Leadership Aikido : 6 Business Practices That Can Turn Your Life Around

Rating:
Summary: No Aikido here
Review: I also bought this book because of the "Aikido" in the title. Apparently, the author considers himself an "Aikido sensei" in the field of management in the same way that your typical sensei is a teacher on the mat. Unfortunately, most of us consider that an Aikido sensei of any sort needs to know a lot about Aikido. I'm not sure this guy does. If you've heard of this guy and want to learn from his extensive experience as a management consultant, buy the book. Otherwise, don't expect to gleam anything about Aikido here.

Rating:
Summary: Not too sure about this one....
Review: The Aikido in the title attracted me to this book, but I have to say that it's a stretch to associate Aikido with some of the concepts in this book. It just felt like the author thought it would be cool to write about leadership and to then mix in his perception of Aikido.

In addition, I found it rather odd that the author is writing about Aikido but does not practice Aikido himself. I know one can observe much, but you cannot learn Aikido from watching - only by doing AND watching.

The only redeeming feature is the book's introduction to George Leonard Sensei.

Save your money.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful for (Some) Leaders
Review: This is a book I really liked when I got it last year. First, I'm a management consultant and coach to leaders, and second I regularly practice aikido.

What do the six principles focus on? Self-knowledge, Planning, Habits of Language, Values, Resiliency (dealing with failure), and Control (or lack thereof). I liked the insights and ancedotes in each chapter, and there are some really good exploration exercises spread throughout the book. Do these alone or with a guide; they're great for cultivating reflectiveness. "Think time" is something all leaders need.

The book will appeal to leaders who are intuitive or are exploring that aspect. Linear, hard-driven types--you probably will pass on this one for now. The author's earlier book The Paradox of Success addresses the disillusionment faced by those who have achieved success but at great personal cost. That book will find more resonance with a wider audience.

Aikido is used as a metaphor, and the author shares both his admiration for the art and admits his lack of experience on the mat. The book found it's mark with me. But for those looking for aikido, they should probably go elsewhere (George Leonard or Mitsugi Saotome).

Rating:
Summary: Helpful for (Some) Leaders
Review: This is a book I really liked when I got it last year. First, I'm a management consultant and coach to leaders, and second I regularly practice aikido.

What do the six principles focus on? Self-knowledge, Planning, Habits of Language, Values, Resiliency (dealing with failure), and Control (or lack thereof). I liked the insights and ancedotes in each chapter, and there are some really good exploration exercises spread throughout the book. Do these alone or with a guide; they're great for cultivating reflectiveness. "Think time" is something all leaders need.

The book will appeal to leaders who are intuitive or are exploring that aspect. Linear, hard-driven types--you probably will pass on this one for now. The author's earlier book The Paradox of Success addresses the disillusionment faced by those who have achieved success but at great personal cost. That book will find more resonance with a wider audience.

Aikido is used as a metaphor, and the author shares both his admiration for the art and admits his lack of experience on the mat. The book found it's mark with me. But for those looking for aikido, they should probably go elsewhere (George Leonard or Mitsugi Saotome).