Rating: 
Summary: A new path towards more balanced mentoring
Review: A joint work of Chunglian Huang and Jerry Lynch, this small but expansive book seeks to bring balance to the concept of mentoring. As an avowed cynic reading this book was something of a challenge for me, but a pleasant one. Huang and Lynch bring a great deal of insight to the table, some of it more worthwhile than others.The first section of the book deals with the Jing Wa the golden flower of Tao Mentoring. The authors discuss the eight petals of this golden flower including the Empty Space of Wisdom, The Spirit of the Valley, and The Ideal Mentoring Relationship. The beautiful calligraphy of Mr. Huang is used to illustrate each point. The authors have taken great care to make their material both true to its eastern origin and accessible to the western mind. Although couched in heavily metaphorical terms, much of the information here is very useful for both mentors and mentorees. The importance of balance between the two parties is particularly stressed. The majority of the book is taken up with discussion of the Virtues of the Heart and the Virtues of the Soul. Once again, the wonderful calligraphy takes center stage. The authors show a symbol, discuss its meaning and then ally that to mentoring. This approach allows the reader to concentrate on each trait and how these traits can be used in Mentoring. The smallest section, and the last, is the Tashun. In these few pages the authors attempt to give a what if for their ideas. Their 'humble visions' for a world changed by these Taoistic principles are the most important parts of the book. Readers looking for traditional, scholarly writing on Mentoring might be put off by Huang and Lynch's style, but those looking for a refreshing look at the process would do well to pick up this fine little book. Since the ideas are presented in neat little packages they beg for careful introspection.
Rating: 
Summary: Review of Mentoring: The Tao of Gining and Receiving Wisdom
Review: Book Review - Mentoring: The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom The author presents a gentle and insightful approach into the art of Mentoring. He uses the Tao philosophy to guide in the basic principles of mentoring. Through examples, he shares the gift of giving and receiving in a true mentoring relationship. His book provides a deep and spiritual view of relationships in all of life. His initial selection examines the "dance" and guides you through the basic virtues of a mentor/ mentee relationship. The author provides this through a description of virtues and the actions to be taken. His first collection, "Virtues of the Heart" provide a foundation into the exploration of a mentor mentee relationship. Through engagement in the virtues of emptiness, humility, self-acceptance, integrity, and kindness the author shows how these virtues enhance and strengthen the relationship of a mentor mentee. He paves an insightful path to nurture and grow in a mentor /mentee relationship during the various stages of development. The next, "Virtues of the Soul" provide an insightful approach to maintain the bond of the mentor/ mentee. Virtues such as cooperation, nurturance, interdependence and enthusiasm are revealed in a poetic fashion to give insight and direction into some of those virtues. Although only a few virtues were mentioned, the author does an excellent job providing insight into human nature and the personal conduct of a mentor mentee relationship. Throughout his book, he facilitates the process of teaching, learning, giving and receiving wisdom in all relationships in a calm peaceful way. This was an excellent read for mentoring. The book was beautifully layed-out with simple but powerful, peaceful thoughts and insights into life. This is the type of book you want to pick up from time to time to when you need to gather your thoughts or find ourselves immersed in the chaotic world that we live in.
Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking and enlightening insights on mentoring.
Review: I enjoyed this book because it offers fresh perspectives on mentoring. Rich in metaphors, it provides the reader with multiple ways to view the mentoring relationship. I found it particularly valuable to compare and contrast related western concepts with the Tao perspectives that are so artfully presented through the caligraphy as well as through the metaphors. I shared the book with a Chinese friend who made the suggestion that the authors include an appendix in future additions to provide additional insights into the various Chinese characters. The summaries of the meanings of the characters on the facing pages are interesting and useful; but based on my friends comments, I believe the reader's experience would be further enhanced if he/she knew what each separate character represents. For example, knowing that the top character on page 74 means "patience" and that the bottom character means "forgiveness" provides deeper insight. It is possible, moreover, to draw even further insights out of the characters as as is indicated by the following definition of the same "forgiveness" character: "The priniciple of reciprocity making our own feelings a rule whereby we are quided in dealing with others. To forgive; to show mercy; to excuse". (This definition appears for the forgiveness character in a widely used Chinese-English dictionary.) Even greater insights are available when the components of the individual characters are analyzed. The same "forgiveness" character, for example consists, of 3 "radicals" (A radical is a sort of building block for Chinese characters. There are 214 radicals. They can be used alone or as part of more complex characters. They are used as a means of organizing Chinese dictionaries.) The 3 radical in the forgiveness character are "woman", "heart" and "mouth". Knowing the meaning of these component parts helps one understand and remember the character and provides even greater depth of understanding. I would add this information in an appendix rather than put it in the text so as not to detract from the present text which is beautiful, clear and well organized in its present form.
Rating:
Summary: Tao and Mentoring
Review: In our fast-paced, everchanging world, Mentoring The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom, is a very welcomed and insightful book. Its style is Humanistic, it emphasizes Humanism, for Humanity - the book was truly Human. It begins humble with " emptiness, as a precondition for receptivity in the process of giving." For the Tao mentoring process is created by "the natural movement of expansion (learning) and empty (teaching) on part of each individual." (pg. 5) The feeling is that of being the authors personal audience with its memorable use of the "power of the narrative." In which one sees the emphasis on growing together and the journey of the relationship rather than the mechanics of the outcome. Through stories of past Chinese sages, the beauty of exploration is once again discovered. i especially enjoyed the section on Attentiveness and how "Tao mentors listen with full attentiveness, not with the ears but with their spirit and heart." (pg. 65) Its mix of rich language and ideas encourages the creation of a safe, empathic environment in which trust and enthusiasm can flourish and thrive. It then leads to the pragmatics in the direction of sharing this valuable knowledge and IMHO, wisdom. "Rather than begin to change the world, perhaps we may need to be less ambitious, and act on the local, individual, and personal levels." (pg. 159) The book reads like poetry, with the writing flowing as smoothly as the calligraphy, soothing the soul of the reader. Throughout, the book supports what it sets out to do - to encourage the work of good mentoring. i strongly recommend this book, not just as a quick read but as one that can be referred to many times - in our careers, our lives and our communities.
Rating:
Summary: Tao and Mentoring
Review: In our fast-paced, everchanging world, Mentoring The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom, is a very welcomed and insightful book. Its style is Humanistic, it emphasizes Humanism, for Humanity - the book was truly Human. It begins humble with " emptiness, as a precondition for receptivity in the process of giving." For the Tao mentoring process is created by "the natural movement of expansion (learning) and empty (teaching) on part of each individual." (pg. 5) The feeling is that of being the authors personal audience with its memorable use of the "power of the narrative." In which one sees the emphasis on growing together and the journey of the relationship rather than the mechanics of the outcome. Through stories of past Chinese sages, the beauty of exploration is once again discovered. i especially enjoyed the section on Attentiveness and how "Tao mentors listen with full attentiveness, not with the ears but with their spirit and heart." (pg. 65) Its mix of rich language and ideas encourages the creation of a safe, empathic environment in which trust and enthusiasm can flourish and thrive. It then leads to the pragmatics in the direction of sharing this valuable knowledge and IMHO, wisdom. "Rather than begin to change the world, perhaps we may need to be less ambitious, and act on the local, individual, and personal levels." (pg. 159) The book reads like poetry, with the writing flowing as smoothly as the calligraphy, soothing the soul of the reader. Throughout, the book supports what it sets out to do - to encourage the work of good mentoring. i strongly recommend this book, not just as a quick read but as one that can be referred to many times - in our careers, our lives and our communities.
Rating:
Summary: Very Interesting Angle
Review: Mentoring is so important in the world today. Having a mentor, as this book details, helps people reach the next level in their careers. Mentoring is truly invaluable. A tough thing though is finding a mentor. Where does one look? Well now there is a place to both find a mentor and also be a mentor to share your knowledge. The site is Advance Mentoring, www.Advancementoring.com You can search to find a mentor in any industry, or to be a mentor, or even both. Now the job of finding a mentor has gotten much easier. The site offers over a tremendous number of members from over 40 countries, so you are sure to find a mentor or a mentee. Good luck. http://www.advancementoring.com Noah Cirincione, CEO
Advance Mentoring
http://www.advancementoring.com
Rating:
Summary: Very Interesting Angle
Review: Mentoring is so important in the world today. Having a mentor, as this book details, helps people reach the next level in their careers. Mentoring is truly invaluable. A tough thing though is finding a mentor. Where does one look? Well now there is a place to both find a mentor and also be a mentor to share your knowledge. The site is Advance Mentoring, www.Advancementoring.com You can search to find a mentor in any industry, or to be a mentor, or even both. Now the job of finding a mentor has gotten much easier. The site offers over a tremendous number of members from over 40 countries, so you are sure to find a mentor or a mentee. Good luck. http://www.advancementoring.com Noah Cirincione, CEO
Advance Mentoring
http://www.advancementoring.com
Rating:
Summary: A simple, artful guide to mentoring and relationships...
Review: Mentoring The TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom Chungliang Al Huang and Jerry Lynch This book reminds of us that there is beauty and poetry in mentoring and that it truly is an art. Through the use of Chinese and English calligraphy, the wisdom and warmth of the relationship between Huang and Lynch is richly translated onto paper for all of us to learn from. The blend of Tao wisdom from Chinese classics and modern insight and experience is what forms the new model referred to as Tao mentoring. While the book might lack the detail, analysis, or specific instruction some lust for or expect in a book related to business and mentoring, it eloquently points out that each relationship of our lives is related to the key principles of mentoring. The book then provides explanation and art for each principle. It also invites us to add our own through reflection and practice. Mentoring, The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom is rich with simple and critical exploration of Tao mentoring--a mutually beneficial process of guiding and growing together. Through art (both in calligraphy and words) the book uses wonderful stories and quotes to demonstrate key elements of Tao mentorship. Included among the key elements are: Each mentor must be a mentoree and vice versa. Trust, non-judgement and other principles related to the heart and soul are essential for effective and honest mentorship. There is joy and reward in the journey itself, it not always found in just reaching the goal. This is a must read for anyone wanting to be mindful of effective, harmonious mentoring. The principles are universal and a welcome refresher. The art and quick, simple read also make the book a treasure to be able to revisit from time to time. I especially liked the reference to natural elements in relation to mentoring. "According to the Tao, the best relationships are like water; they benefit all things and do not compete with them. Water is a natural element that ultimately changes the shape of whatever touches in a satisfying, positive way."
Rating:
Summary: Following the Course of both Mentor and Mentee
Review: Mentoring- The TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom offers a collection of simple and direct principles for becoming a stronger mentor/teacher and a stronger learner. By presenting the reader with both content and interpretations from Taoist texts and parables, the authors manage to elicit a process of self-examination in the reader. The text is sparse, in that no words are wasted to impress or patronize. Just as the text advises the strength of Simplicity as virtue, the text simply provides a vision of the virtues required to strengthen our relationships with others and to deal with the challenges and change which we all face productively. The text's first half examines the "dance" we engage in when we become both mentor and mentee. The strength of this text is that it has the power to inspire us to be more thoughtful in our mentoring (professional) and personal relationships, and through building better bonds and exchanging wisdom, lead better lives. This book goes on giving forever, as the content inspires the reader to begin "writing" their own internal journey on the subject. This is Mentoring as the Art of Exchanging Wisdom in action. There's plenty in here to reflect on for the rest of your life.
Rating:
Summary: The Essence of Mentoring and a way of Life
Review: Mentoring: The TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom By Chungliang Al Huang and Jerry Lynch Mentoring: The TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom offers a fresh approach and explanation to what sometime seems to be difficult work. It discusses the relationship between the mentor and the mentoree as a dance that is accomplished between two people in an effort to gain wisdom and knowledge. To become a good mentor one must first experience what it is like to be a good mentoree. It is apparent that the two authors have achieved and practice a level of mentor/mentoree as you read through the background and explanation of what is called the "dance". The book starts out by describing Jing Hwa - the Golden Flower of Tao Mentoring. Here the Golden Flower and its eight petals symbolize the essence of Tao. These eight petals represent the "building blocks, or cornerstones, of the Tao mentoring philosophy". In the second and third sections of this book, Virtues of the Heart and Virtues of the Soul, powerful Chinese characters are used to invoke emotions and meanings. I found myself staring into and analyzing each character. In Virtues of the Heart words such as emptiness, humility, self-acceptance and integrity were used to emphasize 'the personal bond between two kindred spirits in the Tao mentoring relationship'. Where as in the Virtues of the Soul ideas such as modeling, guidance, empathy and nurturance were used to "prepare us to confront the conflicts, doubts, failures, paradoxes, and adversities of life while giving us the strength to develop the self in the process". In the last section, Tashun - Humble Visions for a Harmonious World, the authors discuss the potential affects of Tao Mentoring on the individual and potentially the world. From the moment you pick up this book you are drawn into the subject matter. From the unfinished edges of the pages to the use of calligraphic Chinese characters throughout the book, a sense of great work and understanding is present. The concepts in this book can be used in everyday life as well as becoming a better Mentor/Mentoree. This book is to be read and experience again and again.
| 
