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Tribes

by Seth Godin · 2008

In a nutshell

Seth Godin shows how anyone can become a leader by creating and leading a tribe. Transform a scattering of followers into a loyal movement around shared ideas and passion.

Overview

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin explores how anyone can build a tribe—a group of people connected to each other, a leader, and an idea.

Core Concept

A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea. The internet has eliminated barriers to leadership, allowing anyone to gather a tribe.

Three Steps to Building a Tribe

  1. The Desire to Change Things: A shared vision for the future
  2. The Ability to Connect: Building relationships and communication
  3. The Willingness to Lead: Taking responsibility for the tribe

What Tribes Need

  • A shared interest
  • A way to communicate
  • A leader to champion the cause
  • A movement that matters

The New Leadership

  • You don't need authority to lead
  • Leadership is about creating change
  • Challenge the status quo
  • Connect people to each other
  • Tell a story worth spreading

Applications for Founders

  • Build communities around your product
  • Create movements, not just companies
  • Lead through connection and purpose
  • Empower customers to become evangelists
  • Use the internet to gather your tribe

Available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.

Reference

Tribes — publisher / official page. Summary adapted from the Awesome Startup Books collection.

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