Corporate Head, Spiritual Heart
Author: Shilpa Unalkat
Price: £10
Publisher: Staflow Publishing
Pages: 136
ISBN: 0955202809
Reviewed by: Jonathan Smith, senior lecturer, Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University
This is one of a growing number of books that focus on spirituality in the workplace: a new way of thinking about work that is popping up in more and more forward-thinking companies.
It adopts a practical and realistic approach. While aimed at the corporate world, many of the issues rightly focus on the personal development of the reader, and the book presents a practical toolkit for self-discovery. Many books in this area are underpinned by a Christian or US perspective, but Unalkat’s provides some refreshing new insights as it gives a UK perspective and often draws on Hindu and Buddhist principles.
The pages are packed with useful, challenging and thought-provoking ideas. Some of the ideas are repeated several times in different chapters in the middle of the book, which detracted from my full engagement in these sections. However, the recaps and points for reflection given at the end of chapters reinforce the main points covered.
Some of the most helpful sections identify typical personal obstacles – which interestingly seem to highlight an alarming number of my own. They then make suggestions to overcome obstacles, providing case studies to illustrate how, and ending with useful points to encourage the reader’s own reflection.
One of its core messages seems straightforward, but presents some significant challenges. It is to identify our core principles and values, then live our life in a way that is true to them. Wouldn’t work be a great place if we all responded to Unalkat’s challenge?
Useful? Four out of five stars
Well-written? Three out of five stars
Practical? Five out of five stars
Inspirational? Four out of five stars
Value for money? Four out of five stars
Overall? Four out of five stars
Reviewed by Jonathan Smith, senior lecturer, Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University
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