With the rise of hot-button political subjects like immigration, Juana Bordas’ new book teaches that even though Latinos and Hispanics are becoming part of the culture, they must not forget their roots in order to become great leaders. ‘The Power of Latino Leadership’ is aimed specifically towards Latinos, but the book’s message is universal and a welcome source of insight towards Latino culture.
4/5: “Great Read”
The Power of Latino Leadership is not a textbook, and that’s what is best about it. Bordas’ voice is very much a part of the text, and readers may feel like they’re conversing with Bordas rather than attending a college seminar. The subject of the book is broad enough to fill a semester class, but the way it has been presented makes it approachable to anyone, from young Latinos who don’t know much about their culture to a middle-aged business man who wants to know what the Latino world has in-store for him.
The book is split into five sections. The first two sections in the book discuss how the Latino culture has evolved over the years, how it has merged in the West and how Latinos are in a cultural stage where they should start to lead others.
Part Three discusses the culture of Latinos and how it applies to leading others. Bordas accomplishes this by using examples from everyday life.
Bordas often mentions family as a staple of Latino culture.
Since Latino families are close-knit, and the elders in each generation are expected to lead the others by example, meaning that by the time Latinos need to lead a team in a professional setting, they are already accustomed to groups and contradicting personalities.
The fourth chapter talks more about the results of Latino leadership. Latinos tend to live in community settings with families and neighbors, celebrating life and creating relationships, and these are aspects that transfer to leading others. Latinos in leadership positions tend to create communities out of their teams with an upbeat social attitude as well as a can-do spirit.
The final chapter of the book talks about the Latino future – where today’s leaders are headed and where tomorrow’s leaders will come from. Latino leaders should set an example to other cultures in working towards a better society by being diverse and honoring the past.
The Power of Latino Leadership was an enjoyable and educational treat. The book gives knowledge and insight on a personal level and never feels boring or like it drags on too long. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about Latinos and their culture.
