
The Swordless Samurai
Leadership Wisdom of Japan's Sixteenth-Century Legend: Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Tim Clark(Author)
Saint Martin's Griffin,U.S. (Publisher)
Published on 8. July 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-312-38233-9 (ISBN)
Description
Japan, during most of its history, has been ruled by its all-powerful Emperors. But in the 16th century - called by the Japanese the Age of Warring Clans - regional potentates were endlessly fighting one another with their small armies of samurai warriors.Hideyoshi, who called himself the Swordless Samurai, is the Japanese Horatio Alger. He was of peasant origin, but by bonding to powerful Lord Nobunaga, and by being useful to him day and night, Hideyoshi secured a powerful patron. Much later, Hideyoshi broke all class barriers and ultimately became the most powerful man in Japan.Hideyoshi has long been immortalised - so much so that every schoolboy in Japan is taught the moral that good judgement, keen intelligence, and sharp wits will win out over your adversaries almost every time.Hideyoshi's leadership and success precepts are embedded in the narrative as Hideyoshi wins many bloodless battles. He also won many victories, and analyzes his rise to supreme leadership. His sense of what it took -drive, shrewdness, anticipation, and determination - is readily understandable to a western businessman or businesswoman today.
Reviews / Votes
"* "The wisdom of this 16th-century samurai is astonishingly prescient and pertinent for 21st-century leaders. Practical wisdom at its best." Warren Bennis, distinguished professor of Business. USC and author of Becoming a Leader"More details
Language
English
Place of publication
California
United States
Publishing group
Griffin Publishing
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (US-tall)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
385 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-312-38233-9 (9780312382339)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Tim Clark lived in Japan for years. He now lives in Portland, Oregon.