The Book of Leadership and Strategy: Lessons of the Chinese Masters

by Thomas Cleary

The subtle arts of management and leadership have been developed over thousands of years by the Chinese. The Book of Leadership and Strategy represents the Taoist culmination of this long tradition and is one of the most prestigious works of ancient Chinese thought. Collected here are insightful teachings on the challenges of leadership on all levels, from organizational management to political statecraft. The translator, Thomas Cleary, has chosen and arranged these teachings to emphasize the most valuable lessons of Taoist wisdom for modern Western readers. Like Cleary's best-selling translation of The Art of War by Sun Tzu, this work will serve as an enlightening guide for people in business, politics, and government.

Genres: Philosophy, Business, Nonfiction, Management, Leadership

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Dr. Thomas Francis Cleary, Ph.D. (East Asian Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; J.D., Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley), was a prolific translator of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Muslim classics, with a particular emphasis on popular translations of Mahāyāna works relevant to the Chan, Zen, and Soen systems.

Reviews

[Saeed Nasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had listed to the audio book, it is amazing, there where a lot of wisdom in it

[Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really appreciated the daoist perspective in governance and interacting with society. This is definitely one of my favorites because it outlines the ethics and principles really clearly to me after reading the Tao te Qing and Chuang Tzu. I was also impressed with their ideas on proper natural conservation considering it was written in 400 bc !! Great book will reread happily

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. But not as good as Sun Tzu.

[Komalroop Kaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you’re a humanitarian at heart and want to navigate among realistic thinkers, read this text to help you stay true to your idealistic nature. you must know power to wield power.

[Becky Susan]

I think this would be an excellent read, we can't read about leadership only in your own little world. This makes prefect sense as a resource that branches out. I like it. I am currently reading Theodore Roosevelt and the Making of American Leadership by Jon Knokey. makingofamericanleadership.com is his site. Teddy was a phenomenal leader, we could learn a thing or 2 from him, not even politically, just as a leader.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leadership behavior affects the followers. For instance, a crafty leader produces devious followers or a demanding leader generates deceitful followers. The book marries the past leadership approach to present day leadership approach. I must say, this book is extremely intense and a must read for any leader that wants to stand out in present day leadership practice.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoy most of Cleary's translations. This one is more vague than his translation the Art of War. I appreciate the dual and even paradox nature of the text, but it becomes too vague at times and I just found my mind wandering. This happens especially towards the end.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book and a quick read on leadership lessons from ancient civilization leaders. Many could be considered applicable today.

[Hieu]

thks

[David Armstrong]

I always enjoy the translations of Thomas Cleary. This one is no different.