If you consider a book about management as weird, because it is filled with words like inspiration, care and love, you are better off not even opening it. If you dislike the American way of repeating a particular message over and over again you might get irritated with this book. However, if you are not afraid to pause for a moment and reflect on your work and life, then Lance Secretan gives you plenty of opportunity to think about your situation in professional and private life.

It starts with the definition of a new type of leader: The one who is inspired himself, does not motivate others but inspires them, and sees his role in serving others. Not really that new as does the rest of the book sounds familiar in many places. So, why did I still enjoy reading it? Because Secretan takes the reader through a journey with six clearly laid out steps. Step by step you get the opportunity to a better understand your own work and leadership. While reading, you are constantly ask to compare and reflect your situation with the examples he writes about. Here are the six steps in a short summary:

1. To find your own purpose in life. How you do that? He triggers the reader to ask for his reason to be on earth. When you are able to describe that you will roughly understand your purpose (and with that may be even the one of your company).
2. To find your task in life. Others may call this vision. No matter what you call it, it is about defining your very own task in life and in this world. An interesting point to keep in mind: Visions cannot be “sold”. If you are inspired by it yourself others will be inspired as well.
3. To find your own calling. This makes it more tangible. It is about what you are really good at, abilities in which you have reached real mastery. With these you can turn your task, your vision, into reality.
4. To create congruence between purpose, task and calling. Does what you have defined really fit together? Some questions help you to do a reality check. Let the results settle and see whether you are happy with the results.
5. To serve subordinates. This is where Secretan hits the leadership theme. A leader of the new type asks others how he could serve them. Most frequently mentioned words are: Listening and being friendly. You think you would struggle with that? Understandable …
6. To evoke brilliance in your surrounding - the keys are courage, authenticity, serving, truthfulness, care and efficiency.
7. To inspire a team that inspires you - a magical apex. We are all leaders who can and should inspire each other.
All chapters are filled with examples of leaders and companies who follow their purpose and inspire others.
(Republished with permission form MW-Online)