The Code of the Executive: Forty-Seven Ancient Samurai Principles Essential for Twenty-First Century Leadership Success

Rating:
Summary: Great CEO Tool!
Review: Great interpretation of an ancient philosphy for CEOs. Instead of these airy philosophical renderings that we see in many management books today, the author shows his experience with the thousands of CEOs he's coached over the years. I could apply it directly to my executive team. This translation allows specific business practice so it can be applied for bottom line impact without having to waste time intellecualizing it.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Disappointing
Review: Maybe I expected too much. I was hoping for a work as impactful as Sun Tzu. Instead of allowing the reader to interpret and philosophize, the author made a well-intended but misdirected effort to force the code into specific business principles and issues. The translation simply falls flat and reads like a word processed document where "samuri" was globally replaced with "executive." Maybe I'm just a cruel, heartless cynic but I wish the author would have cut back on the handholding allowed the reader more intellectual room for personal interpretation.

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Summary: Bringing Core Values Back to Business
Review: Two of my favorite books on leadership are The Art of War, and The Code of the Samurai. I've used both of these in writing my book the Art of Spiritual Warfare. This particular book by Don Schmincke takes ancient principles and applies them to the leader in business. With the recent scandals hitting the headlines a new look at some ancient codes of behavior may be exactly what is needed in today's business world. Schmincke uses the same type of cadence, poetry, and prose used by the ancient writers of the Samurai era. For the most part it works quite well. It's a bit of a stretch when talking about ancient codes but bringing in modern slang and pc style issues such as how to dress nicely or avoiding "sucking up" to the boss under such broad categories as Executive Knowledge and Leadership for warrior generals and such. However, his points are well taken. It's a good little book to keep in your desk, and remind you of the higher principles every leader should strive for. I also suggest going back to the original books by Sun Tzu and Daidoji Yuzan.