
Member Reviews

Learning how to balance and flex your leadership style and approach is key when developing others. This books gives you tools and time to reflect on accountability. Really good book for those in leadership from any level.
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook!

Flexible Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry is a book designed to make the reader think. The content and writing structure of this book allowed the reader to not only apply the information to their own jobs, but also to gather more ideas for ways to make modifications. That being said, the narrator choice was poor. The monotone nature of the narrator’s voice made it difficult to feel as intrigued by the words read.

Overall I feel this is a good approach to leadership, but nothing in here is necessarily new information. It also felt like most of the points were repeated multiple times just to make the book longer. The examples did feel well thought out. I did find it inappropriate to bring religion into a leadership book.
The audiobook is read extremely slowly, but sped up is fine.

Flexible Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry offers an insightful and practical approach to leadership in today’s fast-paced world. I really appreciated how Eikenberry emphasizes the importance of being adaptable as a leader, especially when managing diverse teams and dealing with constant change. The strategies he presents are straightforward yet impactful, making it easy to apply the concepts in real-world situations.
What I found particularly helpful were the actionable tips and tools that can be implemented immediately, whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out. It’s not just about theory—there’s a real focus on practical solutions. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and valuable read for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and adapt to new challenges with confidence.

Flexible Leadership is a very good introduction to flexible leadership and how to implement it if you have never heard about the concept before. If I am being completely honest, this book does nothing that has not been done before. None of these concepts were new to me, but will be good for my students who are just learning about leadership.

I’ve read a lot of leadership books and I really like how this book gave very practical ways to reflect on my leadership especially the parts that were built in at the end of each chapter. I never thought of flexibility as being such an important part of leadership but the image of a tree’s branches needing to be able to move while the trunk is secure.
I also liked how it showed how to be flexible depending on your management style, making sure you are not too flexible or too ridge. It was a very easy read too, and could be used very well in just about any industry.

*Flexible Leadership* by Kevin Eikenberry is an insightful and practical guide that explores leadership adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The audiobook is a great way to experience this work, as the narration by the voice actor is engaging and informative, which helps in retaining the concepts shared by the author.
Synopsis:
In *Flexible Leadership*, Kevin Eikenberry presents a framework for becoming a more effective leader by embracing flexibility in leadership styles. The core premise of the book is that effective leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all; instead, it requires the ability to shift between different approaches depending on the situation, the people involved, and the specific challenges faced. Eikenberry identifies several key traits and skills leaders need to cultivate to become more adaptable, such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and situational understanding. He also discusses how flexibility in leadership leads to better problem-solving, greater team engagement, and improved organizational outcomes.
Review:
Kevin Eikenberry’s *Flexible Leadership* is a well-structured, thoughtful, and actionable leadership book. The author starts by stressing the importance of adaptability in leadership, especially in today's fast-paced and unpredictable environment. This book is not just theoretical but provides practical advice for leaders to assess their current style and make adjustments where necessary.
The central theme revolves around the idea that rigid leadership styles can become a limitation, particularly as businesses face increasingly complex and diverse challenges. Eikenberry does a fantastic job of breaking down leadership flexibility into digestible steps, emphasizing that self-awareness and emotional intelligence are pivotal to mastering this flexibility. He also introduces several “mindsets” that leaders can adopt to better navigate different scenarios.
From a content perspective, the book is highly informative, with each chapter offering real-world examples, strategies, and exercises that readers can immediately apply. One of the key takeaways is that a flexible leader is one who can remain composed in crisis, adapt their style to different situations, and foster collaboration with a variety of people.
Narration:
The audiobook is narrated in a clear, engaging manner that enhances the content. The narrator’s tone is confident yet warm, which makes complex leadership concepts feel approachable and easy to understand. The pacing is well-balanced—slow enough to absorb key ideas but fast enough to maintain attention. Given that the content is instructional, the narrator’s ability to keep the delivery interesting and smooth is crucial, and in this case, they succeed.
Pros:
- **Actionable Content:** The book provides specific strategies and tools for improving leadership flexibility, which is a great benefit for both new and seasoned leaders.
- **Relatable Examples:** Eikenberry uses numerous real-world examples, making it easy for listeners to see how the concepts can be applied to various leadership scenarios.
- **Great Narration:** The audiobook is delivered in an engaging way that ensures the material doesn’t feel dry, which can sometimes be a risk with leadership books.
Cons:
- **Repetitive at Times:** Some concepts are reiterated multiple times, which could feel redundant for listeners already familiar with leadership theories. However, this repetition can also be seen as a reinforcement of key principles.
- **Occasional Over-Simplification:** While the book is accessible, some might feel that it oversimplifies the challenges of leadership in certain complex environments.
Conclusion:
*Flexible Leadership* by Kevin Eikenberry is an excellent resource for anyone looking to become a more adaptable and effective leader. The audiobook format adds a nice touch, making the book easy to consume on the go. Whether you're in a leadership position or aspiring to be in one, this book offers valuable insights into how you can better align your leadership style with the needs of your team and the challenges of the modern workplace.
Overall, this book is a solid read for those who value continuous personal growth in leadership, earning it a well-deserved 4-star rating.