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The Rabbi and the CEO »

Book cover image of The Rabbi and the CEO by Thomas D. Zweifel

Authors: Thomas Zweifel Ph.D., Aaron L. Raskin, Ali Velshi
ISBN-13: 9781590791509, ISBN-10: 1590791509
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Select Books, Incorporated
Date Published: November 2008
Edition: (Non-applicable)

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Author Biography: Thomas D. Zweifel

Book Synopsis

Ancient Talmudic wisdom and the modern pragmatism of today's boardroom meet up to find that they have much to discuss. In 'The Rabbi and the CEO', corporate insider and Columbia business professor Thomas Zweifel, Ph. D. engages in a dialogue with Rabbinic scholar Aaron L. Raskin of the congregation B'nai Avraham of Brooklyn, and from this emerges an enlightening synthesis of old vs. new and culture vs. science. Much as the discussion of Japanese culture and entrepreneurial success evoked study, debate and a wealth of literature back in the 1980s, this book will examine those underlying principles by which Jewish and non-Jewish business leaders can lead their companies while remaining true to their values. This is a fun read and a lively discussion as Dr. Zweifel and Rabbi Raskin take us on a tour of Mosaic Law to draw some unexpected conclusions. This book will help readers of all faiths learn that there is not necessarily a great distinction between running an exceptional business and leading a good life.

Publishers Weekly

Authors Zweifel, CEO of the Swiss Consulting Group, and Raskin, a long-time Brooklyn Rabbi, join their prodigious knowledge to answer "the ultimate leadership question: what makes a great leader?" using the Ten Commandments. Going through the Commandments one by one, the duo use Bible stories and real-world anecdotes to extract smart, accessible leadership ideas without resorting to corporate or religious code-speak. The First, for example, "I am your God who delivered you from the land of Egypt, the house of slavery," tells us not just what a leader does-frees himself and others ("from your limitations")-but how he achieves and maintains that freedom: by taking responsibility. And, of course, making more commandments-continuing through the balance, Zweifel and Raskin look at respect, the "power of no," "anger management" and walking the talk, among others broad topics, each broken down wittily and without recourse to preaching or dogma. Pull-out quotes and side bars provide quick tips, though as a whole the book reads quickly and precisely. Anyone who wants to "transform their leadership-for good" will find a smart and upstanding guide in this spirited (if not necessarily spiritual) collaboration.
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