Letters of a businessman to his son

by G. Kingsley Ward

Book Overview

A book which offers practical advice on the ethics and morality of dealing in business. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 000217748X
• ISBN13: 9780002177481
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: HarperCollins Canada / H & C Pb Def
• Length: 225 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Insight into Business and Life, But Where's the Son's Reply?

This brief, encouraging book consists of a series of letters (edited for print) written by a successful businessman (Ward himself) to his son, tracking the son's career from a decision on which college to attend to the son's mid-career promotion to company president upon his father's retirement. During the 20-year span, the father shares with his son (and the reader) all of his wisdom on topics from business--work ethic, entrepreneurship, partnership, business expansion, diversification, teamwork, firing an employee, leadership, etc.; as well as life--challenge, success, integrity, marriage, money, manners, happiness, friendship, criticism, balance, etc.Ward's advice is "business conservative," with his basic message being: Set goals for yourself, work hard, be honest and block off time to enjoy your life a little. The selected decision points, problems and events in the son's life revolve around people, mainly working relationships with business associates, employees, customers, suppliers, bankers and competitors--all without neglecting family and friends. Ward emphasizes the importance of cultivating friendships, stating how "Without doubt, friendship is the spice of life." However, when he opines how a person with more than three good friends should feel blessed, and how being rich is better than being poor, but also lonelier, he exhibits his realism and unveils a hint of quiet, unspoken regret: Do we all in our drive to achieve emphasize business and profit at the expense of humanity and friendship perhaps a little more than we should?I recommend this book to anyone involved in business of any sort, and especially to all students considering a business career. However, I also note a caveat: Without the replies of the son, the book has the overall tone of unilateral lecturing rather than fair, two-way dialog. In a related manner, I comment on the father's favorite short book, "A Message to Garcia," which he includes in the text: Yes, work as hard, competently and expediently as the courageous messenger did in President McKinley's Cuban emergency, but, as importantly, in your business career please do not march forward on your boss's orders without first fully understanding the impact of your actions (i.e., think!) and respectfully raising any concerns you may have (i.e., speak up!).

VERY INSPIRING

I read it twice when I was young. I would have been too young to judge it on grammar or any deep meaning but I can tell you the book has sat in the back of my mind all of these years. I have refered it to many people and given it as gifts to people I respect... Thanks Kingsley!

Small pieces of advice that you may refer to again and again

I origionally picked this book up from a library as a teen ager and later bought it. I find thoughtout my-life I refer to the corresponding chapter for some slightly conservative advice.The book contains letters from a fairly successful businessman to his son. They start with school and continue with such topics as school, leadership, enterpreneurship, marriage ... etc. Would make a great gift..

The dad I never Had

If your father was short on words , like mine was, this is your personal "mentor in a box". It will also help you become a better father and teacher. If it is our of print, some local libraires might have it.