Author Description

What is leadership? Why is this important? How do you lead successfully? The Art of Leadership provides timeless answers to these eternal questions. It is a modern reading of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching — a guide for leaders in ancient China. It is an interpretation of 81 short, poetic sections on leadership, people and how to succeed together in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world where the rate of change will never be slower than today. You will discover new perspectives on the world, people and their behaviours, get actionable advice on how to lead strategically and effectively, and, learn how to make a difference using purpose and integrity instead of pressure and control. You will also improve your understanding of China, Chinese ways of leading and strategising since the Tao Te Ching is deeply ingrained in Chinese thinking, decision-making and actions. “A beautifully deep exploration of leadership based on a modern interpretation of my favorite Chinese classic, the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.” Rod Leaverton, Global Strategy & Operations Lead “This is powerful, this is for practical people struggling with business goals.” Goran Skugor, Competence Manager “I love this interpretation of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. The insights go beyond what I could possibly imagine. After leading a tech company for more than 26 years there is still so much to learn and study. Thank you Erik for bringing these more than wise words to our attention.” Jørn Larsen, CEO and founder, Trifork Erik Schön is an executive and strategist who has successfully led small, medium and large organisations for more than 20 years. He is the author of the widely acclaimed The Art of Strategy on Sun Tzu's Art of War, John Boyd's OODA "loop" and Simon Wardley's Wardley Mapping.