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Description
Thomas Derale, a mild-mannered businessman from Chicago, embodies leadership's greatest secret: his companies make fortunes, his people love him, and his customers are willing to wait weeks just to do business with him. At age 55, though, Derale is dying, and through a series of final encounters with key people in his life - primarily his wife, Maggie, and his protege, Joe, who regards Thomas as his mentor - we learn about his life, his unique business insights, and the true impact the man and his work has had on the people around him.A business parable with a difference, The Big Five for Life is a story of great leadership, of savvy decision-making, and a powerful reminder that successful leaders are not just in the business of business - they are in the business of life.… (more)
User reviews
Every reader should be able to apply some ideas/concepts from this book and become a better leader. It doesn't matter who/what we are leading, whether it's our family, our son's soccer team, our daughter's bible class, a small office, or a large corporation, we can learn how to do a better job of it. And by doing this, we can become a more fulfilled person at the same time.
Not only does our hero in this book, Thomas Derale, show us how to live our business and personal lives, he shows us how to die with grace and dignity. After receiving his diagnosis of brain cancer, he didn't just give up and stop living his life, he managed to keep leading right up until the end. That was inspiring!
While reading this book, at times it was hard for me to believe this is fiction. The characters seem so real and down-to-earth. Even though it was easy to read, I slowed down when I realized how much valuable information was in it and I needed time to let it 'sink in.' I highly recommend this book no matter what your age or state in life is. The information can only be beneficial.
In my personal opinion this book is a collection of platitudes. Sometimes you can find a interesting thought in it but as it is written quite poorly and feels so badly