The Swordless Samurai: Leadership Wisdom of Japan's Sixteenth-Century Legend---Toyotomi Hideyoshi

My first version of the paperback was borrowed by a colleague and never came back. So bought the kindle version so I’ll always have it. Principles of leadership seem to be very much universal regardless of culture. Probably the standout idea is that of service as a leader; instead of being served. Easy read. Short story format. Just don’t expect this to be a full representation record of the rule of Hideyoshi.

This is an exceptional book. It uses many examples of events in the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to illustrate superior leadership principles. This translation is a collection of fragments from "The Taikoki", which was the official Japanese history of Hideyoshi (d1598) written in 1625 by the Tokugawa government. There is much debate about various details of the Taikoki, but this should not be surprising consider it was composed by the victor who defeated the forces led by his Hideyoshi's son. Regardless, this book is full of great samurai stories and examples of leadership that is guaranteed to thrill any fan of this period. If you are unfamiliar with Hideyoshi, be sure to get a copy of the historical fiction masterpiece by Eiji Yoshikawa, "Taiko", I highly recommend both books.An excerpt from 'Employ Those Whose Skills Exceed Your Own': "....A man named Hanbei was renowned for his skill in strategic warfare, and I resolved to bring him into my organization. But finding Hanbei, let alone persuading him to join me, proved a formidable task. The man was an enigma; weary of the prevailing martial chaos and disgusted with the debauched Saito Clan leader Tatsuoki, Hanbei had retired from worldly affairs. His whereabouts were a mystery."Don't want to spoil too much. Enjoy.

I was more interested in the historical aspect of Hideyoshi, but this book came off as some kind of pop leadership training guide. It was written from a 1st person perspective, even though Hideyoshi didn't write an autobiography, with each chapter being a different lesson on leadership. It went fast, and was interesting enough, but I'd probably been happier with a different biography.

Book was fantastic. Leadership lessons remain true today. Surprisingly simple ideas but execution of all is the challenge for leaders.

This book was recommended by a business associate and touted as the greatest thing since sliced bread. He probably has better beer recommendations. This is supposedly a "translation" from a 16th Century Samurai who became a great leader, not through violence, but through cunning, smarts and hard work. It's a typical customer service manual clothed in an half interesting fable. Here's the drill (that you've heard a million times before): in order to excel and become the acknowledged leader in your field you must:1. Ingratiate yourself to people who can help you (i.e., are already in positions of power)2. Work hard, hard, hard (nights, weekends, holidays, kid's soccer games, Christmas, missing your daughter's wedding, etc.)3. Find out what your competition is up to and out maneuver them4. Mastermind. Find other like minded people who are willing to help you.5. Don't forget the people who really helped you out. Not the people who just happened to be there but the people who were really instrumental to your success.6. Be decisive. Take risks.Anyone who has ever read a business book about leadership or entrepreneurship has already read dozens of books like this one. Save your money.

Great for any entrepreneur or leader of any organization to put into perspective humanity and how to treat those that help build your business. Lessen the gap of income between CEO and employee

It was interesting to learn this story is a famous legend that most Japanese people are familiar with. I found it a charming tale with excellent lessons in leadership, influencing people, and becoming successful.

very nice book

fast delivery, no problem, good book.

You will learn new things, easy to read, great author, entertaining, learn some history, leadership skills, buy it... You won't regret it