When I was writing my first book 54 Flights, I was given the book “Bird By Bird: Some instructions on writing and life” by Anne Lamot (1944). Recently, I picked it up again and found new insight. The simple underlying concepts of persistence and progress over perfection led me to find it more than a writing handbook. This resonates as a leadership development book that appeals to the creatives and artists.
Overview: The modern classic explores five main parts: writing, writing frame of mind, help along the way, publication, and the last class. It addresses how to overcome writers block, how to build a network and process that works for you, and complete that first “shitty first draft.” There is so much that a writer goes through to reach their potential. Writing development is very personal, similarly to leadership development.
Areas of Strengths: Anne does a great job of being relatable. She writes in simple terms and connects the writing lifecycle to many of the concepts required of any project, including managing emotions such as jealousy and complacency. It emphasizes that writing is a gift you give to the world – a gentle and beautiful reminder for authors.
Supplemental Information: Anne Lamott on addiction, motherhood and her new book Somehow: Thoughts On Love : NPR ; Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life: Lamott, Anne: 8601404243813: Amazon.com: Books
Where it Falls Short: It’s not a book I recommend read front to back cover. Each chapter is more standalone and certain ones may appeal to you and others not so. I think it would be easier to read if it had a common storyline to follow that illuminates the concepts.
Overall Assessment & Why: I rate it an 5 out of 10 in terms of a leadership development book. I think its an excellent pick-me-up and positive reinforcement during uncertain times, but the focus on the writing techniques more than the “how” to mature in areas of leadership.