What does a leader do? Why do you want to be a leader? Who is a leader? Can anyone be a leader? Public Service Leadership will help you answer these questions and more.
Drawing on the rich public service leadership experience of the author and his contributors, this book introduces the five practices of good leadership (Clarity, Courage, Communications, Caring-ness and Culture); demonstrates how one can be a leader by managing yourself, your boss, and luck; and explores the fulfilment of life goals such as success, happiness and friendship.
While the book is about public service leadership, the lessons and stories can also be applied to leaders of private and non-profit sectors. Even those holding middle or junior positions of organisations can discover how to be a better leader.
The book can be purchased at a special rate of S$56.00 nett (original price S$70.85) for Hardcopy and S$30.00 nett (original price S$38.15) for Paperback at the Lobby, Oei Tiong Ham Building during the book launch reception (only Cash / VISA / Mastercard / PayNow / PayLah is accepted). You may also use the following discount code, PSL20 for 20% off when you visit the link here to make your purchase online.
"Leadership transcends titles; it's a dynamic practice shaping organisations and societies. This book, rooted in decades of governmental experience, explores the essence of leadership, emphasising inspiration, collaboration, and a vision for the greater good. It advocates balancing confidence with empathy and integrity, highlighting the importance of innovation and inclusivity in fostering lasting impact and collective well-being."
Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman
Minister for Home Affairs, Brunei
"In a world that has become so divided and lacks leadership, this book couldn't come at a better time. A very easy read and practical handbook to become a leader who serves the people with a purpose and conviction, from an inspiring and humble civil servant."
Chea Serey
Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia
"Yong Soon's book offers a robust, practical framework for mastering the art of leadership. He compellingly argues that while personality can influence leadership style, true leaders are made through dedication and learning. This book is a valuable resource for anyone aiming to become a more effective and empathetic leader committed to creating lasting impact."
Cheng Wai Keung
Deputy Chairman of Temasek Holdings
Chairman of Wing Tai Holdings
Chairman of SingHealth
"The need for wise and effective leadership is universal. In his clear and concise way, Tan Yong Soon distils advice from the experts — from Aristotle to the Harvard Business Review — together with diverse experiences from successful Asian leaders. The result is a valuable 'how-to' guide for our next generation's leaders."
Dame DeAnne Julius
Chairman of Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) (2003–2012)
Chair of the Council at University College London (2014–2019)
"The Singapore of today is a miracle. The miracle would not have happened if we didn't have great leaders. This is why Yong Soon's book on leadership is so important."
Tommy Koh
Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
"Yong Soon offers many useful lessons for public servants at all levels. They are not just ideas and principles; they work! Up-and-coming leaders in the private sector and the non-profits can also benefit much if they wish to lead better and to exercise more influence for good."
Lim Siong Guan
Head, Civil Service, Singapore (1999–2005)
Group President of GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund (2007–2016)
"Tan Yong Soon has created an interesting book on leadership that should galvanise readers into focusing on the essentials of that elusive art."
J Y Pillay
Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, Singapore (2005–2018)
First Chairman of Singapore Airlines (1972–1996)
"Yong Soon's book, based on his lectures as a Professor of Practice in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, is more than a textbook on public service leadership. He roams far and wide, drawing on his extensive research on the concept of leadership and his personal experience as a senior public service leader. He includes short essays and interview transcripts by iconic Singapore public service leaders such as Lim Siong Guan and J Y Pillay and several other ASEAN personalities. Our public servants, as well as non-Singaporeans, will benefit from Yong Soon's clear and useful elucidation of leadership."
Eddie Teo
Chairman of Council of Presidential Advisers, Singapore (2019–)
Chairman of Public Service Commission, Singapore (2008–2018)