A Review of Run With The Bulls
Thrive in the Work Place Without Getting Trampled by Dr. Tim Irwin
Oct 12, 2007
In Run With the Bulls [Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville. 2007] Dr. Tim Irwin, shares some of his own life experiences (that he learned the hard way) in an informative yet down to earth, empowering and entertaining way. He also offers great advice on becoming a better leader.
Dr. Irwin is a licensed psychologist and popular speaker on leadership development and organizational effectiveness for many well known companies such as Fortune 500. His book is based upon thousands of interviews with successful leaders and individuals. Here is some of what he learned.
Running With the Bulls Metaphor
- Running with bulls are compared to working with people. The metaphor works because it is true. Like many people, bulls do not care about anyone but themselves and will often be indifferent but at the same time will trample you if you get in their way.
- Expanding on the bull metaphor, Tim Irwin describes in detail the qualities that help us thrive in the work world and ways to avoid being trampled.
Attributes that Contribute to Success
The three attributes that contribute to success are Commitment, Character and Competence. They are common sense but expanding on them and explaining how each contributes to success and significance at work is informative and useful.
Some things warned against are complacency and materialism. Letting circumstances and events control us are discouraged and developing a strategic mindset at work is encouraged instead.
- While his intent is to help others achieve success that usually includes more money, serving others and seeking fulfillment and meaning are stressed as being more important. One can be rich financially yet still be seeking meaning and be bitter because of missing the things that really matter - such as a job with meaning and significance, friendship, family, love or respect.
Seven Critical Success Factors
Regardless of how smart or skilled someone is, he will not be a successful leader without the Seven Critical Success Factors that are described in detail in the book.
- Self Management
- Relationship Management
- Forethought
- Dependability
- Resourcefulness
- Ability to Learn
- Ability to Change.
These success factors are well organized into chapters and lists with solutions and strategies suggested for improvement.
- Online exercises are available to evaluate one’s present position using computer scored assessments. Free resources offered on the Run with the Bulls website include a video of Dr. Tim Irwin running with the bulls, a Run with the Bulls Test, a Personal Change Model and an Executive White Paper on Run With The Bulls.
- The self assessments are most helpful because they pinpoint which qualities need work. There are suggestions on how to improve as well as change and develop the characteristics and qualities needed to succeed.
“I believe that regardless of our spiritual perspective, our backgrounds, or our present circumstances, we should aim high, live with purpose, be courageous, let go of whatever is holding us back, and then, run to win!” [Dr. Tim Irwin, Run With the Bulls, 2007]
