“Picture Yourself a Leader” by Elisabeth Swan

Picture Yourself a Leader

Elisabeth Swan
Lumen Press (2023)
ISBN: 979-8987662700
Reviewed by Chelsy Scherba for Reader Views (10/2023)

“Picture Yourself a Leader: Illustrated Micro-Lessons for Navigating Change” written and illustrated by Elisabeth Swan, started as a series of microblogs originally published on Linked In. Each of her mini-lessons provides guidance on grappling with leadership challenges in business but can also be applied more broadly to other areas in life where leadership is a must. Featuring a mix of personal anecdotes, exercises, and real life applications from those with experience, “Picture Yourself a Leader” can help anyone who wants to improve their leadership capabilities master the skills needed to do so. 

I enjoyed reading this book because the structure and organization were outstanding. Each of the six sections is arranged by topic. For example, the section “Speak Thoughtfully” features every micro lesson that applies to communication, including how to listen, be heard, or resolve conflicts. Because the book can be read in any order you choose, I appreciated the ability to look through the contents and find the areas most relevant to me. If you are experiencing a particular challenge, this makes the book much easier to find the answers and suggestions you’re looking for. 

I also appreciated how the author was able to keep the book fun and interesting, and not just with the writing itself. Each of the lessons has a unique illustration that was done by the author, which makes reading the book more fun. The stories and quotes she shares are educational and easy to understand and absorb, so you’re not stuck trying to teach yourself something complex and can get straight to using the ideas now. This kind of structure is not an easy feat to achieve, so I applaud the author for her ability to communicate these concepts so effortlessly. 

I’m not a leader myself, but as someone who knows a great leader, it was really neat to read this book and see it explain why I feel this person I know is a good leader. Respecting employees, including their input, and delegating tasks rather than micromanaging are all techniques that help me appreciate the leaders in my life. It’s also interesting that these traits can be learned and aren’t just an inherent gift you either possess or don’t. If you want to be seen as a great leader, then this book will coach you in all the ways you can do that. 

I highly recommend “Picture Yourself a Leader” by Elisabeth Swan to anyone in business or those interested in leadership techniques. This book is a collection of wide-ranging topics that can help improve your skills with people, and earn their trust and respect in return, is flawlessly edited, and will ensure you gain the necessary understanding of not just what a good leader is, but how to become a great leader yourself.