A Higher Standard of Leadership: Lessons from the Life of Gandhi (Paperback)

~ (Author) "We have been led to believe that there is one standard for private morality and conduct and another for public morality and conduct..." (more)
Key Phrases: handspun cloth, living truthfully, moral principled, South Africa, Indian National Congress, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Consultant Nair has mined the writings and biographies of Gandhi for revealing insights into his philosophy of leadership. The result is a slim volume that is long on exhortation but short on practical business applications. For example, in his section entitled "Reconciling Power with Service," Nair writes that Gandhi used his power and influence only for the benefit of humanity, and although managers need not be totally committed to the service of others, Gandhi does say that "power is given to you by others...to be used for the benefit of those whose trustee you are." While these are noble sentiments, they provide scant direction for a manager trying to figure out how to keep the competition from eating his or her lunch. Despite the lack of practical advice, organizational managers seeking a moral compass will find encouragement in this work. Also, public libraries will find this a useful addition to their existing collections about Gandhi.
Andrea C. Dragon, Coll. of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Scientific American

"Dr. Nair's book has come at just the right time. his genius is in illuminating the teachings of Gandhi, the greatest leader of the twentieth century, and making them relevant to today's business world." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576750116
• ISBN-13: 978-1576750117
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #93,174 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Gift, June 3, 2001

By	D. Kaiser (Saint Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful little book. I use it regularly in undergraduate and graduate courses I teach in leadership and decision making. It is a book that many students keep when the class is finished; and, it is not unusual for students to purchase additional copies to give to thier friends, colleagues, and managers.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read!, February 16, 2001

By	Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract.com" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Keshavan Nair emphasizes the need for leadership based on a fundamental moral standard, as taught and lived by Mohandus Gandhi. The Indian leader embodied a moral life centered on truth, non-violence and service to others. Nair argues that business leaders today need to follow these basic principles. He stresses that these principles - and the practices based upon them - make good business sense in the long run, as well as being crucial to the survival of society. The text combines Gandhi's experiences with Nair's exhortations on how to apply these principles in the workplace. However, Nair provides few examples of contemporary leaders who practice these principles. Thus, the book occasionally comes across as somewhat preachy, wishful, overly idealistic and out of touch with the everyday realities of business. Yet, we at getAbstract.com recommend it in the face of those realities as a counterbalance, as well as a good quick read that encourages thought.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learning From Gandhi, September 30, 1999

By	Mitchell R. Alegre (Glenwood, New York) - See all my reviews

This quick reading book focuses on the life of Gandhi as a model for leadership. The author applies lessons from Gandhi's life to the practical tasks of leadershi. Nair provides guidelines for a leader's standard of conduct and for making decisions and taking actions based on moral principles. According to Nair, even when we are in the role of follower, it is our responsibility "to raise our standards so our leaders will have to follow." This is not a book heavy on skill building. The author's purpose is to challenge us to abide by a high moral standard in our roles as leaders and followers. Reading this book is an act of self-reflection from which all of us can benefit.