Geeks and Geezers

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Geeks and Geezers is a book that will forever change how we view not just leadership-but the very way we learn and ultimately live our lives. It presents for the first time a compelling new model that predicts who is likely to become-and remain-a leader, and why.

At the heart of this model are what the authors call "crucibles"-utterly transforming periods of testing from which one can emerge either hopelessly broken, or powerfully emboldened to learn and to lead. Whether losing an election or burying a child, learning from a mentor or mastering a martial art, crucibles are turning points: defining events that force us to decide who we are and what we are capable of.

Through the candid and often deeply moving crucibles of pioneering journalist Mike Wallace to new economy entrepreneur Michael Klein, from New York Stock Exchange trailblazer Muriel Siebert to environmental crusader Tara Church, Geeks and Geezers illustrates the stunning metamorphoses of true leaders. It also reveals the critical traits they share, including adaptability, vision, integrity, unquenchable optimism, and "neoteny"-a youthful curiosity and zest for knowledge.

Highlighting the forces that enable any of us to learn and lead not for a time, but for a lifetime, this book is essential reading for geeks, geezers, and everyone in between.

What Customers Say About Geeks and Geezers:

This book explains from start to finish how we should all try to view others in various age groups and understand them as well. If you are struggling to understand today's workforce, this book is for you. The book contains the very basics you should know to function in today's diverse work environments. I especially enjoyed the chapter on crucibles. The book is well worth the price of admission.

I enjoyed Geeks and Geezers. I thought this book was well written and by creditable authors. I think everyone can learn valuable lessons from the life experiences of successful people of today and of the past. This book is a quick read that inspires and motivates.

If the authors' model of leadership is an indicator of who succeeds and who doesn't, it would also be worthwhile to reflect on how you fit in the four-point model. Geeks & Geezers makes for an enjoyable read but is a little short on substance and practical application. The discussion on Geeks versus Geezers isn't anything new. At the very least, it might help you create your own story and find your voice. The authors were bemoaning the lack of nation-wide, federally-supported service organizations and believed that this country could have "vigorous service organizations in every flavor, from those focused on a single activity, like Habitat for Humanity, to those aimed at people with similar styles or enthusiasms." I don't know what ivory tower the authors live in, but as someone who has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 10 years, I'm here to loudly proclaim that there are vigorous service organizations in every community in this country that are desperately in need of committed volunteer leadership. There has already been research on Baby Boomers versus Generation Xers and the observations here don't break any new ground.

In terms of real world applications, one of the suggestions made by the authors focused on national service (i.e. The distinction between Geek leaders and Geezers leaders isn't half as interesting or applicable as the notion of the crucible (life changing moments that create leaders) or the four-point model of leadership comprised of adaptive capacity, engaging others by creating a shared meaning, voice and integrity. For example, I'd rank myself pretty high on adaptive capacity (willingness to learn, to change and be flexible) and integrity but need to develop more in the areas of engaging others and developing a voice. It is a shame that the entire group of leaders between the ages of 35 and 70 is completely ignored in the process. Even Warren Bennis, in a separate interview, acknowledged that "it is the people who are in the middle group between the geeks and the geezers who are comfortable with the technology but a little wiser and older who have to be the articulating point."If you do decide to read the book, the best way to get something out of it is to spend some time reflecting on what your own crucible moments have been, how they changed you and what you gained from the experience. volunteering).

After reading this book, if you think you might be in need of a crucible experience, this would be a great place to go looking for one.

Some great concepts endure for centuries. Frankl. Bennis and Thomas present one of these concepts in their fresh, fasted paced book Geeks & Geezers. The paradigm, that some people have profound growth as a result of extreme challange while others do not, is in the christian bible and even more clearly in "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. What is important about Geeks & Geezers is that it allows a new audience to ponder the importance of meaning and its impact on ones life. It might even inspire a person going through one of lifes challanges.

Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas offer a new viewpoint on leadership. And from this information, Bennis and Thomas propose a leadership development model. By interviewing geeks (30 and under) and geezers (70 and older), Bennis and Thomas offer a glimpse into the leadership development of several recognized leaders. The authors have identified the defining experiences (crucibles) and qualities that distinguish these individuals as leaders. The authors not only describe the model in great detail but they also show how it is replicated in the development of leaders despite their age. This insightful book ultimately clarifies why certain individuals create meaning out of hardship and thrive, and why others do not.