Leadership and Self-Deception

4. February 2010 by Farhana N. Shah.

As an educator in a leadership position, I would rate this book a 3 out of a 5.

I found this book to be simplistic in nature, more like the “idiots guide to personal and professional relationships”.  It focuses on how people deceive themselves by finding faults and blaming others, which puts them “in the box”.  In order to get out of the box, they must have the desire to see and respect others as people.

As I delved into the deeper aspect of this writing, I saw it merely as treating everyone you come in contact with in a human way and not as objects or goals to be accomplished.  As a reflective person, the concept seemed natural to me; the virtue taught by Arbinger Institute is also found in the Quran, Bible, Old Testament, and other books of faith.

What I did appreciate is the fact that is taken from an angle of workplace relationships and presented in a style that is applicable in all aspects of life.  The corporate world dissolved this notion from the onset and used people as objects so I have to agree that it is somewhat refreshing to read about people in big companies who still value this virtue.

While the book is slow and “cheesy” at times, I would recommend it to people who may need a shift in their attitude.

So, what is the message of the book?  Exactly, what Gandhi said, “be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Happy reading!!

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