The Tao of Leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age

To think that this little gem of a book was required reading by one of my professors in college amazes me. The messages inside are simply profound! - as I just found out by rereading this book almost 15 years later. In college, I got it to some degree but not nearly to the degree that it clicked with me now. For some reason I held onto this book and while I was browsing my bookshelf it kind of jumped off at me. It also amazes me that the wisdom in the book the Tao Te Ching written by Chinese sage Lao Tzu around the year 600 BC - the one in which John Heider's adaptation was derived - transcends time and is as relevant today as it was then. I say this is a must read for all since we are all leaders of our own lives. Additionally I recommend that you sit with and think about the message in each chapter a bit to give each concept time to soak in a bit. You'll be glad you did!

I've used this book for over 10 years as my leadership support tool. As General Manager of a $200MM business, I need perspective and support on a daily basis - and Heider's book provides it. I love that the persective is NOT a management flavor of the week, but a view on leadership that stands the test of time. I've given this book as a gift to peers, friends, and family for years - just purchased copies last week for my new staff. It provides us with a common framework and a vision of where we're taking our organization. Thanks, Heider, for great thoughts, great lessons, and great leadership!

This book changed my whole outlook on life, work and parenting. I came to realize that "leadership" is simply the art of observing, reflecting, understanding, and helping others to understand. Snippets of wisdom like "The wise leader is invisible" and "only push where there is no resistance" will have you contemplating the true meaning of leadership. I've read this book many times over (it's a short book and brisk read, the time is spent absorbing and reflecting) and it refreshes me each time. Wonderful!

John Heider's translation is a maserpiece. He is able to thouroughly and concisely bring the important features of the Tao teachings to the lay person. The book is separated in sections which one can read on a daily basis or all in one sitting. Perhaps the most relaxing feature are the small sketches that accompany some tof the verses. This book is not just for leaders, but for everyone who wants to understand the our world and our very miniscurle and great positon in it.

Leadership is not something you are born with. Nor something you buy in the local deli. It is a life-long process of ever changing, growing, empowering others. And in the end - the best leaders are those, people around them will say "We did it ourselves." If you are ready to develop yourself into being such a leader - this is the right book for you. But be worn and remember - it will take you years to develop this unique capacity. The good thing, though, is that each and every one of us has this capacity within us. Good luck! Ronen Ben-Naphtali (Israel)