The 100-Mile Walk: A Father and Son on a Quest to Find the Essence of Leadership

by Sander A. Flaum, Mechele Flaum, Jonathon a Flaum, et al.

Book Overview

Each generation leads in its own way. But to progress together, they must find ways to bridge the divide between their perspectives. Recognizing that truth, a 65-year-old traditional CEO and his 35-year-old Zen entrepreneur son embark on a six-month-long, 100-mile walk. As they stroll the streets of New York and New Orleans, trek through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and hike along the Long Island coast, they talk about their experiences, their outlook...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081443651X
• ISBN13: 9780814436516
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Amacom
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The 100-mile Walk: A Father And Son on a Quest to Find the Essence of Leadership

The 100-Mile Walk contains a rather unique look at successful business. The authors are father and son with some very different views on these aspects. Sander, the father, thinks of business in a traditional Baby Boomer way. He has become an extremely successful business person by gradually climbing the cooperate ladder, making career his number one priority, and long hours of sacrifice. His son, Jonathan, is also a highly successful business person. However, this generation X-er's views on business on quite different from his father's. Jonathan believes that a healthy balance between a career he loves and a life outside of work allows him full use of his creative abilities that will ultimately lead to his success. This book illustrates that the definitions of leadership and business success are changing. Once men spend much of their lives isolated from their families so that they could provide a financially comfortable living. Today, many individuals sacrifice that security to spend time with their family and friends. The 100-Mile Walk shows that there is value in both career paths and that individuals following either path can learn from the other.

Unusual approach to leadership books

I was pleasantly surprised at the different approachs to leadership shown by this father and son. This book reinforces the fact that things are changing in every aspect of our society. The older way of looking at the busines world suddenly seems lifeless and harsh even though the younger approach seems a bit naive. Perhaps, as usual, a blend of the two opposing ideas would be best.

Top Shelf Business Book

Among the 25-30 business books that I read each year, only one or two stand out with unique insights that warrant "top shelf" billing. The 100-Mile Walk is one of those projects that rises above typical business publications by embedding both intelligent point/counter-point discussions and practical leadership stories from both traditional and new-style leader perspectives. Several of the authors' suggestions have proven useful in my own leadership practice as well as my work in guiding and developing Gen-X leaders. I recommended it highly to anyone seeking to understand the common DNA of leadership that transcends age, culture or personal style. This walk of self-discovery with Sander and Jonathan Flaum is a journey worth taking and sharing with others.

Walk 50 miles in my moccasins

Leadership is not a one-way experience, with a superior directing a subordinate. To be an effective leader, it is essential to understand---and learn from those you seek to lead. It's at least a two-way experience. When good leaders practice their skills, they discover new perspectives from others around them and, with enlightening growth, gain from the interaction. Native Americans are reputed to have captured this concept by counseling that "you cannot judge another until you have walked a mile in his moccasins." This insight-filled book tells the story of a father and son exploring leadership---from much different perspectives. Father Sander is 65 and, based on the comparison profile at the start of the book, practically a stereotypical icon of a hard-driving Type A CEO. Son Jonathon is 36 and a fine representative of a much different generation and a student of Zen. The two agree to walk 50 miles on the paths of each other's lives, exploring leadership. This design holds great promise, and the authors met the opportunity part-way. Most of the writing comes from the father-it is obviously his book, with commentary by his son. While there is certainly value in Jonathon's contribution, his counterpoints could have been stronger, adding more balance to the presentation. The authors explore nine leadership concepts people, purpose, passion, performance, persistence, perspective, paranoia, principles, and practice. Walking on the streets of New York, golf courses, or mountain trails, father and son talk about their different views of leadership and life. Mixed in are lessons and insights from corporate leaders who have much to share-attitudes and understandings that stimulate the reader's thinking from both father and son's perspectives. How did these leaders come into the picture? Sander Flaun is chair of the Leadership Forum at Fordham University. He brings these leaders to serve as lessons and examples for MBA students. Through his book, Flaun extends their value to his readers. All together, 100-Mile Walk is a thought-provoking journey for the reader. As I read this book, I was struck by another adage: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." For the millions of Baby Boomers seeking to find themselves and determine what's really important as they move toward their fifties, sixties, and lifestyle choices. You'll find this book to more than just another leadership tome.

A Must-Read for all Future Leaders

They say leadership can not be taught, but I feel by having read 100-Mile Walk, I have learned what qualities a good leader must have and what actions a good leader must take. What I loved most about the book was that it just wasn't from the perspective of the authors but other well-respected leaders and their thoughts on leadership. Another great thing about the book is the authors list 9 P's of leadership and an action checklist for each. As a business student with future aspirations of being a leader in business, I will definitely apply the book's 9 P's in my future career.