Customer Rating: 
Summary: Helpful for (Some) Leaders
Comment: This is a book I really liked when I got it last year. First, I'm a management consultant and coach to leaders, and second I regularly practice aikido. What do the six principles focus on? Self-knowledge, Planning, Habits of Language, Values, Resiliency (dealing with failure), and Control (or lack thereof). I liked the insights and ancedotes in each chapter, and there are some really good exploration exercises spread throughout the book. Do these alone or with a guide; they're great for cultivating reflectiveness. "Think time" is something all leaders need.
The book will appeal to leaders who are intuitive or are exploring that aspect. Linear, hard-driven types--you probably will pass on this one for now. The author's earlier book The Paradox of Success addresses the disillusionment faced by those who have achieved success but at great personal cost. That book will find more resonance with a wider audience.
Aikido is used as a metaphor, and the author shares both his admiration for the art and admits his lack of experience on the mat. The book found it's mark with me. But for those looking for aikido, they should probably go elsewhere (George Leonard or Mitsugi Saotome).
Customer Rating:
Summary: No Aikido here
Comment: I also bought this book because of the "Aikido" in the title. Apparently, the author considers himself an "Aikido sensei" in the field of management in the same way that your typical sensei is a teacher on the mat. Unfortunately, most of us consider that an Aikido sensei of any sort needs to know a lot about Aikido. I'm not sure this guy does. If you've heard of this guy and want to learn from his extensive experience as a management consultant, buy the book. Otherwise, don't expect to gleam anything about Aikido here.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Brilliant understanding and insights into THE SELF, but...
Comment: There is one thing lacking in the work, and I say this with all humility. I mean no disrespect, the book is absolutly brilliant. But the practical techniks used don't go beyond the purely intellectual and there for are lacking. I have been the student of Yutaka Kurita sense, last direct disciple of O'sensei Morihei Uyeshiba, and again with all humility I can asure that the work lacks a deep understanding and implications of Aiki... Insights drawn from samurai philosophy little aply in the understanding of Aiki, much less for Aikido and in the understanding of TakemusuAiki...I would truly apreciate any reply. at your servise, Jack
Customer Rating:
Summary: How to be a responsible leader using aikido
Comment: This book of leadership aikido tells you how you can learn the art of aikido in business. The author shows different senarios and gives a lot of good examples. I found this book to be interesting and was trully amazed. It shows you how to handle any stressfull situation that you may have and gives you ideas on how to solve it. This book should be a must for any person who wants to be a leader and how to be a good one at it.
