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In the history of humankind, knowledge has always been regarded as a tool for survival. In the modern era, which is characterized by complexity, decision-making has been transformed into an art. Valuable assistant in this process, is the development of a portfolio of theoretical knowledge that can be gained by reading and studying books and, the assessment of practical knowledge acquired by everyday experience.

One of the most important management books, in my opinion, although not academic, is "The Way of the Leader. Applying the Principles of Sun Tzu and Confucius, Ancient Strategies for the Modern Business World ", by Donald G. Krause. In this book the description and analysis of the SPARKLE Principles is attempted, which refer, as the initial letters imply, to Self-discipline, Purpose, Accomplishment, Responsibility, Knowledge, Laddership and Example.

Management professionals and theorists consider the principle of leading by example as a prerequisite to the exercise of administration duties. However, in this book it is illustrated that example comes last. The highest in the hierarchy of a leader's management qualities is self-discipline. A leader, having achieved a high degree of self-discipline, can direct his action towards the completion of an ultimate purpose under the responsibility undertaken, based on existing knowledge, by creating a climate of mutual trust between partners. Therefore, example is a consequence and not a condition. Besides, in the rest of the book and in the context of those principles, Krause refers to ancient and modern-time leaders and the way they applied the SPARKLE principles to managerial decisions and dilemmas.

Another very effective business book, is "The One Minute Manager", by Ph.D. Kenneth Blanchard, (M.D.). Dr Kenneth Blanchard uses the fictional story of a young man who wanted to learn the secrets of management, to introduce the findings of clinical psychology in the science of human and hence organizational behavior. Central position on the issues dealt within this book holds the training of human resources.

We need to distinguish between training, which can be considered as restrictive and oppressive and, the way of managerial conduct suggested by the analysis attempted by the author. The purpose of human resources training (considering that a company's personnel is ultimately and essentially responsible for producing positive results and the successful operation of the business) is the coordination towards the achievement of common objectives, through the desired organizational behavior, at various levels of hierarchy.

The first book shows the importance of the leader's theoretical education and practical knowledge, as a foundation for the formation of an integrated personality, competent and efficient in directing human resources. The second one focuses on the application and transmission of the leader's accumulated knowledge to the personnel under his command. In this way, his effectiveness can be enhanced and indeed multiplied, by the fact that he will be able to train new managers in order to execute their assigned duties and tasks to the required company standards.

Learn more about this author, Georgios Gkoutzouvalos.
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