Book Review: Toy Box Leadership

Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons From The Toys You Loved As A Child

Authors: Ron Hunter, Jr. & Michael E. Waddell
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 183 (hardcover)

I really enjoyed reading Toy Box Leadership.  Each chapter takes a toy (most of which are very common toys that even us “older” folks played with) and uses it to teach leadership principles.  It has the fun factor because it talks a little of the history of that toy before going into the leadership lessons that can be learned from it (for example, “Playdoh Principles” or using Mr. Potato Head to teach “The 8 Faces Every Leader Must Pack”).  It’s very creative and very insightful.  Personally, I really enjoyed the book because it is:

• An easy read.  I’ve learned that books don’t have to be hard to read, super in-depth or hard to understand to be good.  This one isn’t any of those, but each chapter (which easily stands on it’s own) makes me think, and that’s what I’m looking for with this kind of book. 
• An idea-generating book.  The principles it teaches with each toy are great, but it also sparks my imagination to think of other lessons for that toy, or others, that I can use personally or use to train others.
• A practical book to use in teaching others.  Sometimes books can be fantastic, but very difficult to translate to those you are leading.  Not this one.  Grab your slinky and, with this book, you’ve got a fun and meaningful leadership lesson to actively teach your team about vision.  Or pass out little green army men to help your team develop and own the strategy for your organization.  What fun!

OK, I have to admit, I’m a children’s pastor at heart (and my favorite store is still Toys ’R Us!) so the thought of reading a leadership book involving toys might be more appealing to me than to others, but I still think you’ll like it! 

Want to buy it?  Click on the picture to get it from Amazon.