Review

Rating: 8

This is an outstanding genre, in my opinion. I enjoy fables, even if they are about business, and it seems to me this installment of Lencioni’s fables has much to do with life. His characters sidestep two golden opportunities to apply the principles of the book, though. One is when Brian’s wife is trying to encourage him to spend his retirement-anxiety in the church or non-profit world—perhaps even creating a non-profit organisation. Brian insists that he couldn’t do that because his skills and passions are to manage, not to “build houses” etc. Issue avoided. It amazes me how desperately needed such management skills are in church and non-profit environments. I have too often encountered poor management among schools and missionary agencies I have encountered, not to mention the church environment. It seems that people’s fear of incorporating “business” into these vital people-oriented fields keeps such gifted individuals like Brian away. His principles would apply brilliantly to these fields.

Another opportunity for application that was missed in the name of focusing the plot was when Leslie, Brian’s wife, begins to apply some of his principles to her role as a mother. Brian quickly “corrects” her and brings her back to the business context.

The problem, I think, is that the principles described in this book are applicable on a much larger scope than the fable suggests. Lencioni’s commentary at the end of the book does widen the field considerably, but does not get as specific as I would have liked.

Lencioni’s final comments in the book address the ministry applications of his theories. The author confesses his deep interest in ministry, though he largely avoids details. Though I don’t know anything about Lencioni’s spirituality or beliefs, I hope, for the sake of the church, that he would seriously consider future opportunities to at least serve as a consultant to churches and ministries.

Overall, this book is well worth reading and seriously thinking about.