The "hook" as you begin this book is the clear expression of frustration experienced by voters in this country who crave the leadership excellence we have had off-and-on throughout the history of our country.
Then the author steps back and analyzes those qualities in such a way that we can become that leader in our own lives, on our jobs, in our communities.
In the end, we still wonder, "How can leadership excellence ever make a comeback with the likes of Carl Rove handing out stones for us to throw at one another?" I recommend the book.

Leee Iacocca gives a brash view on the current politics of the United States. 'Where Have All the Leaders Gone' is an all-out, hard-hitting view of all the problems of the U.S. economy; from someone who's seen it first hand. This book is a fast read, and I would recommend it to anyone.

I have enjoyed reading Lee's Autobiography even though I did not agree with everything he said. In "Where have all the leaders gone" I am wondering if he has gone off the deep end. He makes some good points about leaders have to listen, and that leaders should keep people of various opinions around, and that leaders are made by having quality people around them. This is good stuff, but what in the world are we to make when we read that Lee is hob knobbing with Fidel Castro! He likes the man. Fidel is a murderer Lee! We are not to blame for the state that Cuba finds itself in, Castro is to blame. Quite frankly it sounds like Lee is just really upset that he cannot get Cuban cigars. Come on Lee grow up for goodness sakes.

I can get past Lee's dislike for Bush, heck I am not all that fond of the job he has done, and I voted for him, twice. But come on Lee, "Bush lied and people died" this is about as original as a burger and fries at McDonalds. I am not inclined to defend Bush, but at least he did listen to the Generals and sent in more troops and guess what Lee, we are winning.

It would seem that Lee has gotten his undies in a bunch and is letting off steam. It is too bad because we are short on good leaders these days, and I really thought Lee would shed some good and practical light on the subject, but all we get is just more of what is on the New York Times Editorial page. It's a shame that trees had to die to print this drivel.

Mr. Iacocca is now on my short list of the ideal lunch date. What a fascinating, intelligent and entertaining guy! I feel depressed that big business in America is no long controlled by people with his level of integrity. This book's hidden gem is that it presents great business lessons. Of course the running theme happens to be an echo chamber of my own left-leaning politics (President Bush supports and promotes thieves, medicine is a human right), so there was happy reading. But you also get some advice from a very successful salesman on how to succeed in sales, hire and manage great people. The book starts out with perfect pitch, is entertaining, sharp, witty, and offers solutions rather than just opining. I only object to some world-class name-dropping in the last third; I don't see how it adds anything to the discussion. Otherwise, as a practical manual of how to fix major issues we are having in this country, it is worth buying to refer to again and again.

Lee Iacocca is correct in the observation that "smoke and mirrors" politics and mis-information in America is how big business has taken over our democracy. Wish Lee was running for President.

If you ever felt, "Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening?", please read this book. I read the book recently, little late since it was published more than a year ago, but I am glad I picked up a copy from the local library and read it finally.

From time to time we need Lee's doses to wake up, get our act together and put our money where our mouth is. The book will give you that and so deserves a 5-Star rating.

If you ever felt, "Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening?", please read this book. I read the book recently, little late since it was published, but I am glad I picked up a copy from the local library and read it finally.

From time to time we need Lee's doses to wake up, get our act together and put our money where our mouth is. The book will give you that and so deserves a 5-Star rating.

I found the beginning of the book pretty entertaining.The author is very outspoken and speaking his mind plain straight.
He has obviously shown a lot of COURAGE by writing this book.
I strongly agree with most of the comments he makes about the recourse to judiciary system for any small misunderstanding, America's overly medicine pill consumption, and the IPOD "addiction"...I'm glad to find someone who think like me.
However, half way through the book, I found the author going off topic and a total shift of the subject from leadership to his personal prowesses as a CEO.
Overall, it is an average book.

Regardless of a reader's personal biases, whether political, religious, ethnic or other, this refreshing book can be profitably read by everybody. It should be required reading in every high school in the country! Thought provoking at a time when critical thinking seems to be a fading skill.

This book is excellent. Iacocca, who was and still is, a significant leader int he corporate world is asking some tough questions. HE does thsi while admitting that even some of the things he was involved in witht he Auto industry may not have ultimately had the impact on this country that was intended.

He is looking for a comeback of the greatness America knew just a few years ago and the rest of us should be too.

This book does its part to build enough outrage amongst those of us who would care to read this book and recognizes the reasons for the outrage.

I thought it was very well written and not in the least bit distracting from it's message that it is time to wake up and do something about the mess that we collectively find ourselves in, whether it be the fuel crisis or the lack there of, corporate greed, healthcare mess, free trade or the unbelievable debt. The book's message is simple. Heed to the Call to Action.

Every politician should read this book. But more importantly, every aspiring leader should commit some of the lessons to heart. Specifically, the one which conveys the 9 C's of leadership - Curiosity, Creative, Communicate, Character, Courage, Conviction, Charisma, Competence, Common Sense and last but the least, leadership in times of a CRISIS. I capitalized CRISIS, because I think we are in dangerous times on the brink of a bankruptcy of leadership.

Lee's emphasis on the solutions explains his mindset to solve problems right after recognizing what those are. Not all solutions are workable but he makes a compelling argument and also gives us a place to start.

I think this book should be mandatory reading for all corporate employees and the executive management should be held to the standards espoused by Lee Iacocca.

Yes, many of the ideas in this book have already been expounded during the last 7 years, but coming from Iacoccca, it has more weight, because it shows that even corporate (or ex-corporate) leaders are sick and tired of the cloud hanging over this country ever since December 2000. The reviewers who gave this book only one or two stars just prove the old P.T. Barnum saying that "there's a sucker born every minute." The fact that most of them dismiss this book as "Bush bashing" reveals that they are not putting on their "thinking caps". They won't or can't see what the Current Occupant and cronies have done to this nation. They would rather allow themselves to be swept up by Limbaugh and his ilk than to do any real thinking (and researching) of their own. How sad that they've willingly given up their ability to be rational.

If your going to vote it's a must read. If you don't vote it's a must read. If your awant to be leader it's a must read.

In this entertaing and insightful look at the current state of US politics and business, Mr. Ioccoca provides clear direction and engaging humor. His perspective on the many blunders of this administration and the US auto industry amply illustrates why you don't have to be a West Coast or New England liberal to see what most Americans should have learned by now. He wisely sounds the alarm for the need of (as well as the past lack of) a farsighted energy policy that makes America 100% energy self reliant and energy independent in the next decade. As well, he chastises the American auto industry for failing the American people, and how important it is for them to rise to the challenge without any further delay. An excellent, "must" read for all business leaders and/or political leaders.

Iococca rather satisfyingly rants against the evils of "Bush and Co.", but his withering tract grows stale when he hypocritically rails against "fat cat CEO's who encourage our addiction to oil and won't give back to their communities" That's pretty rich coming from one of the first and foremost car businessmen of a generation who owns a home in Tuscany and resents having to give his employees health coverage!

In a no frills," shoot from the hip style", you get an insight to the characters we will deal with in this election period, and beyond.
Also some wisdom for our "urge to merge" temptation regarading the world market.

When Lee Iacocca became CEO of Chrysler, I didn't much care for him. But he nailed everything about where have all the leaders gone in this book! He ain't no dummy, and no love loss Corprotocrocy, and war profiteers!
Buy a couple and pass them around!!! Great read!

Interesting insights and analysis. I think he pretty much tells it like it is.

JWG

Too bad our politicians can't have the same common sense as Lee Iacocca. His book is well written but I can't say I learned anything because I agree with everything he said. Having said that, though, I wish I had the money to send this book to every congressman, senator, and anyone else in Washington who can't seem to bring themselves to do what's right for the people who put them in office. I also wish the people in this country would remember that there are more of US than there are THEM and we can and should demand leadership in our best interest. Lee is right when he says our government is broken. We just never take it to the shop to have it fixed. Read the book, it was very interesting to see who Lee knows and who influenced his development as a man and as a leader.

This book is a "Wake up Americia" book...Geez! they just don't get it in Washington !

Mr Iacocca's stong spirit and desire to help his country show in the book. But, the title implies that he might give the reader some direction in how to become or to find a leader. His half-hearted attempt at "what you can do about it" at the end of the book was disappointing.
Also, at times Mr. Iacocca obviously has trouble hiding his politics. It's ok to have politics, but a book with a title like this should try a little harder to disquise the politics.
There is nothing intellectual about this book, but, I don't think he was going for this in the first place.

THINK! It's what Mr. Iacocca challenges you to do.

PAY ATTENTION! Don't blindly follow what the spinmeisters put before you.

BE CRITICAL! Not passive and blindly following.

Where have all the leaders gone? Look in the mirror..., where have you gone that you have allowed others to take charge of your life and cow you with fear and lies.

STAND UP! BE COUNTED! CHALLENGE and in turn BE CHALLENGED!

You may not agree with everything Mr. Iacocca has to say, but doggone it, it is refreshing to see someone speak their mind in a thoughtful and tactful manner.

LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Cheers!

Lee Iacocca, corporate tycoon and man of the world, has written a book that should be required reading for every American voter. He doesn't mince words and he's direct, honest and wise as he sums up his assessment of the present Administration with four little words: "Throw the bums out!"
"Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" is both entertaining and informative, and we all should be thankful that Lee Iacocca has given us this brilliant book full of facts and good advice.

In my opinion Iacocca Lee is the ideal leader. I am very glad that I could read this book and I am very happy that Mr. Iacocca decided to write this book too (I also like An Autobiography).

I study corporate managment at a slovakian univeristy, and I will be happy if I could reach that point in my life where I will have enough time and energy to help the other people.

Lee Iacoccoa relates his upbringing and what it taught him about Life. His parents were both Immigrants from Italy and they taught him the values of hard work and honesty. He also discusses the 9 C's to measure all Leaders against:Curiosity, Creative, Communicate, Character, Courage, Charisma, Competent and Common Sense. He relates his experiences at Ford and Chrysler and uses examples from the lives of people he has known. At the end of the book he asks us to use these 9 C's to judge for ourselves which candidate measures up the best against these 9 C's. A very open and honest (refreshing in today's world) look at his own Life and what we can learn from his experiences and his 9 C approach.

Great book. Of course, it would be. If only this book were "required reading" by every American
before the upcoming Presidential election. We could find ourselves on the road to recovery. Lee Iacocca's book" Where Have All The Leaders Gone?" is easy to read, easy to understand and easy to put into action. He's given us a road map for the future.

Iacocca has taken a very tough look at whats wrong in our country and what s right. His take on things in our country right now is dead on correct. If we have the right stuff, we can be number one in all of the important things that matter to our people. Iacocca's assesment on leadership is what we need to hear. You can believe the old Italian

I bought this book based on the first couple of paragraphs. I regret buying it. I thought it was going to be an apolitical book about how legislative and executive branches of government, as well the leadership in corporate America have lead us astray, and are not solving the Country's major problems. Instead, it is a rant about the Bush Administration. I've heard all that before from left wing commentators. It seems that the Democrats have and can do no wrong. Iacocca had the opportunity and the forum, because of his status,to
make a real point and completely blew it!

This is a very thought provoking book. I feel everyone should read it before the election in November.

Where Have All the Leaders Gone?Lee Iacocca has been my hero since he saved Chrysler from bankruptcy. Now he voices his solutions to many of our everyday economic problems that our "missing leaders" seem to avoid or be unable to face. Here's one man who could win the presidency based on his years of corporate business experience and his common sense approach to dealing with issues. This is a must-read for anyone who seriously cares about where we're going and wondering "Where have all the leaders gone?". Buy it, Read it, and pass it on to your children!

Fantastic book. One of the best leaders this country has and he should be in politics. He knows how to tell it like it it and has no fear of the truth. Read this book. You will love it.

Overall, I found this to be a pretty good book. It's more for bedtime reading, but Lee Iacocca really unwinds with this book. I'm a conservative and Lee obviously votes democrat, but I found his principled stand on patriotism as well as his chapter 21 call to action (give something up, put something back, and elect a leader who demonstrates curiousity, communication, character, and competence) refreshing. He effectively says if you vote along party lines, then do your country a favor and think about your principles and which candidate best represents them (not your party).

Ol' Lee has always been a man of action and foresight, and this book is no different. Straight forward, NO bull and some pretty decent answers.

If we could "knock" about 30-years off him and clone him 20 times, we could pull America out of the "crapper". Our major so-called universities should be forced by their benefactors to teach all of his leadership ideas and methods.

Fantastic book. I could not put it down.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should read this.

Lee has done it again.

As good as his first, better than his second.

He tells it like it is.

Good reading.

Highly recommended, but then again, I share his viewpoints.

I listened to the unabridged audio-CD version of the book, which was interesting because Iacocca read it himself. However, that fact solidifies the impression left by other reviewers that the author is a stereotypical grumpy old man.

The title is misleading, as the book isn't about how to be a leader, but about enumerating all the things going wrong in the country. Who needs to read a book to find out what's going wrong? He doesn't even go into any details, but presents the same things you hear about every day.

The book mentions the 9 Cs of a great leader, which aren't terribly imaginative, or covered in-depth. The fact that all 9 start with C makes me think that he didn't give it much thought anyway. How could the 9 most important qualities of a leader all start with the same letter?

The first third of the book is an absolutely worthless rehashing of all the problems in America today. The second part improves slightly, but of all the other books about leadership, don't waste your time with this.

As a quick example, several times he mentions that most leaders today don't have common sense. Seriously? There's something inherently wrong with complaining about the common leader's lack of common sense, and especially with thinking that others will want to read about it.

Is this guy a parrot for moveon?

Nothing in this book is original. Straight forward, yes, mindless bitter rants with no real substance, yes.

I lost every bit of respect for Mr. Iococca in this book, I expected it from Catherine Whitney though.

If you hate George Bush, read this book. If you cannot think for yourself, read this book. If you wish to know the talking points for every liberal commentator in the country, read this book.

I am disappointed in selecting this book for a leadership paper.

I'm sure all the "one star" reviews were given by your typical blind Republicans. Just my opinion, don't get upset because it's true. This book is just a reminder that our precious Goverment is crushing everything in its path for Big Business and putting us in the poor house at the same time. No matter who wins, were all screwed. Smoke and Mirrors is all we can see because its all they show us.