Lessons in Leadership and Life: Secrets of Eleven Wise Men

Rating:
Summary: Life Lessons for Us All
Review: All of us thirtysomething folks working hard to get ahead in the business world (whatever that means, exactly) know at a gut level that in this turbulent post modern economy, we must be the conscious captains of our own careers, not depending on "the system" to recognize-and reward-our talents. Knowing this, why do so few of us take control of our business lives? Maybe it's because we don't know how.

Enter Dick Buxton's new book, "Lessons in Leadership and Life: Secrets of Eleven Wise Men." Through the fictional character of Ken Wilson, the author tells the story of a young man living everyone's professional nightmare. Suddenly out of a job with a company he had relied on to take care of him and faced with the immediate financial pressures of a mortgage and household, he must figure out what to do next.

What makes this book a page-turner is the secret fear we feel that we are reading a quite possible version of our own future: What if one fine unexpected day, that faithful paycheck stops and our comfortable lives are torn asunder? You want to find out what happens to Ken Wilson because you wonder what would happen to you.

Author Buxton spins a believable tale of his main character's saga, making him neither heroic nor perfect. As any real person would, Ken Wilson makes many mistakes and missteps on his journey to a life more productive, fulfilling and secure than the one interrupted by events beyond his control. Through the help of several "wise men" mentors, he learns key lessons about himself and subsequently sees new doors open to him. It is the story of a professional and personal epiphany, a kind of business person's Celestine Prophecy.

The non-fiction second half of the book contains focused biographies of eleven of Buxton's wise men, which provide real-world validation of the principles and practices advanced in the first half of the book. A notable common thread in the lives of these men is the perpetual cycle of seeking mentoring and later returning the gift by becoming a mentor to others. The reader is also struck by that fact that these men have achieved the rarest of life accomplishments-they are both successful and happy.

While this book has something to offer everyone, it is especially relevant to those in their 30's and 40's-those of us in the uncomfortable spot of facing changing business futures while carrying fixed responsibilities. Upon finishing the book, you can't help but sleep better feeling that Ken Wilson's triumph over his mid-career nightmare belongs--perhaps just a little--to you too.

Rating:
Summary: Life Lessons for Us All
Review: All of us thirtysomething folks working hard to get ahead in the business world (whatever that means, exactly) know at a gut level that in this turbulent post modern economy, we must be the conscious captains of our own careers, not depending on "the system" to recognize-and reward-our talents. Knowing this, why do so few of us take control of our business lives? Maybe it's because we don't know how.

Enter Dick Buxton's new book, "Lessons in Leadership and Life: Secrets of Eleven Wise Men." Through the fictional character of Ken Wilson, the author tells the story of a young man living everyone's professional nightmare. Suddenly out of a job with a company he had relied on to take care of him and faced with the immediate financial pressures of a mortgage and household, he must figure out what to do next.

What makes this book a page-turner is the secret fear we feel that we are reading a quite possible version of our own future: What if one fine unexpected day, that faithful paycheck stops and our comfortable lives are torn asunder? You want to find out what happens to Ken Wilson because you wonder what would happen to you.

Author Buxton spins a believable tale of his main character's saga, making him neither heroic nor perfect. As any real person would, Ken Wilson makes many mistakes and missteps on his journey to a life more productive, fulfilling and secure than the one interrupted by events beyond his control. Through the help of several "wise men" mentors, he learns key lessons about himself and subsequently sees new doors open to him. It is the story of a professional and personal epiphany, a kind of business person's Celestine Prophecy.

The non-fiction second half of the book contains focused biographies of eleven of Buxton's wise men, which provide real-world validation of the principles and practices advanced in the first half of the book. A notable common thread in the lives of these men is the perpetual cycle of seeking mentoring and later returning the gift by becoming a mentor to others. The reader is also struck by that fact that these men have achieved the rarest of life accomplishments-they are both successful and happy.

While this book has something to offer everyone, it is especially relevant to those in their 30's and 40's-those of us in the uncomfortable spot of facing changing business futures while carrying fixed responsibilities. Upon finishing the book, you can't help but sleep better feeling that Ken Wilson's triumph over his mid-career nightmare belongs--perhaps just a little--to you too.

Rating:
Summary: On my way to independence
Review: If you have made it to this page, you MUST buy and read this book.

Lessons in Leadership and Life is a unique book. In the first half, Mr. Buxton weaves a tale of a down-and-out executive trying to search for a new purpose in his life after a corporate layoff. As his mentors help him, we get to hear the insightful advice.

In the second half of the book, Mr. Buxton outlines characteristics of his own mentors and business associates.

Through reading this book, I became more confident in my own ability to leave the corporate world and strike out on my own. Just this month, I launched a new business. With the help of Mr. Buxton, his mentors, and my own advisors, I'm ready to give it a go in my quest for independence.

Rating:
Summary: On my way to independence
Review: If you have made it to this page, you MUST buy and read this book.

Lessons in Leadership and Life is a unique book. In the first half, Mr. Buxton weaves a tale of a down-and-out executive trying to search for a new purpose in his life after a corporate layoff. As his mentors help him, we get to hear the insightful advice.

In the second half of the book, Mr. Buxton outlines characteristics of his own mentors and business associates.

Through reading this book, I became more confident in my own ability to leave the corporate world and strike out on my own. Just this month, I launched a new business. With the help of Mr. Buxton, his mentors, and my own advisors, I'm ready to give it a go in my quest for independence.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recomended
Review: This book is full of wonderful advice on how to take control of your professional life. It's appropriate for anyone who's ever thought of working for themselves or simply becoming more financially secure and independent. Buxton and his "wise men" offer real insight to the thought process every entrepreneur must go through to break away from corporate dependence. I will read this many times and pick from it the great lessons that fit into my professional - and personal - life.

Rating:
Summary: A Surprising Find
Review: When my father handed me another self-help book I groaned but reluctantly accepted. To my surprise, the book immediately set itself apart from the rest of the stack on my nighstand right from the first page. This book is an excellent read for anyone, regardless of age or position, who wants to discover more about themselves by answering those tough life questions that we so easily avoid. Once the self-analysis ignition is lit, Dick C. Buxton offers inspiration for the reader through the highly interesting and motivating life stories of 'Eleven Wise Men'. Not only could I relate to these men, it felt as though they where speaking directly to me; guiding the direction of my path with life lessons and challenging me to elevate my goals. I am grateful that this book came to me during a stressful and confusing transitional period. It illuminated the problem areas that I had to deal with before I could move on in my journey. Thanks for the light Mr. Buxton!

Rating:
Summary: A Surprising Find
Review: When my father handed me another self-help book I groaned but reluctantly accepted. To my surprise, the book immediately set itself apart from the rest of the stack on my nighstand right from the first page. This book is an excellent read for anyone, regardless of age or position, who wants to discover more about themselves by answering those tough life questions that we so easily avoid. Once the self-analysis ignition is lit, Dick C. Buxton offers inspiration for the reader through the highly interesting and motivating life stories of 'Eleven Wise Men'. Not only could I relate to these men, it felt as though they where speaking directly to me; guiding the direction of my path with life lessons and challenging me to elevate my goals. I am grateful that this book came to me during a stressful and confusing transitional period. It illuminated the problem areas that I had to deal with before I could move on in my journey. Thanks for the light Mr. Buxton!