What does it take to be a great leader?
How do you lead your tribe, or serve in another’s? Brian Klemmer captured some of the best traits of a leader in his book Compassionate Samurai. I was fortunate to get my autographed copy personally from Brian when he spoke at World Harvest Outreach in Chambersburg. Before attending a leadership and personal development workshop from his organization, I devoured this book. It truly impacted my life.
Compassionate Samurai is a completely fresh way to look at leading. Servant leadership stands out in great ways. Other areas explored:
- Courage
- Personal Responsibility
- Trust
- Honesty
- Commitment
- Focus
- Abundance
- Contribution
- Honor
- Knowledge
Sure, there are plenty of leadership books and programs out there. I make absolutely nothing from this post, or any other way I’ve chosen to promote this organization. I know the difference it has made in my life, and in the lives of my friends. It has also changed my business connections in a profound way; I now have the confidence to be authentic.
If you are in any way interested in furthering your leadership, get this book — for you and your friends. It is worth it.
What readers said
There are more “leadership” and “personal development” courses and systems out there than you can shake a stick at. Who Moved My Cheese, Road to Oz, 7 Habits, Zenger-Miller, and on forever. I’ve been through over a dozen. This book is the first one that really made a difference in my life. It describes the traits needed by people who want to be immensely successful and make a difference in the world, yet still build a world that works for everyone, with no one left out.
ccdesan, Salt Lake City, UT
I am guided by the concepts of this book almost daily. I thought I was truthful, faithful, honest, etc. I learned the bar is higher than I was living by. I was living at a level of mediocrity I won’t accept anymore. After reading this I gave a copy as a graduation present to a wonderful young friend because I think it will assist her in living the life of integrity and service that she wants. For Christians, it can shake us up in our self-assessment; for business people, it can strengthen business practices as we live according to the principles of this book; for the world, many will live better and more peaceful lives because of an increased number of compassionate samurai living to serve others.
N. Staley (“Ms. Samurai”)
Wow… what an incredible book! There are thousands of leadership books that address how to take action and I have read many of them. Few, however, address the true needs of the human condition. The Compassionate Samurai takes you far beyond technique and into the realm of being all the person you want to be. Extraordinary leadership requires more than going through the motions. It requires the kind of character that commands respect and inspires others to greatness. Extraordinary leadership requires a Compassionate Samurai. What an incredible opportunity to step into your own greatness. Read the Compassionate Samurai. You will be glad you did.
Diane Beinschroth
It is refreshing when I find authors who are willing to speak their mind with clarity, honesty and integrity. Brian Klemmer has given me a fresh drink of water with his book The Compassionate Samurai. Klemmer walks you through many life experiences using ancient Samurai warriors as his example to follow. I appreciate when a book speaks to my heart and causes me to reflect on my own life. This book does that. Klemmer’s straightforward writing style is often tough to accept, especially when it exposes a truth that speaks to your inner soul. If you approach the book with an open mind and heart you will reap treasures of insight, knowledge and peace. Sometimes a bit preachy but always honest, The Compassionate Samurai is a book I will recommend to my two sons, wife and friends.
Mark Bork
Every great leader knows at their very core who they are. Compassionate Samurai has revealed the greatness in me, and the obstacles I’ve let hold me back. Having identified this in myself, I now know my dreams are achievable goals. Each character of a Compassionate Samurai can take a lifetime to master, but becoming aware makes all the difference. True leadership is not about “how to’s” but an inward knowing. No amount of guidelines and external motivation can pull that out of me — it must come from within. Let this book reveal the belief in yourself, and know the greatness in you.
Courtney Engle, Chambersburg, PA