Book Review- WAY OF THE SHEPHERD: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People


What does a shepherd has to teach us modern-day workers? This fictional allegory shares a story of a successful leader who learnt the secrets of the shepherds and how to get the most out of their flocks. What are these 7 secrets?

  1. Know the condition of your flock: Engage your team regularly both personally and professionally and follow through. Know them one by one.
  2. Discover the SHAPE of your sheep: Select well who’s on your team. Look at their SHAPE (Strength, Heart, Attitude, Personality, Experiences) to make sure they are in the right team.
  3. Help your sheep identify with you: Build trust by modeling authenticity, integrity and compassion. Set high standard of performance and communicate relentlessly your values and mission.
  4. Make your pasture a safe place: Keep your people well-informed. Be aware of problems or problem-makers and deal with them quickly.
  5. The staff of direction: Use persuasion rather than coercion. Give people freedom but be ready to get them out of trouble.
  6. the rod of correction: Protect your team. Correct their action and use as teaching moments. Inspect their progress.
  7. The heart of the shepherd: Know that this is the way of life. It takes a lot of effort and sacrifice to earn the trust and right to lead.

It’s not so flattering comparing your team to sheep that you’re figuring out a way to follow you. Apart from that, the lessons are very applicable and something every leaders definitely should be aware of. The lessons are not so groundbreaking but I like the use of an allegory to make these lessons memorable. Leadership is personal and a humble shepherd can teach us all a lot of how to manage people.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/230037