Chapter 1
Gratitude, Hard Work, Bold Action, and Devotion

Secret of Gratitude: Leaders must be grateful
Secret of Striving: Leaders must work harder than others
Secret of Decisiveness: Act boldly at critical moments
Secret of Devotion: Dedicate yourself to your leader

“…Cynics may view gratitude, hard work, bold action, and devotion as simplistic notions undeserving of their attention. But observe the world around you. Note that ungrateful people are unhappy people. Note that hard work is the single most important determinant of success in life. Note how luck favors the bold. Note how devotion—to parents, to children, to superiors, to subordinates—benefits the devoted a hundredfold.

“Some may think these simple concepts apply only to followers, not leaders. But those who aspire to lead must first learn to serve. And those who would master others must first master themselves. The principles of leadership therefore apply equally to superiors and subordinates alike.

“Gratitude, devotion, hard work, and bold action. These words trip easily off the tongue. But they forge the soul of a samurai and lie at the heart of leadership. Practice them, and you will transform your life, as I did.”

Chapter 2

Choosing a Leader and Distinguishing Yourself

Secret of Foresight: Choose a leader with vision
Secret of Dedication: Give everything to the task at hand
Secret of Distinction: Distinguish yourself by exploiting your natural ability
Secret of Service: Subordinate your own interests to those of your leader

“When I was young and naive, I thought leaders were people who always made the right decisions. Later I would learn even great leaders make mistakes. Now I understand the truth: Great leaders can be wrong—but they cannot be unclear. A steadfast, focused vision of the future—one that inspires hope and confidence among followers—is the mark of true leadership. Lord Nobunaga's vision of a unified Japan sustained his rise from minor warlord to supreme overlord, from manager of dozens to master of millions. The clarity and power of that vision sustained my own subsequent rise to ultimate leadership.

“Remember, the people with whom you choose to associate shape the trajectory of your life more than do the activities in which you choose to engage. Young people, especially, tend to emphasize what over whom. I advise you to be less concerned about what work you do—and more about whom you work for.

“I chose Oda Nobunaga as my leader. Whom will you choose as yours?”

Chapter 3
Succeeding at the Impossible

Secret of Resolve: Approach every task with unshakable determination
Secret of Inspiring Loyalty: Be a leader, not a superior
Secret of Connection: Nourish your most precious asset—your personal network
Secret of Strategy: Prepare meticulously, then act boldly
Secret of Reversal: Convert weaknesses into strengths

Chapter 4
Leading in Crisis

Secret of Commitment: Risk all to win all
Secret of Victory: Act first to finish first
Secret of Righteousness: Justify your cause
Secret of Survival: Recast bad fortune as good

Chapter 5
Negotiation and Diplomacy

Secret of Reciprocation: Focus on giving
Secret of Restraint: Be first to forgive
Secret of Faith: To gain trust, give it
Secret of Perception: Use information to shape perception
Secret of Rectitude: Honor your commitments

Chapter 6
Motivating People

Secret of Winning: Fight only after creating conditions for victory
Secret of Kinship: Treat followers as family
Secret of Fidelity: Loyalty can be earned, but never purchased
Secret of Kindness: Forgive small failures
Secret of Clear-Mindedness: Beware pride

Chapter 7
Rewarding Followers

Secret of Accountability: Set clear goals
Secret of Approval: Find opportunities to praise
Secret of Reciprocation: Reward well those who serve well
Secret of Acknowledgement: Recognize achievement in personal ways
Secret of Teamwork: Build unity to prevail

Chapter 8
Seeking Counsel

Secret of Confidence: Let trusted friends serve as counselors
Secret of Balance: Seek advice from those willing to disagree
Secret of Openness: Employ those whose skills exceed your own
Secret of the Confidant: Head your spouse’s advice

Chapter 9
Building Your Organization

Secret of Personnel: Seek rather than solicit, task rather than train
Secret of Multiplying Yourself: Employ leaders, not just followers
Secret of the Inner Circle: Build a brain trust
Secret of Stewardship: Give back to the community

Chapter 10
Leadership and Failure

Secret of Moderation: Avoid overindulgence
Secret of Humility: Beware vanity
Secret of Modesty: Shun ostentation
Secret of Resolve: Lead firmly to avoid dissension
Secret of Equilibrium: Beware blind obsession

Copyright 2007-2010 by Tim Clark