• The Servant

  • A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
  • By: James C. Hunter
  • Narrated by: Tony Pasqualini
  • Length: 5 hrs
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (2,565 ratings)

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The Servant  By  cover art

The Servant

By: James C. Hunter
Narrated by: Tony Pasqualini
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Publisher's summary

With a new introduction on using the principles of The Servant in your life and career, this book redefines what it means to be a leader.

In this absorbing tale, you watch the timeless principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a weeklong leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.

To John's surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend. Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to a realization that is simple yet profound: The true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority, which is built upon relationships, love, service, and sacrifice.

Along with John, you will learn that the principles in this book are neither new nor complex. They don't demand special talents; they are simply based on strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility, and caring with the people around you. The Servant's message can be applied by anyone, anywhere - at home or at work.

If you are tired of books that lecture instead of teach; if you are searching for ways to improve your leadership skills; if you want to understand the timeless virtues that lead to lasting and meaningful success, then this book is one you cannot afford to miss.

©1998 James C. Hunter (P)2017 Novel Audio Inc.

What listeners say about The Servant

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FINALLY!

So glad this is finally out in audio! I read this years and years ago...it's motivating and I've really wanted to listen to it rather than re-read. So glad to see it here. I'm only part way through but I had to jump the gun and be the first reviewer. So far, I like the narration a lot and it's nice to have this in my library to come back to again.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A book of quotes and abstract principles

Any additional comments?

To give listeners an idea of what to expect, the book is about a man who goes on a spiritual retreat where he meets a teacher that gives him and a group of others lessons on servant leadership, the power of loving others, and faith in God, among others. Every day this group of people learn from this teacher and you (the listener) also learn what they learn.

Pros: The Narrator does a really great job of creating unique distinct voices for every character.

Cons: Maybe I had too many expectations going in since I knew the book is supposedly a Classic.
-The book is saturated with overused quotes
-I'm also not religious and Christianity seemed to be a big component to this book
-I found the ideas in the book to be very abstract and didn't feel that the book gave clear directions on how to actively practice each lesson in your life

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best I heard on leadership so far.

Going straight to the core. No tactics, just a dose of pure truth if we want to become not only great leaders, but great people. A must read.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

This was an incredible journey as I entered this audio book. Was a breath of fresh air to learn some ideas around how I want to lead in my life. Thank you Mr Hunter (and Simeon.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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If Every Leader Could Hear These Messages

The book and messages within will make most leaders a bit uneasy at times. However, this book does a great job of easing those anxieties, while explaining real world application of the principles to all aspects of a leader's life.

There are times where the story line gets a bit hoakie, which is my only real criticism. There's no way those 5 or 6 people asked all those questions and knew all those quotes. My temporary suspension of disbelief only goes so far.

Nonetheless, the important messages are clearly delivered and reinforced.

I enjoyed the way the narrator slightly altered voice and accents to consistently portray the main characters throughout. Well-delivered, Sir.

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Good Start!

This is a great starting point for servant leadership as it continues to grow in the business world.

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A Must Read!

A must read for anyone striving to be a leader!!! Engaging and easy to follow.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

unnecessarily christianity us inserted

bit turn off as it goes too much about jesus and christianity.
I was looking for leadership book

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Too much Jesus

This was more of a Christian book. Got really boring at times as the author described his week at a monk’s retreat.

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The Bible disguised as a leadership book

Too many religious undertones for my liking. For those of us who aren’t Christians, it has hard model leadership after someone we don’t believe ever existed.

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