Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: The 8 Rituals of Visionary Leaders by Robin Sharma Read Free Book Online

dedicated to searching for truths of leadership. Over time, I have come to understand that the most influential and respected leaders aligned their leadership with certain ancient laws. I’ve structured these laws into an extremely effective system for dynamic leadership, a blueprint of sorts that will help any leader realize hisor her professional and personal potential. Now I shall share what I have learned with you.”
    “And what did Yogi Raman tell you?” I asked intently, as we finally reached the barren golf course.
    “He told me that the most enlightened, dynamic and effective leaders all possessed one quality that the lesser ones lacked.”
    “And that quality is?”
    “I think it would be better if I demonstrated it.” Julian then reached into the leather golf bag I was carrying and pulled out a club.
    “You’re not going to tell me you also worked on your golf game while you studied under the sages!”
    “Actually I did. I played golf every single day. It was very therapeutic and greatly contributed to my recovery.”
    “Really,” I said in disbelief. “And I suppose these magical monks had also developed a world-class golf resort in the middle of their mountain hideaway so they could play a few rounds to break up the monotony of their days? Probably had little bamboo golf carts to whiz them from hole to hole, did they?”
    “Very funny,” Julian replied, taking my sarcasm in stride. What else could he expect? His story was moving from the bizarre to the incredible. “No, I actually played golf in my mind, Peter.”
    “I’ve never heard that one before.”
    “A few years ago, I remember reading a magazine article about a Vietnam vet who managed to survive his days in solitary confinement by playing imaginary games of chess. Not only did this help him pass the time, it also dramatically improved his playing ability. By the time he got out and had the opportunity to play with a real opponent on a real board, his chess skills had become nothing short of brilliant.”
    “Amazing.”
    “I felt exactly the same way when I heard about that story, Peter. So when, in some of my quieter moments among the sages, I began to reflect on how much I had loved playing golf in my younger years, I decided I would model the war veteran’s strategy and practice playing golf in my mind. I had enjoyed the game so much as a kid, I thought it would greatly assist my recovery.”
    “Did it make a difference in your golf game?”
    “I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve been on a golf course in years. Actually, I think the last time I played was with you. But I’ve probably played over a thousand rounds in my mind, so I don’t really feel like I’ve been away from the game at all. Okay, watch closely now. I think what you’re about to see might surprise you.”
    Julian then reached into his robe and pulled out the gold-plated golf ball that I’d returned to him.
    “You’re not going to use that one are you? Do you have any idea how much that cost me Julian?” I asked, mildly irritated that my friend would use my special birthday present to him in his demonstration.
    “Watch closely,” was the only reply I received as he focused intently on the hole at the other end of the fairway, his ultimate destination. Then with the ease and grace of a seasoned professional, he swung the club, striking the ball perfectly and sending it soaring high into the air. I’d never seen Julian hit the ball like that. However, in spite of his shot, it appeared as if the ball would fall short of its target. I looked at him and gave him my best “nice-try” expression.
    Then something unbelievable happened. The ball seemed to speed up in the air, as if it had been blessed with the support of a convenient gust of wind. It now sped precisely toward its intendeddestination. A couple of groundskeepers, who had witnessed this display, had quickly taken off their hats so as not to miss seeing where the ball would land. Even a