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The format of illustrating the points of self deception by telling a story was very effective for me. I found the book easy to read and follow. It was so good, I am going to read it a second time so that the points will stick.I also read The Anatomy of Peace. It's good to read both in chronological order.
As we attempt to defend a false self-image: like perfection or being nice or doing good we become something false altogether. Arbinger Institute's Leadership and Self-Deception is a worthy read for anyone in leadership. It's a little slow to read, too repetitive for my taste, but still worthwhile as it points to how we sabotage ourselves by our behavior toward employees/volunteers. According to Scott Peck, we could even become evil by our protection of this false image, being 'in the box' according to Arbinger. Only by becoming honest with ourselves and others do we become authentic leaders.
I came upon this book at a time of crisis in my life created by my own self deception and it has changed not only my approach to my career but my personal life as well. It is a very easy read and digestable. I recommend it to anyone who is frustrated with progress in their career or better yet before they get frustrated.
This is a very easy-to-read book because it's told as a story of a fictitious company and the training it puts a new manager through. Don't be fooled by the simplicity however; this is a powerful book with an important message -- essentially that we are often too immersed in the problem to see how much we contribute (or in fact are the problem).It's interesting that the title is so targeted to the business book genre with Leadership prominently in the lead. Lots of the examples in the book are about family and other relationships, and I found this book to be exceptionally powerful in its advice for family and relationship.This is a must-read for the proactive career manager and jobseeker because relationship-building is critical in your career, and this book provides a breezy framework for some eye-opening lessons.
I have applied the concepts from this book both in my personal and professional lives. My husband has commented that I have changed. It is amazing that such a simple concept can change you so much. My team has noticed the difference. I am seeing changes in my team and my husband in their interactions with me. I recommend it to anyone.
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