Leadership & The Way of Peace
Today I’m feeling called to recommend a book. Not sure why; just looking at and wondering what would become possible if everyone — leaders in particular, whether business leaders, organization leaders, politicians or corporate executives read this book and applied it’s principles. you see, personally, I believe that leaders have an obligation — a responsibility — to model a peaceful way of being. Looking around at the world at large, I’m always amazed at the power of peace (sounds like a contradiction, however, it’s not!). That being said, the way of peace is often misunderstood, particularly in the leadership context. There can be a sense that choosing the peaceful approach is somehow weak and ineffective. What I know for sure is that a peaceful approach actually requires strength — strength of character, strength of conviction, physical, emotional and mental strength — and whenever used diligently, peace is more than effective.
The Arbinger Institute’s book, The Anatomy of Peace, speaks to the power of peace, the implications of peace, and the path to peace. A short, simple (as in simple-to-read) and powerful work, this book is a must read for leaders in all walks of life. The Anatomy of Peace applies in all contexts — even speaking to the power of peace when you feel you must enter into conflict of sorts. Yes, the two can co-exist and the Anatomy of Peace does a brilliant job of pointing to how the paradoxical peaceful approach to conflict is more effective than an approach rooted in a spirit of conflict. Bottom-line: it’s all about energy and this book illustrates brilliantly how peace is the way.
If you’re looking for a book to read (and even if you’re not!) I strongly encourage you to get your hands on a copy of this pivotal work. The Anatomy of Peace will change the way you relate to others and the way you see the world. And everyone will be better for it.
P.S. — if you haven’t yet done so, please send in a suggestion for the title of this blog — you could win a $10 Amazon gift card! Context closes at 4 pm EST on the 24th of November — look forward to hearing your ideas!