Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us

Jolene Kemos

Godin, S. (2008). Tribes: We need you to lead us. New York: Penguin Group.

Descriptive Summary: 

Tribes is a motivating, if somewhat unorganized, attempt to light a fire under…well…everyone…to affect change in the status quo!  In a mere 147 pages, Godin defines stagnant and ineffective organizational structures/approaches and, through personal experiences, company and leadership profiles, paints an inspiring portrait of the layman’s unprecedented potential for leadership.

Evaluation:

As we continue to evolve library structures and services to meet the needs of, and involve our users, bold leadership is required. Godin's work is a shot in the arm to get us going. In the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, particularly in public schools, this is a much needed call to action. Godin has very little patience for complacency or cynicism. He constructs a strong argument for grassroots efforts and rejection of the status quo. My favorite metaphor in the book is the call to be a "unicorn in a balloon factory." Small movement can create huge impact!