom to transform society on individual and collective levels.

I came across an incorrect provision. Uhuru Kenyatta was mentioned as one of Kenya’s founding fathers. This is incorrect since he served as the fourth president. It can be rectified to Jomo Kenyatta. Other than this, I felt that I was privy to most of the information about the theme of leadership. Though it was uniquely presented, I am inclined to lower the rating of Lead You to 4 out of 5. Lastly, I commend the editor(s) for the flawless editing of this book.

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Lead You
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[Alexander Victoria]

The book's straightforward definition of a leader as someone who guides and shows the way is a refreshing reminder of the core principles of leadership. Indeed, Africa has often been the subject of negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media. Otu's argument for advancing positive stereotypes is a call to action, emphasizing the importance of changing perceptions and focusing on the continent's strengths.

[Upphilan Paul]

This is a mind hacking book and I love it. Africa is a blessed Continent and there are resources that can make it blossom but I feel like African leaders haven't maintain or make the prosperity shine forth for the black race.
The author made it known that Singapore was poor and were abysmal but now, they're making global recognition for their greatness.
I love this review and I recommend the book.

[patricia MGBEMENA]

This book could be used for an educational purpose. I find it to be very enlightening and I also like that it discusses a lot about leadership and some hints of history.