Dr. Britt Yamamoto uses sustainable farming metaphors to redefine leadership as "soil-based" rather than output-focused. Drawing from his Japanese farm experiences, Britt advocates "Leadership 3.0": prioritizing reflection, inquiry, well-being, and relationships over quick metrics. Key concepts include soil building (time + space + relationships), viewing weeds as insights, and embracing fallow for renewal. Through stories and global testimonials, it challenges assumptions, fostering deeper self-awareness and collaboration. Ideal for leaders seeking transformation, the book emphasizes cultivating inner conditions for sustainable growth, blending poetry, pedagogy, and practicality.

I tried to enjoy this one, but the soil metaphor was very heavy handed. I kept waiting for the book to provide more substain beyond soil vs. plants, and found that it did not.

This is quite an interesting look into leadership, for who would have thought to compare or liken leadership to soil?
It's from this unique point of view that I believe that this book would be a great read for anyone exploring what it means to lead. Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

2.5 stars.

A meditative piece on leadership and management with soil as an analogy.

I appreciate the intents and the philosophy behind this book, which were what intrigued me in the first place.

Yamamoto’s tone is inspiring.

As for the tips, the discussion, the depth of the topics, I was left with wanting more.