Author – Niamh O’Keeffe

Book discussed – 13 October 2020

Review by – Lisa Preuveneers

The book ‘Future Shaper’ leaves no doubt in one’s mind that leaders are most definitely made.  On reading the book it shows you how; not that you would know from the title and chapter one, which considers the macro challenges of leadership in a world of rapid change.

Chapter two deals with empowerment, and from here the book morphs into an inspirational self-help manual describing in detail just how to take charge, for example ‘think how to make friends and influence people’.  Each chapter clearly, cleverly and succinctly communicates its purpose.  It tells you what it is going to tell you, then it tells you, and goes on to tell you what more you need to know, finishing off with ‘key take-aways’.

The book continues with key fundamentals, such as: “preferred outcomes”, “be persuasive”, “be resilient”, “nurture your team” and “power up your network”, with the focus on YOU!

Finally, Part 4 spells out what you need to do, and to be, to achieve success in life generally using the acronym F.U.T.U.R.E. (intelligent traits), S.H.A.P.E.R. (leadership traits). To sum up, I recommend that Future Shaper be used as a coaching guide, an HR instruction manual or yardstick to evaluate the leadership potential of future recruitment.