The Five Graces of Life and Leadership

by Gary Burnison

Five simple qualities that captures the essence of outstanding leadership today In today’s world, leadership is all about establishing community and connectivity so everyone can be part of something bigger than themselves. To have the grace to create this kind of leadership, we need greater self-awareness and genuine connection to others.  In The Five Graces of Life and Leadership , CEO of the celebrated consulting firm Korn Ferry delivers a meaningful and thought-provoking exploration of leadership, emphasizing the five kinds of grace that leaders absolutely must have to lead their teams in today’s evolving workscape. In the book, you’ll learn how to the best leaders make their teams feel comforted, safe, and secure that they’re headed in the right direction. It includes insightful discussions on each of the five indispensable graces, including: The perfect book for managers, executives, and other business leaders doing their best to lead their teams through some of the most rapidly changing business and social environments we’ve seen in our lifetimes, The Five Graces of Life and Leadership is a can’t miss book on the human side of leadership at work, at home and anywhere else.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Self Help, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 2, 2021

Reviews

[Divyesh Patel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I’m not giving this book enough credit, or had high expectations. Lots of mini stories that attempt to make the reader feel or understand what the 5 GRACES mean, but some catch and most do not. The art work throughout the book seems forced as well. Some of the sayings have potential to really give for some good storytelling: I.e. “courage doesn’t mean no fear, but to know fear” or the story about how an adult regrettably feels shame/embarrassment for when his father filed for bankruptcy.

It’s a short read, so can’t expect much in terms of story telling. If you want better stories of leadership, empathy, grit, etc I suggest reading Angela Duckworth’s GRIT.

[Eric Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned of this book in a Bible based study group I attend in an effort to be a better husband and a better human being. The facilitator of the group came across the book and thought it would be great to break down the letters of G.R.A.C.E. and study them individually as they relate to being a spouse. This led to some fascinating insights and great discussion. So much so that I then took the book to my team at work, bought them each a copy and we did the same thing over a couple months time meeting weekly to discuss. Another set of wonderful insights, this time work related.

I have now purchased a dozen copies of this book and hand it out to friends and family whom I believe will not only learn from the teachings in it, but will put them to use for years and years to come. I'm currently down to my last copy and will probably order 5 more this week to have some on hand to pass out as folks come my way.

Not only is this a "pretty" coffee table book, but the words contained within have the ability to change the way you live and treat others if you'll let them.

This is one of those rare books that I have marked up with a highlighter and marker and will refer to again and again and again. It is that good.

[Chelsea Esposito · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was recommended by a leader at work. As much as I enjoy Burnison’s Korn Ferry email updates, I felt this book to be the stripped down, highly edited version. It’s a lot of cliche leadership sayings that you’ve already probably heard 1000 times. When he’d go to tell a story, it would be 2 tiny paragraphs and go nowhere. I wouldn’t recommend this book if it were free, let alone for the $28 sticker price. Only benefit is that you can read it and be done with it in one day.

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are leaders of our life.

What motivates us —> achievement
What relationship we want to build —> affiliation
What influence I want to have on others —> power

Know myself first before I can lead others. Self awareness
Motivations, strengths, blind spots

At the end of the day, achievement is measured by what impact I have others.

[Jenni Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's to the point, anecdotal and takes a look at leadership in a way that you don't typically see in books. It is a refreshing change from a lot of leadership books I've read as it is concise and easy to read.

[Bronson Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and designed in a way to allow the reader to reflect themselves after reading the thoughts and reflections of each page. Highly recommend for anyone looking for people-centric leadership content.

[Meg Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book at least 3 times and every time I read it it gives me something else. Just love it. Wish there was another one similar.

[KateMarie29 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be good for young leaders or those with less experience. Not a lot of “aha” moments in this text. Lot of basics. But the basics are important too, and it’s a nice quick read.

[Hannah Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite as hell. Wouldn't have finished it unless I had to.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audio book for my class

[Michelle Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unending stream of one liners to inspire and create conversations around leadership and management. Really a great way to put things into perspective and to inspire the few leading the many.

[Jenny Breaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

So?

[Tracy Brower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, especially the introduction on the concept of grace.

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a short, thin book, padded with photos and highly designed pages, I found a surprising number of wise insights. The five "graces" make up an acronym for GRACE: Gratitude, Resilience, Aspiration, Courage, and Empathy. I was not surprised to hear him speak of courage, resilience, and aspiration, since he is CEO of a major consulting firm, but it was surprising to put everything under the banner of "grace," which elevates the book.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 Did not capture my interest or inspire