Wisdom, Inc. : 26 Business Virtues That Turn Ordinary People into Extraordinary Leaders

by Seth Godin

A look at the 30 virtues of good business that have inspired success in thousands of leaders, by the man voted Boss of the Year, 1994. Persistent, honest, resourceful, creative -- these adjectives begin to define the qualities of a great business leader. Along with the 26 other virtues enumerated in Wisdom, Inc ., they are the fundamentals behind a business strategy that works, but they often get lost beneath passing fads and the color of one's parachute. Seth Godin's simple, highly readable handbook of business virtues will help everyone from assistant managers to CEOs cultivate habits that lead to a lifetime of good business. Godin interviewed 1,500 top executives from a wide range of industries to isolate the 30 virtues consistently named by respondents. Each virtue is addressed with inspirational stories of historical business leaders who distinguished themselves by exhibiting that virtue, as well as modern-day accounts by the executives interviewed demonstrating how the virtue has contributed to their companies' successes. Most important, each virtue is accompanied by a section entitled "To Do Today," which provides concrete suggestions for immediately incorporating the virtue into a daily routine. Both practical and inspirational, Wisdom, Inc . is a perfect gift or anyone in business.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Self Help

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 1995

About the author

Seth W. Godin, also known as "F. X. Nine", is an American author and a former dot com business executive.

Reviews

[Cat Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a business virtue checklist, Seth Godwin addresses 26 virtues for success. While the focus is business, a translation to life in general is not a big leap.

Structured as defining the virtue, then “what you said” collection of related quotes, and then action points toward achieving the virtue provides a succinct review of each.

Brevity in content, but hits the high notes. Less IS more! Great book, small enough to keep in a business desk for quick refresher.

[Nick Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Seth's books. Quick. Easy. Makes you think. Deep.