Customer Reviews

The Verbal Judo Way of Leadership: Empowering the Thin Blue Line from the Inside Up

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Dr. Thompson, the founder of the Verbal Judo program, has teamed up with Gregory Walker, to comment on the dysfunctional problems found in organizations and they propose some interesting solutions, unique problem solving tactics and effective success strategies. This is a somewhat idiosyncratic commentary on organizational politics, communications and leadership in today's world.


A short book, 180 pages, it is divided into 15 topical chapters that range from the Tao of Leadership to the Art and Gift of Persuasion. The unifying theme is the need for improved leadership built upon honest and effective communication. The book addresses what went wrong, communication styles, principles for supervisory success and approaches to analytical thinking and effectiveness.


With such a broad range of topics in a small book, there is a real risk of skimming the topics and leaving the reader confused. However; the authors skillfully handle the task often referencing their collective experience in the form of brief stories. Their overall approach is certainly less than diplomatic, for example at their discussion of the four levels of expertise, they write:


To allow incompetence a berth in your organization is in itself a sign of incompetence at the highest level of responsibility. It is also a sign of a moral and ethical coward.


While their approach may offend, it does cause the reader to actively engage in the discussion and consider both their primary points and supporting arguments carefully.


Thompson and Walker are skilled teachers and seasoned practitioners, the time you invest reading this book will be enriching. Buy the book, read this book and more importantly put these principles into action.

Understanding what leadership is all about, the authors shed light on what it takes to develop an excellent workforce -- it takes non-egotistical, steadfast leaders, people who'll put themselves in the background to achieve the greater good! I'm hooked and have read this book twice and am implementing it daily in both my professional and personal life! A perfect supplement to the Verbal Judo way!

While I am a fan of "Verbal Judo", studied it, attended seminars and actually use it in my career, this book told me nothing new and actually seemed just a re-hash of previous books. If you are new to Verbal Judo, I recommend you read his first book and skip this one.

A great guide for dealing with difficult people! Although the book is directed at the Law Enforcement Community it has applications for anyone who regularly supervises subordinates, particularly in a chain of command type setting. Good read.

In 2004-05 I did a graduate school internship in a county juvenile justice center. I watched as men with arms the size of my leg worked with very unmotivated youth. Never did I hear a raised voice or see unwarrented physical contact. What was their secret, Verbal Judo. I must for parenting and criminal justice practitioners.