A Higher Standard of Leadership : Lessons from the Life of Gandhi

Applying lessons of Gandhi's life to contemporary leadership, an exploration of decision-making, setting goals, and implementing policies calls for a spirit of service and commitment to values to achieve a higher standard in workplaces and communities. 20,000 first printing. $35,000 ad/promo. IP.

"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."

In the recent past we have been offered The Leadership Secrets of Attilla the Hun (1989), business tactics from ancient Chinese military strategist Sun-Tzu's The Art of War, and assorted Machiavellian ploys for supposed success in management. But a new trend in management literature has authors taking a more enlightened approach advocating stewardship, empowerment, and social responsibility. This change is epitomized by Nair, who suggests that leaders emulate the spiritual philosophy and moral principles of Gandhi. Management consultant and author of Beyond Winning: The Handbook for the Leadership Revolution (1988), Nair uses the life and writings of Gandhi to provide examples of how values, responsibility, commitment, service, integrity, openness, and idealism can be applied to improve the process and the quality of leadership. David Rouse

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.