Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

What most natural-born leaders have in common is that they wield a resumé that highlights their impressive credentials reflective of their climb to success. Salar A. Khan, MD, MBA is no exception. But to label him as just another motivational author would be inaccurate. In Unlocking the Natural-Born Leader’s Abilities: An Autobiographical Exposé, Salar Khan presents his thesis on the anatomy of natural-born leaders (NBLs) that runs in a motivational and autobiographical vein. His primary take on the concept of NBLs is that they are the types who do not seek extrinsic rewards but are rather motivated by an intrinsic sense of fulfillment. He presents himself as a case study with a healthy degree of objectivity and without narcissistic undertones. Unlike other avant-garde motivational authors, Salar Khan does not aim for a disputation of nature versus nurture. Rather, he subscribes to the imperative of unlocking people’s leadership potential--a far more practical approach given that great leaders can come from anywhere.

The narrative is engaging in that it appeals to a general audience. Unlocking the Natural-Born Leader’s Abilities is worth your time because it will not tell you something that you already know. Instead, it inspires you to take action to accomplish your goals. It does not feed you with trite lecturings commonly found within the shibboleths of the motivation culture. The author even provides self-assessment tools to help his readers make a critical and objective analysis of their achievements and shortcomings. What is perhaps the most important nugget of truth that this book imparts is relating to readers what Salar Mr. Khan has effectively done not just in theory, but in practice.