Lead Like a Monk: Benedict's Path to Cultivating Meaning, Joy, and Purpose at Work

by Anselm Grün

Internationally bestselling author and German monk Anselm Grün presents ancient wisdom for leadership today.

Leadership is not about power, status, and titles. According to the Rule of St. Benedict, true leadership is about awakening creativity in others and building an environment of trust and respect. It’s less about maximizing profits and more about finding meaning.

Radical in its time, this 6th century rule offers an approach to leadership that is clear and refreshing in its simplicity. Benedict is primarily concerned with the characteristics of a leader, and how such a person needs to work on himself in order to be able to lead at all. To Benedict, leading through personality is more important than any methods and strategies.

In this insightful book, Benedictine monk and internationally bestselling author Anselm Grün offers practical wisdom on all aspects of leadership,
· The Qualities of a Leader
· Benedict’s View of Human Nature
· Leadership as Service
· Awakening Creativity
· Management of Material Possessions
· Respecting Boundaries
· Thinking from the heart
· Avoiding workaholism

Benedict’s rule does not moralize or preach. It shows how economic function and economic security for a large number of people can be combined with respecting creation and the human beings around us. Leadership is an art, full of challenges but also deeply satisfying.

Whether you lead a business, a family, a non-profit, or a church group, this book will help you discover the joy of leadership and create a sanctuary where a group of people mobilize their spiritual resources, ask relevant questions, love, trust, and respect one another.

Genres: Business, Leadership

Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2022

About the author

Anselm Grün terminated his school years in 1964 with the A-level equivalent Abitur at the grammar school in Würzburg, Germany. In the same year he began as a novice at the nearby Benedictine Münsterschwarzach Abbey. From 1965 to 1971 he studied philosophy and theology at St. Ottilien Archabbey and in Rome. In 1974 he completed his PhD in theology on Karl Rahner. From 1974 to 1976 Anselm Grün studied Business in Nuremberg. Then he became the Cellerar of Münsterschwarzach Abbey and is thus responsible for the economic administration of the abbey with its over 280 employees and 20 businesses.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read so far this year. Grun does such an excellent job demonstrating leadership as a spiritual practice. Rather than merely quoting Bible verses applicable to leadership as proof texts, Grun shows a deep philosophical bent towards the integration of spirituality and leadership through the lens of The Rule of St. Benedict. I had never considered leadership as such a spiritual practice before reading this book. I can't recommend it highly enough for any Christian in a leadership position!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reminder that leaders build up; that people are more important than product; and the wisdom of the Church Fathers and Monastics is universal and needed more than ever.

[Maresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a leadership manual filled with spreadsheets, methodologies, or complex corporate strategies, this isn't it. Lead Like a Monk cuts straight through the noise to the heart of what it means to lead and to follow. As a mother and a career military member, I can say without hesitation: this is the best book on leadership I have ever read. I only wish I had discovered it years ago.

I had never heard of Anselm before this book, though my own mother has long been a fan of his work. It turns out he is a powerhouse of spiritual and practical wisdom. A German Benedictine monk, he served for over 30 years as the Cellerar (business manager) of Münsterschwarzach Abbey.

In this role, he was responsible for the economic viability of a massive community, overseeing around 300 people and 20 different business enterprises. He has sold millions of books worldwide, proving that his message of "God’s work" and "Business work" being intertwined resonates across all cultures.


The book’s power lies in the idea that you cannot lead others effectively until you have learned to lead yourself through inner peace and self-examination. Here are two standout quotes that capture this essence:

On Inner Peace and Self-Examination:

"Only someone who is at peace with himself can create an atmosphere of peace for others. Leadership is not a technique; it is a spiritual path that begins with the courage to look into one's own soul and find the silence where God dwells."

On Bringing Out the Best in Others:

"The task of the leader is to be a 'midwife' to the souls of those they lead. We do not impose greatness on people; we remove the obstacles so that the God-given gifts already within them can shine through."

In conclusion, this book is a masterclass in "spiritual management." It teaches that the same peace required to lead a monastic community is the same peace required to lead a family or a military unit. I will be carrying what I learned as a parent leader and for the rest of my military career.

[Anna Tuning · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, I was able to recognize that most of the time, when I don't like someone's management style, it's usually because they are projecting something from their personal life. My favorite manager manages in a very similar way as Anselm describes.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as much in the way of practical actions. More a walk through living righteously—that is, in right relationship with God and right relationship with those you manage. Many good nuggets here. And encouraging.