The Unseen Leader: How History Can Help Us Rethink Leadership, reviewed

We look at this thought-provoking book by Martin Gutmann. See more about The Unseen Leader: How History Can Help Us Rethink Leadership here. 

This book was thoughtful and provocative. Our favourite chapters were the ones that focussed on Gertrude Bell and Winston Churchill, and perhaps also Amundsen too. All relatively well-known people but equally often at a more superficial level. These chapters explored their actions in a more counterintuitive way.

There was a good deconstruction of how Churchill for example, battled his tendency to follow his preference to be a man of action and held off on the D-day landings for two years to ensure a higher probability of success. Even then, they could have been a disaster until they then further delayed for another day to avoid bad weather in the English Channel.

You may not agree with all of the author’s interpretations, but they are well worth reading to challenge and question your own beliefs and assumptions. Similarly with Gertrude Bell she has potentially been misreported and also perhaps far more successful than people realised. In all of the case studies in this book, the author has aimed to shine a light on what are the truly useful and actionable takeaways from looking at these people and how they played the cards they were holding. We enjoyed it, and would recommend checking it out.

More about the book

In The Unseen Leader, Prof Gutmann argues that the Hollywood concept of leadership is wrong – that the best leaders are not bold, or sensational, or dramatic. Instead, this book uncovers a new leadership secret.

Away from the myth that leaders are bulldozers, running headfirst into conflict, Gutmann expertly analyses different historically challenging events to prove that the best leaders are those who manage to subtly pivot away from conflict in the first place, reducing harm for all involved.

By examining four little-known or misunderstood leaders in history, from revolution leader Toussaint Louverture, desert explorer Gertrude Bell and the hugely successful polar explorer Roald Amundsen to the ineffable Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Gutmann proves we have been revering the wrong personalities, and in the process, overlooking the true leaders amongst us. Gutmann aims to shine a light on these people and to help us choose the right people to lead us in the future – because if our concept of leadership is wrong, how can we vote for the right ones?

About the Author

Martin Gutmann is a Swiss-American historian, author and professor at the Lucerne School of Business, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Switzerland. He has a PhD in History from Syracuse University and acted as the Professor of Leadership and International Relations at American University Switzerland. He has published three books, most recently (as co-editor with Dan Gorman) Before the UN Sustainable Development Goals: A Historical Companion (Oxford University Press).

“This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking to lead with purpose and impact. Gutmann challenges us to rethink our traditional notions of leadership by highlighting the often-overlooked, unseen leaders who make a lasting impact. Drawing on historical examples and his training as a historian, Gutmann portrays how these hidden leaders carefully analyze their surroundings, mitigate or diminish conflicts, and act in accordance with the forces of history to accomplish their goals.

The book provides practical ways for aspiring leaders to become the kind of “unseen leader” who can make a real difference in the world. At a time when leadership is increasingly synonymous with heroism, hubris, ego, and unfettered power, Gutmann offers a refreshing take on an alternative style that is effective and, most importantly—needed—at this time. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to lead with vision, purpose, and lasting impact.”

Fred Swaniker, Founder of the African Leadership Group

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