Lead with Wisdom: How Wisdom Transforms Good Leaders into Great Leaders

If I see another reality TV show trailer where a contestant talks about their roller coaster journey from the warm comfort of a TV studio, I reserve the right to scream or throw something at the goggle box!People often talk about their leadership journey but reading Mark’s book, I realise that the word “odyssey” is a much better descriptor for leadership. Journeys are often linear and a to b, where an odyssey inevitably involves hardships, adventures, failings and learning. This book takes the reader on an odyssey around the role and the paramountcy of wisdom in leadership. “Leadership needs wisdom and wisdom enriches Leadership.” There is comfort and reassurance in the reminder of the benefits we gain from learning from our mistakes.The book is logically structured but works not only for the front to back readers, but also the back to front readers and the dip in and roam sort of reader. Every time I pick it up I find another section to challenge my thinking and to provide context around whatever leadership I am witnessing or doing.The first part looks at the “why” of leadership and wisdom. Having introduced the importance of seeing and reading life’s patterns, Part 2 is the “what”, looking at four every day life patterns, namely: Naming, Conversation, Influence and Character, to see how language shapes reality. Part 3 brings us to the “How” introducing four Arts we can practise but never master in our odyssey: Story, Brilliance, Promise and Grace. The final Part 4, is the “Where”. Mark shares deeply personal stories from his own and his family to explain how the book came together and returning us to the driving context that leadership always comes back to the person so that we lead not from principles or techniques but from who we are.Picking my favourite bits is really hard because the whole book is a delight but I do admire Mark’s courage in introducing concepts which were either traditionally reserved for our elders or terms not commonly used in the realm of organisational leadership, like: wisdom, grace, brilliance and character.Mark opens the book talking about building walls and reminding us that the strength of a wall is in the mud/mortar not the bricks and closes with a reminder that it takes mud to lead with wisdom.I eagerly awaited the publishing of this book, based solely on hearing Mark speak at a Leadership New Zealand function in 2013. I was not disappointed and this book will remain at the top of my most recommended books list for many years to come. Rush out and buy it in hard copy or on Kindle and get dipping and enjoy dwelling on the mud.

Having met Mark, I can hear his voice throughout the book. Genuine, grounded and full of wisdom. Read it, enjoy it and take away the one thing that resonates most (might be a hard choice). Reflect on it and then come back for more. I keep my copy on my desk so I can dip into it. I've also bought copies for people I know have the potential to do great things as I believe this will help them.

I'm working through this book, as it was intended to take in chunks, and I really like it. There is good basic information, as well as insight for an established leader.

I'm 40% through the book, loving it! Great buy!!

I have the privilege of working with leaders of large complex organisations as they chart and navigate these turbulent times. I found this book and Mark's regular blogs incredibly helpful in preparing for mentoring conversations. I have also recommended this book to a number of my clients.The idea that wisdom is related in part to the ability and the willingness to read and interpret the patterns of life is a very healthy and helpful concept.The practical leadership ideas in this book make a great reference and checklist for the novice and the experienced leader alike.

Mark Strom is one of the WISEST men that I have ever read. In his new book Lead With Wisdom, Mark takes the reader down an inspiring path of the many sides of being a wise leader. Some topics are Brilliance, Dignity, Story, Naming, and Grace. This book is both very personal and very insightful. I have read it twice it was so good! I know you will enjoy it.

This isn't just another leadership book,This book took me on a personal reflective journey and opened my eyes to new approaches.No clichés or catch phrases, rather good robust wisdomHighly recommended

Good read . I enjoyed this book

A brilliant read!!

A thoughtful and thought-provoking book about how wisdom can be applied in business, organisations and life in general. I found its advice to be readliy applicable in my situation. The author notes that the text is structured in bite-sized chunks: this us good as some of the philosophical material can be heavy going at times - but always worth the effort. My only quibble is the font size: if you are over 40 a pair of reading glasses may be essential.