4 out of 4 stars
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Tighten the Lug Nuts is Rocky Romanella’s first book. With an eye-catching cover page, he adds humor to the otherwise simple and exquisite story that many business leaders may appreciate. With an air travel setting, the contents are a leisurely read that is neither too exciting nor boring. I felt quite relaxed and thoughtful as I was reading between the lines and reflecting on the application of the author’s advice regarding balanced leadership.
Joe Scafone is the protagonist of the story. He is traveling home from California to New Jersey. Details include the boarding process at the airport, games people play during journeys, and his encounter with an elderly woman who is feeling nervous about the flight. This is Joe’s last trip after 35 years as a business professional. He has just retired, but his personality as a leader shines through ordinary gestures during the trip. He exemplifies all the qualities that the author desires to highlight. The trip is symbolic of what happens in life and business.
I noticed the author’s respectful attitude towards his family members. I agree with him that everyone is a leader because we all have an impact on the people around us by taking some responsibility and setting an example that others could follow. Throughout the book, the writer emphasizes the significance of simple acts of kindness as well as balance in the emotional and intellectual development of a leader. A healthy dissatisfaction with oneself helps one to constantly align one’s strategic vision with tactful execution. Consistency in the quality of service to customers is important in business dealings. To resolve problems effectively, one needs to be knowledgeable, positive, grateful, and responsive. This implies good listening skills.
He drives home his message with sensitivity towards readers. I like that every chapter is followed by bullet points one can learn from the story, e.g., “Leaders live their values and set the tone from the top.” The contents are suitable for new and seasoned professionals. The title, Tighten the Lug Nuts, is connected to a story within the story. It is one of the most important lessons for every leader. I shall not spoil the read by giving out the details. My favorite lesson is: “You can only handle a few urgent things, so do not allow important things to become urgent.” I also liked the philosophy of balanced leadership, which is the focus of this publication.
Overall, I found the author’s ideas quite realistic and achievable for most leaders in business and daily life. He is not merely speculating. The ideals are displayed through little acts of kindness. Family relationships and values are not overlooked. One realizes that one’s character is one’s legacy. For all the reasons described in this review, I am delighted to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a concise read with 142 pages. Tighten the Lug Nuts seems to be professionally edited, and I found only a few typos that do not impact the reading experience. The author is consistent with his style of writing that makes reading enjoyable. There is nothing that I disliked about the contents. I wholeheartedly recommend it to leaders in every field. It will appeal to beginners as well as experienced businesspersons.
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Tighten The Lug Nuts
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