An interesting read and thought provoking book. It not only poses questions but discussing why they are important. A good book especially for someone who feels stuck in a rut.

I am actually quite excited about THE BOOK OF BEAUTIFUL QUESTIONS by Warren Berger and have been talking to several administrators about this new title. Berger is the best-selling writer of A More Beautiful Question and his work on innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity appears regularly in publications like Fast Company, Harvard Business Review and The New York Times. In his latest book (released in late October), he explores "The Powerful Questions That Will Help You Decide, Create, Connect, and Lead."

Given our current work as a school district on strategic planning, including a Leadership strand, Berger’s Part IV which deals with questions for stronger leadership seems especially valuable and relevant. There, he begins by reviewing the concept of "servant leadership" or a "visionary helper" who exhibits qualities like humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness. He continues, referring to Susan Cain's (author of Quiet) comments on the tendency of schools to define leadership in shallow terms – "based on how any achievements a student can list or the number of clubs that student has become president of." Berger suggests some introspection, particularly as to whether one's reasons for wanting to lead are too self-serving versus caring deeply about an issue or making a difference. In fact, Berger says to ask yourself the following to see if you are ready to be a 21st century leader:

Am I willing to step back in order to help others move forward?
Do I have the confidence to be humble?
Can I learn to keep learning?
Do I seek to create an organization in my own image?

Minds to inquiry is a key component of our motto and asking questions through different lenses is a habit that we promote through Junior theme and other research processes. THE BOOK OF BEAUTIFUL QUESTIONS contains extensive notes and a helpful index of all of the questions Berger raises. This text has the potential to be a one school/one book read and I can see using many of these questions (Which stupid rule should we kill? At this moment, what is the highest, best use of my time) as prompts for interactive displays and reflection.

A big book of beautiful questions filled with beautiful explanations that will quench your desire for knowledge.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.