The Reflective Leader
Standing Still to Move Forward
Published on 30. June 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
128 pages
978-1-84825-083-3 (ISBN)
Description
The popular caricature of a great leader today is an activist who leads from the front, often through sheer force of personality - the kind of leader who will act as a saviour to a company or organisation. But most leaders are ordinary people who learn wisdom. One key to successful leadership is the ability to reflect - on one's own strengths and weaknesses, and on human nature and behaviour in order to bring out the best in others and build team spirit and morale.
This practical and inspiring book sets out an approach to leadership that is more effective in the longer term and explores: the art of reflection, the ability to identify key facts, how to weigh up risks, how to nurture self-knowledge and understanding of others, how to differentiate between knowledge and wisdom, the art of listening, building a common vision and more. From their extensive experience training leaders in business, ministry and public service, the authors offer a wise and reliable guide.
*Voted one of the best leadership books of the 21st century by MODEM*
This practical and inspiring book sets out an approach to leadership that is more effective in the longer term and explores: the art of reflection, the ability to identify key facts, how to weigh up risks, how to nurture self-knowledge and understanding of others, how to differentiate between knowledge and wisdom, the art of listening, building a common vision and more. From their extensive experience training leaders in business, ministry and public service, the authors offer a wise and reliable guide.
*Voted one of the best leadership books of the 21st century by MODEM*
Reviews / Votes
'You have to be a reflective practitioner to be effective in any profession. The theme in the book of the importance of "standing and staring" before deciding on next steps is crucial.' -- Hazel MacKenzie, Head of National Leadership Unit for NHS Scotland 'The daily discipline of contemplation was made so easy with The Reflective Leader - the simple messages and challenging questions at the end of every day allowed me discipline myself into taking reflective time out for me. Every aspect of my leadership was challenged - even the bits I found very uncomfortable to answer gave me food for thought.' -- Janice Hewitt, Assistant Chief Executive Stirling Council 'The style is easy but stimulating, providing much food for thought on knowing yourself, understanding others, enabling teams to flourish, and keeping abreast of developments ... [The] underlying theme is "contemplation before action"... A highly useful resource for mission leadership teams.' -- David Bone 'In sharing learning ... [the authors] offer help to those who find reflection difficult ... They gently introduce their Christian heritage though the Rule of St Benedict and Pastoral Rule of St Gregory the Great ... The format is designed for busy leaders, and makes the book easy to pick up and use in short sessions ... The opening chapter ... emphasizes the balance between practice and reflection that runs through the book. In this regard the authors compare favourably with Donald Schoen's "Reflective Practitioner," which is seen as a standard text.' -- Tim HarleMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight
201 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84825-083-3 (9781848250833)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
01/2013
1st Edition
Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd
€26.79
Available for download
Persons
ALAN SMITH is the Bishop of St Albans and author of God-Shaped Mission. PETER SHAW is a Partner with Praesta, an international executive coaching organisation. He is a Reader in the Church of England, teaches on the Guildford diocesan ministry course and is a popular conference speaker.