Book review - Bee Wise by Philip Atkinson

Philip Atkinson’s Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive is an eloquent, engaging and thought-provoking exploration of leadership and organisational life through the captivating lens of beekeeping. With its neat alignment of 12 leadership lessons drawn from the inner workings of a beehive, this book offers a fresh perspective on how leaders and managers can navigate the complexity of today’s fast-paced business world.

Packed with fascinating insights into the lives of bees, Atkinson’s writing invites readers to pause and reflect on their own leadership style. Did you know that bees take collective decisions by seeking second opinions, yet commit wholeheartedly once a choice is made? Or that the hive operates as a finely tuned ecosystem, where each bee has a role that evolves over time? These vivid analogies serve as metaphors for leadership adaptability, organisational design and the importance of cohesive teamwork.

Atkinson argues convincingly that leadership in the modern era must evolve to embrace adaptability, clarity and collaboration. He highlights the need for leaders to foster a greater appreciation of the ‘hive’ - the team they lead - and to focus on creating value and spreading a consistent, meaningful narrative. With the world becoming increasingly complex, the risk of not evolving is greater than ever.

The book’s 12 lessons address themes such as communication, creativity, productivity, decision-making and diversity and offer sensible and practical advice for leaders at all levels. What sets Bee Wise apart is its strong connection to the world of coaching. Both Atkinson and most of the guest writers are experienced executive coaches with many affiliated with the AoEC, and the book frequently draws back to the coaching ethos. This focus on coaching underpins much of the advice, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, empowering others and fostering growth within teams.

Each chapter is enriched by contributions from 12 guest writers, adding unique perspectives and actionable ideas. Atkinson’s approach is as much about being human as it is about being effective, making this book an invaluable guide for those seeking to lead with purpose and empathy.

What makes Bee Wise stand out is its ability to balance depth with accessibility. Atkinson’s style is light and easy to follow, yet rich with actionable insights. The book is a page-turner, offering both inspiration and practical tools to enhance leadership effectiveness. Whether you’re fascinated by the natural world or seeking innovative ideas for workplace improvement, Bee Wise is a honey pot of wisdom.

In short, Bee Wise is a must-read for anyone curious about how leadership can evolve in a world that demands greater agility and collaboration. Atkinson’s combination of fascinating bee facts, insightful leadership lessons and a coaching-centred perspective make this book a unique and rewarding addition to the leadership canon.

It’s rare to find a book that so seamlessly blends nature’s wisdom with organisational life, but Bee Wise does so with grace and flair. This truly is a royal jelly of leadership books - deliciously rich in ideas and nourishment for leaders (and coaches) everywhere.

Bee Wise by Philip Atkinson is available to buy as a paperback or Kindle edition from Amazon or the limited hard back edition is can be purchased directly from the author here.