Book Review: Leading wisely: Becoming a Reflective Leader in Turbulent times

Abstract

‘Leading Wisely: Becoming a Reflective Leader in Turbulent times’ aspires to provide a rich and more profound insight into the reflections of wisdom in the context of leadership by posing probing questions like: Where do you think you are on the wisdom equation? Are you thinking about the ethical consequences before acting? For wise leadership, thoughtful reflection on these questions is essential. This 12-chapter book with 169 pages examines the inadequacy of wisdom among leaders and the author’s plea for more wisdom in leadership. It is obvious that there is room in the literature for more research into the implications of widespread adoption of the “wisdom equation” in leadership. Branson (2010), who believes that wisdom might be regarded as a key leadership competency in educational reform, is the sole piece of work in this area that has been found as similar work. Kets de Vries, the author, used case studies and eight lessons that relate to wisdom in the context of leadership and included numerous short stories and anecdotes (from the old testaments) from Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and China of Protagonists like Buddha, Aesop, Mullau Nasrudin, Zen masters, and the Brothers Grimm, as well as a few more modern tales.