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The Ten Thousand Things: A story of the lived experience of the I Ching Paperback, 227 pages, A5 format. Published by G.P. Martin. Released August 2010. $AU27.50 + postage (Australia). email me for overseas purchases. Purchase using Paypal: |
Book description
In The Ten Thousand Things, Glenn Martin tells the story of one person’s journey towards leadership. A man leaves the city behind him and seeks out an alternative way of living with his wife. But the hoped-for experience of communal living does not eventuate, and his disappointment is compounded by the shock of his wife leaving him.
Subsequently he is drawn back into involvement with society through a job with a community organisation. The job offers him the opportunity to learn how to be a manager and a leader. His introduction is dramatic, as he finds out soon after commencing that the president has embezzled all of the organisation's funds. But he engineers a recovery, and then spends the next six years building up new services and fostering a positive culture.
His leadership is guided by the I Ching, the ancient Chinese book of changes. In consulting it he learns new perspectives on the role of leader: how to build capacity through people, how to bring about positive change, and when to let go.
But there were seeds of trouble when he took on the job, and the seeds ultimately come to fruition. He finds himself attacked and isolated, and it seems that all his work will come to ruin. But perhaps all is not lost. And along the way there is love.
This is a story about a man learning to be a leader amidst strife, and about the wisdom that the I Ching offers him. At every step it assists him to live ethically and to find the joy that lies at the heart of all things.
Reviews and reactions
Alastair Rylatt (author of Winning the Knowledge Game)
"The Ten Thousand Things is a delightful and insightful journey of personal exploration and reflection. A compelling journey into one's quest for inner peace and mastery in life. Glenn Martin has inspired me."
Andrew O'Keeffe (author of The Boss)
Glenn Martin's book The Ten Thousand Things is a novel about leadership set in a not-for-profit community organisation. One suspects the story is based on true events. In search of his life’s meaning, the main character moves from the city to a regional town. He becomes the head of a community organisation. But after turning the organisation into a thriving service he finds himself under attack from unethical forces with the organisation. How does he respond? Read the rest of the review....
Bob Selden (author of What to do when you become the boss)
As the author, Glenn Martin says in the introduction, “. . . it is a book about the lessons we find in living”. Martin’s story is based on his experiences during a particularly emotional part of his life. It follows three themes; the fictional story, the “I Ching” revelations and as a result, Martin’s thoughts on ethics and human values. Read the rest of the review.....
Dr Klaas Woldring (Southern Cross University (retired))
Glenn Martin has written an interesting and unusual book. For those not familiar with the I Ching, they should perhaps start at the back of the book for explanatory notes. However, it is not essential to know all about it as the book is an account of the author's personal journey and his explanations of how consulting the I Ching, at various critical periods in his life, has assisted him. Read the rest of the review.....
Mike Toten (writer for Workplace Info)
A new book by a leading business ethics and HR writer/consultant provides some valuable insights into how unethical behaviour by senior managers can emerge within an organisation, how it influences the actions of others, and what options a line manager may have to combat it. Read the rest of the review.....
Reactions......
Tania de Jong AM Executive Producer, Creative Innovation 2010 Founder of Creative Universe, Music Theatre Australia, Pot-Pourri, Creativity Australia and The Song Room:
"Nearly finished your book on way back from spiritual retreat in Vietnam. Love it! Congrats Txx p.s. It inspires me to go throw my coins again."
And others.....
"I have read it and enjoyed it. Certainly a different approach and a lovely insight into your life and decision-making."
"It has a strong, pleasant after-taste. It lingers."
"It kept me awake at night for hours, wanting a read a bit more to see what happens..."
"Glenn writes beautifully."