The book was given to me as part of reading assignments from Compassion International in approaching Area Annual Meeting in Hongkong in December 2008.
At the beginning I was not too enthusiastic to read the book mainly because of two reasons (1) I was too busy with my work load and my family and thus had no enough time to read; (2) I have read some (or perhaps many) books on leadership, and find them bore and monotone. I however successfully completed the whole book before my arrival at Chek Lap Kok Hongkong International Airport - and for that, I am so thankful to God.
At the beginning I was not too enthusiastic to read the book mainly because of two reasons (1) I was too busy with my work load and my family and thus had no enough time to read; (2) I have read some (or perhaps many) books on leadership, and find them bore and monotone. I however successfully completed the whole book before my arrival at Chek Lap Kok Hongkong International Airport - and for that, I am so thankful to God.
As it is mentioned in the title, the book is nothing but a simple story. Though the subject is on leadership and looks heavy, the packaging is delivered in a popular-novella form of literature. It is about a successful businessman, John Daily who was frustrating with his roles as husband, father and business leader. He then was suggested to take a week-long retreat in a monastery. There he was mentored by a monk who previously was a famous business executive. That one week retreat had been a life changing experience for John Daily: from a reluctant at the beginning to a desire at the end.
The title of the book clearly indicates that behind the tale of John Daily are principles of servant-leadership. Through reading the tale, readers will be led to be more sensitive in recognizing characteristics of servant leadership. Hunter seems to argue through the story that servant leadership serves not only as the best leadership model, but also the only true (and biblical) leadership principle. Since the core principle of leadership is according to Hunter to serving, the message can be applied to all kind of people in different situations. I think it is not unfair to say that biblically we (believers) are all called to serve (or to lead) one toward another in love (as Hunter rightly places 1 Corinthians 13 as the foundation of his servant leadership principles).
For so many people who are tired of reading academic theoretical dry books on leadership, trust me that James Hunter's The Servant will excite you!
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