September 1, 2012
MacInnis, physician, scientist, and author, describes himself as an accidental leader by way of challenging experiences, including expeditions deep in the Arctic Ocean. He tells us that with time, talent and tenacity, leadership can be learned. The core of the book is the author's essential traits of leadership, including mastery of specific skills to excel in high-risk conditions; mastery of written and spoken words that command the moment; mastery of strength and stamina to combat stress; mastery of levity and laughter to reduce code-red tension; mastery of fatigue, frustration, and failure to succeed in the mission; mastery of visualizing performance in the near and far future; mastery of responding to the unspoken needs of your teammates; mastery of the honesty, integrity and loyalty that sustain the team; and mastery of lateral thinking to solve seemingly impossible problems. MacInnis advises those seeking leadership roles to keep a journal, build a library of inspirational sources, and find mentors. This helpful book is a treasure trove of wisdom for many library patrons.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)