The Wisdom of Leadership - Reviews

The wisdom of Solomon" is a common refrain that we often use when describing someone whose propensity for insight and discernment is particularly strong. Whether in family, politics, or business matters, the aforementioned sage souls are often lauded - and rightfully so - for the strong biblical leadership model that they choose to follow in their everyday lives.

As the title states, The Wisdom Of Leadership treats the reader to an insightful analysis of the salient features of strong leadership, chief among them wisdom. In masterful fashion, author Per Winblad expounds on the wisdom of King Solomon, simultaneously outlining the various qualities that we must adopt if we are to become as convincing and effective leaders as he. Presented in an extended fictionalized conversation between Solomon and Queen Sheba, the lessons and insights of Leadership serve to inspire readers to apply them to their own everyday lives, at the same time encouraging them to spend just as much time engaging in thoughtful reflection as contemplated action. As such, Winblad's teachings are all the more valuable for their pointed, deliberate nature, setting them apart from more cookie-cutter, generic advice offerings.

Impressively well-crafted, The Wisdom Of Leadership stands out for its practical, yet powerful advice and sage counsel. An empowering literary treat that is not to be missed.

Dominique Sessons, Apex Reviews

Per Winblad believes that the most important aspect of leadership is wisdom. In his book he explores the wisdom of King Solomon as it pertains to leadership. He fictionalizes exchanges between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of wisdom in leadership.

Winblad presents King Solomon as a wise, yet humble man who agrees to spend time with the Queen, talking about life and answering her questions, so long as she is willing to reflect on how the answers he gives her contribute to her own development. Solomon tells the Queen that true success comes from within. It cannot be acquired or achieved. It is not a destiny we reach someday. It is a journey we travel our whole lives long.

Each chapter in the book provides a proverb of Solomon's and a fictionalized conversation between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba demonstrating the proverb. Winblad invites the reader to add his own thoughts as to how these proverbs affect his own life.

According to Winblad and Solomon, in order to have true success in life, we also need to:
1. Be careful how we think; our thoughts shape our lives
2. Let adversity and struggle give us strength
3. Clarify the vision for our desired future and pursue it with passion and discipline
4. Create and nurture good relationships
5. Stay true to our own governing values
6. Go beyond guilt, fear and worry
7. Use our most precious gift

Interspersed throughout the book are many more proverbs from King Solomon, each with an interesting fictionalized encounter with the Queen of Sheba. Solomon reminds Sheba that the time spent reflecting on these principles and applying them to her life and leadership are just as important as the principles themselves.

Solomon encourages Sheba to share this wisdom with others so that others could lead successful and fulfilling lives. Winblad shares these principles with the readers so that they may also have the opportunity to live successful and fulfilling lives. He leaves room at the end of each chapter so the reader can write his or her reflections down and suggests that the reader go back and contemplate one per day in order to turn each reflection into action.

Rachel Friedman