Customer Reviews

The Leader's Way: The Art of Making the Right Decisions in Our Careers, Our Companies, and the World at Large

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This is a book that needs to be read slowly, and digested thoughtfully. It requires a shift in perspective - a mindful approach. And while the terms "right view" (taking a wise view) and "right conduct" (doing the right thing) may seem awkward to our Western ears, putting them into practice in organizations would improve the well-being of all of us involved in, and affected by, organizations.

Having taught in business schools for well over 30 years - but on the "people" side of management, rather than the "financial" side - I especially appreciated the discussion about profit-making not being the sole purpose of business. Necessary, yes, but the Dalai Lama makes a strong case for the more appropriate goal of business being to meet the needs of their customers while acting responsibly - thus, assuring a healthy profit.

It was also refreshing to see the call for leaders in both business and government to "take the initiative in addressing poverty, promoting environmental sustainability, protecting human rights and access to justice, making diversity a strength." (p. 191) This is an ongoing exhortation in the book and one that gives me great hope for a future of greater peace and prosperity across the world, even during these troubling times. Hopeful examples of companies making great strides in the areas of corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and the fight against poverty are described in detail. I can imagine this book being used very effectively in Business Ethics courses.

I liked the way they alternated between the voices of the two authors. Each adds their own unique perspective, which reinforces and extends that of the other. The messages are very consistent and convincing.

V. Jean Ramsey
Co-author of Reframing Change: How to Deal with Workplace Dynamics, Influence Others, and Bring People Together to Initiate Positive Change

The book seems relevant to students of business, regardless of one's experience. The Dalai Lama is interested in capitalism over socialism for its vitality and possibilities. He offers his insights into making choices based on "right thinking, right view." Life for many people in the business world could be much less stressful and much more meaningful if companies would adopt some of the Dalai Lama's suggestions.

Every CEO or business learder should read this book. The Dali Lama gently reminds us to get back to a point where compassion, purpose and brotherhood are the basic foundations of the free marketplace. This book can help lead the way.

I am the owner of a small manufacturing food business in Boulder Colorado. I am a Buddhist so this book was definitely in my wheel house. Having said that I would recommend this book to other business people who are looking for alternatives to the mind set that most American firms today have on profit and competition. The businesses culture today is so obsessed with maximizing profit that we are missing a broader picture of what we can accomplish in business and what businesses can do for society in general. This books addresses alternative ways of approaching business that accomplishes the goals of profit but also how your time spent in business can better yours and others everyday life, worthy goals.

The Leader's Way: The Art of Making the Right Decisions in Our Careers, Our Companies, and the World at Large is the unabridged audiobook presentation of wisdom gleaned from a decade of exchange between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and international management consultant Laurens van den Muyzenberg. Revealing that ethical, financially sound business practices and Buddhist principles have much more in common than one might guess, The Leader's Way addresses issues crucial to the modern international business world - widespread poverty, the risk of destructive environmental practices leading to climate change or overpollution, the interconnectedness of the global economic system, and what the principle of impermanence means to business. A surprisingly practical guide, enthusiastically recommended for business owners and proprietors of all faiths. 5 CDs, 6 hours.

Let it be clear at the outset that this book is not about Buddhism as a religion. Dalai Lama, in all his talks and writings, has made it abundantly clear that his observations are meant to help people lead a good and responsible life and that people who do not believe in any religion can also lead a good and responsible life. His message of kindness and self-responsibility is universal.

Born out of decade of dialogue between HH the Dalai Lama and an international management consultant, Laurens Van Den Muyzenberg, Leader's Way aims 'to enable readers and leaders to understand more clearly what happens in their minds and in the minds of others, particularly in the context of leadership'(p.3). The book starts with the insightful premise that a leader's ability to make right decisions depends upon what the Dalai Lama calls "a calm, collected, and concentrated mind."

The entire message of the book can be summed up in two phrases: Right View and Right Conduct. If your conduct is based on right view, your decisions as a leader will be more effective and satisfying. What is right view? Right view in part has to do with our intentions and motivations underlying our actions. When we are motivated by the intention to avoid harm and to help increase the well-being of others, our decisions contribute to the happiness and prosperity of all involved.

When these twains of right view and right conduct are applied to the world economy and marketplace, we are able to create what Laurens Muyzenberg calls "responsible free-market economy."

Highly recommended to those who are looking for a mindful way to lead and manage organizations in a world plagued by greed, hatred, and self-centeredness.

Peace and Harmony!

Dr. Satinder Dhiman
Associate Dean, School of Business
Professor and Chair, MBA Program
Woodbury University, Burbank, California

Co-author: The Workplace and Spirituality: New Perspectives on Research and Practice (2009). Skylight Paths Publishing.