Fred Kofman

This book is about how to become a transcendent leader, a leader who creates the opportunity for people to find meaning through their work. Kofman not only describes what it takes to be a transcendent leader but also explains how to develop the capacity to be such a leader. Kofman provides examples of transcendent leaders and the lessons to be learned from them. He also shares his own journey that brought him to the insights he includes in the book. This is an informative and insightful read. It can also be challenging, especially the final part of the book. Here Kofman gets into the spiritual (not religious) aspects of transcendent leadership. He effectively integrates spirituality and business. More controversial for some may be his passionate case for the superiority of capitalism over any other economic system. He is not blind to the abuses that occur within capitalist economies, but he argues that these negative consequences are due to the unethical and ego-centered actions of some of the players in business and government and not due to a systemic flaw in capitalism itself. There are many who would dispute this claim. Nonetheless, this book is worth reading for the positive vision Kofman holds up for business and work. If business did operate in alignment with his vision, the results would be the opportunity for individuals to live meaningful lives within communities of purpose that contribute to the wellbeing of the entire planet.… (lisätietoja)

Business is an essential part of our lives. Doing business consciously, Fred Kofman, a co-founder of the consulting firm Axialent, is an essential part of living consciously. The author presents a business model where managers are more conscious of the inner and outer lives of employees.

Anyone who works intuitively understands there are two types of managers. As a professor of accounting, Kofman begin his classes by having students listen to one of Beethoven’s pieces over and over. Gradually the students would realize that the music was not in the CD; but in the listening. In music as in business, Information’s only value is in how it is interpreted.

Most recognize the need for smart employees with the latest in technical competency. Kofman argues it is more important, and less recognized, that organizations recruit and retain employees with high-level consciousness.

He draws a contrast between unconscious attitudes and their conscious counterparts. They are:

Unconscious Attitudes.....................Conscious Attitudes
Unconditional Blame.......................Unconditional Responsibility
Essential Selfishness........................Essential Integrity
Ontological Arrogance.....................Ontological Humility
Unconscious Behaviors....................Conscious Behaviors
Manipulative Communication..........Authentic Communication
Narcissistic Negotiation....................Constructive Negotiation
Negligent Coordination.....................Impeccable Coordination
Unconscious Reactions.....................Conscious Reactions
Emotional Incompetence...................Emotional Mastery.

These qualities are simple to understand; yet, they are difficult to implement. They represent common sense; yet, they are not found widely in common practice. They seem natural, yet they challenge deep-seated assumptions individuals hold about themselves, others and their world.

Kofman opens the reader’s conscious to a unique resource for maximizing profit and potential in the workplace and beyond. Written concisely and coherently he communicates an uncommon wisdom about the truth of our emotions and healthy interpersonal practices in business and life.

Penned by the Pointed Pundit
January 16, 2007
10:12:54 AM… (lisätietoja)