Book Review of
“Lead Without Losing Yourself”
-Stoic Wisdom for School Leadership
by Daniel Flitton
Sometimes, I write book reviews on books that were given to me or ones I purchased and really enjoyed.
This one is by someone I know personally.
Daniel Flitton comes from a family of teachers. The type of teachers who put their students first. And do so with genius and wit that makes learning both fun, easy, and memorable.
I was able to talk to Dan, briefly, about his book. How I enjoyed it’s flow, practical language, and philosophical insights that come from years of experience.
As I read through “Lead Without Losing Yourself” I also realized how valuable the lessons in his book are for business leaders, parents, and anyone else in a leadership role.
Dan doesn’t write, ignore or push away your feelings of frustration, but instead, take a breath and reflect before reacting. A main theme throughout his book is to learn how to diffuse a possibly volatile situation.
He uses quotes by the stoic emperor Marcus Aurelius (160-181 AD); the stoic Epictetus (50-135 AD); St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) and from movies, songs, and more to give examples of how to be stoic and listen before reacting.
Throughout the book he asks the reader to jot down answers to questions that encourage contemplation: When was the last time you judged someone’s tone before understanding their context? (There’s space at the back of the book to make a journal)
Whether you’re a teacher, business leader, military leader, or parent, this is an excellent book to remind you that reflection before action is almost always a wiser method.
By Dan Watt
Lead Without Losing Yourself is available on Amazon
Caedar Writing & Artwork 