Customer Reviews

The Randori Principles : The Path of Effortless Leadership

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At first, I thought this was going to be a "New Age" type fluff book. It was recommended by a collegue so I picked it up. I was immediately able to see how the basic century old technqiues of Aikido can be applied to business. For the first time, I saw a way to use the "right level" of force and how to use the energy of conflict. I also work with a not-for-profit organization on a pro bono basis and I know I can use it in that environment. If anything, the balance of force and power are even more tenuous in that work setting.
An added bonus- I can see how to use it within the family dynamic. Remember that saying about teenagers "Pick your battle". It makes a lot more sense after reading this book.

I know I have read something special when excerpts from Randori Principles: The Path to Effortless Leadership come back to me weeks later as I am driving my car! Hassinger and Baum have managed what few authors of leadership and management do: to reveal themselves as both humble learners and enlightened teachers in leadership and in life. Their brilliant use of stories de-mystifies the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit for today's harried leaders. The simple yet compelling, "Try This" at the close of each chapter makes the book easy to consume in small bites. As a nurse and health care consultant, my clients are challenged to optimize their use of self, whether with patients, employees or colleagues. Randori Principles speak to the health care community. The lessons contained in Irimi are especially pertinent for those dedicated nurse leaders, primarily female, whose effectiveness can be enhanced by balancing their hard-wired compassion with greater boldness and decisiveness. This book will be dog-eared in my brief case and frequently recommended to my clients.

I hate business books that drone on and on and don't leave you with any practical advice. That's not this book. The engaging anecdotes -- each with a "moral" at the end of the story -- make for easy reading. And the variety of situations covered by the authors should ensure that everyone has at least a few ideas they can take away and try. I am sure I'll turn back to this book for the inspirational quotations that begin each chapter. I find having the right quote can really make a communication about organizational change. David Baum's first book, Lightning in a Bottle, was equally useful in this regard.

This book is a wonderful integration of thoughtful stories and suggestions, which create an opportunity to reflect on how we lead at work, and how we live our lives. Any book which suggests that I refine my leadership gifts, rather than try out the latest cliche technique is worth its weight in gold. This one is a gem. Time to go breathe.