In this absorbing tale, you watch the timeless principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back no track, he reluctantly attends a weeklong leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.
To John's surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend. Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to a realization that is simple yet profound: The true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority, which is built upon relationships, love, service and sacrifice.
Along with John, you will learn that the principles in this book are neither new nor complex. They don't demand special talents; they are simply based on strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility, and caring with the people around you. Perhaps this is why The Servant has touched readers from all walks of life--because its message can be applied by anyone, anywhere--at home or work.
If you are tired of books that lecture instead of teach; if you are searching for ways to improve your leadership skills; if you want to understand the timeless virtues that lead to lasting and meaningful success, then this book is one you cannot afford to miss.
This was now the second time I have read this book. In terms of a simple reading that helps to keep things in perspective, this is a fine book. The impact from the first time around was lessened, but the message is still potent.
My first read was powerful. I finished the book with an extremely positive outlook. I really felt good about myself. Sure it was a time when I needed a pick me up as I was unemployed and looking for some strength to help me start my post-college life, but I felt good just the same.
After time the second, my situation, now different, affected my response to the book. The result was still a positive one, but I am now working so the leadership suggestions had new meaning.
As unemployed, I focused on the lessons toward improving my interpersonal relationships with family, friends and those around me.
As employed, I focused on the lessons toward improving my interpersonal relationships with coworkers and gaining efficiency at work. It was then a refresher course for me on improving interpersonal relationships with family, friends and others.
I still recommend this book to anyone who finds themself in a leadership role. This can be management at work, mother or father, coach of a team, or even as just a friend. We always have influence with other people and this book serves as a guide as to how to maximize return on it. There is no attempt at personal gain, there is only a collection of stories to help you gain or increase the happiness in your life through a servant-style leadership.
You've all heard the statement, 'I will change when...' and you can fill in the blank. Perhaps the statement should be turned into a question: 'I will change...when?'
This is just one of many conversations had by fictitious participants in a leadership retreat. Whether the events in the book happened as stated or not is irrelevant. The message is important.
But where do I begin?
You begin with a choice.
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