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On Leadership

Lessons for the 21st Century

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On Leadership

By: Tony Blair
Narrated by: Tony Blair
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Tony Blair learnt the precepts of governing the hard way: by leading a country for over ten years. In that time he came to understand that there are certain key characteristics of successful government that he wished he had known about when he started.

Now he has written the manual on political leadership that he would have wanted when he first took office in 1997, sharing the insights he has gained from his personal experience and from observing other world leaders at first hand, both while he was prime minister and since, through his Institute’s work with political leaders and governments globally.

Written in short, pithy chapters, packed with examples drawn from all forms of political systems from around the world, the book answers the key questions: How should a leader organise the centre of government and their office? How should they prioritise and develop the right plan and hire the right personnel, cope with unforeseen events and crises, and balance short-term wins with longterm structural change? What’s the best way to deal with an obstructive or inert bureaucracy, to attract investment, to reform healthcare or education, and to ensure security for the citizen? And how should governments harness the massive opportunities of the 21st-century technological revolution?

This is a masterclass on leadership in general, and political leadership in particular, from a master statesman.

'A fascinating treatise on leadership . . . I am glad Blair has written it. It will fascinate anyone interested in the art of governing, even in the abstract' Nicola Sturgeon, Guardian

'Engaging, insightful, provocative' Observer


©2024 Tony Blair (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Leadership Political Science Presidents & Heads of State 21st Century
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Critic reviews

A brilliant, unusual book . . . What this book captures about Blair is not just his mastery of the political arts, but his infectious optimism about politics itself. The book is informed, intelligent and interesting — but it is more than that. It is the most practically useful guide to politics I have ever read . . . It’s the lifetime learnings of a once leader for current and future leaders. (George Osborne)
The book is engaging, insightful, provocative and derisive of “place-holder” leaders who lack the grit to be “a change-maker” (Andrew Rawnsley)
A fascinating treatise on leadership . . . The best bits of the book – and they are genuinely very good – are the passages offering advice on how to cope with the personal burdens of leadership, from dealing with the pressures of social media, to developing a hinterland, avoiding hubris, and knowing when to leave the stage . . . There is much to learn from On Leadership, and I am glad Blair has written it. It will fascinate anyone interested in the art of governing, even in the abstract – and represents a good investment of time for anyone in or aspiring to political leadership. (Nicola Sturgeon)
‘Tantalising, fascinating and insightful . . . worth reading if you want to understand why some governments and political movements succeed and others fail.’ (Isabel Hardman)
‘[Blair’s] institute has given him a perspective no other leading British politician can rival . . . The result is a profoundly non-insular analysis . . . full of practical advice . . . Useful and timely . . . [Blair] is a deeply thoughtful, highly experienced and self-critical man who deserves to be taken seriously by anyone interested in how democratic power is effectively wielded.’ (Andrew Marr)

What listeners say about On Leadership

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How to bring people on side and how to make friends with people you’ve previously fallen out with

I liked the latter chapters on AI and technology. Also the importance of managing your schedule and making time for reflection.

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Pragmatic

Put any preconceived ideas away and then read it, you will be very pleased you did

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A Masterclass

Brilliantly written and read. This isn't hard work at all. Lots of amusing anecdotes and funny asides. Useful for anyone in a managerial position but also engaging for anyone interested in British or world politics. Hope he does more of these. He's a big loss to British politics.

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Notes on Leadership written and offered by a true leader

Though never a big fan of Tony Blair until more recent times he clearly does know about leadership. He has learnt over his incredible political journey so many lessons and here reflects insightfully on that acquired knowledge and experience.
Well read by the man himself and seemingly very honest about the highs and lows of having power and being in power.
At this point, October 2024, in the UK national story I really hope Keir Starmer and his colleagues have read this book and listen to this man.
If you are interested in politics and power then read this book.

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Insightful account of political leadership

Fascinating inside knowledge of what it takes to lead a democracy for a decade. Blair’s book will be a touchstone for a new generation of leaders.

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Stick With It.

I chose this book as I found "A Journey" fascinating and insightful. However there is no escaping this book is purely on how to be a good leader. At first I was listening and making comparisons to the new Starmer Government but the more I listened the more I found myself being inspired and how some if the lessons could be applied in my own life. I definitely found this book more enjoyable the further into it I got.

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Riveting/ compelling/ engrossing

Tony's genius use of language in narrating and breaking down into relatable detail and solutions to this subject matter is truly award winning.

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Blind faith

This starts well and Mr Blair is a great communicator but… the lack of awareness of what he did in power vs what he takes credit for is staggering. The chapter on “ignoring negative comments as they don’t matter” explains this man entirely.

Not a great story but it will confirm Tony Blair’s biggest flaw - He knows best.

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