The Wise Leader: A Practical Guide for Thinking Differently About Leadership

Description

The Wise Leader offers readers a succinct perspective on wise leadership based on theory, practice, and the authors’ own experience. The five sections of the book describe the Wise Leader model, five mantras that distil the essence of wisdom for leading. Each section has a theoretical component, theory that the authors seek to bring to life through everyday examples, followed by practical ideas and guidance as to what you can next do in service of becoming a wiser, more effective leader. Each mantra then includes fresh perspectives for leadership development, aimed at supporting organisations globally to maximize their considerable investment in this critical area. This book is written for leaders at every level of an organization, providing a perspective of wise leadership that lends itself to practical application. It can also be used by leadership development professionals, offering guidance on how to build practical programs to cultivate enhanced levels of wise leadership in your organization. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Introduction The traditional approach Wisdom Wisdom and leadership Philosophy Purpose Practice The need for wisdom Wisdom and leadership development Philosophy Purpose Practice Book structure References Part One: Commit to Reflective Learning A leadership myth: Leaders Just Need to Reflect More Often Theory 1 Self-reflection involves reflecting on the self 2 Reflecting in service of others vs reflecting in service of self 3 Thinking past and present in service of future Wise reflection Epilogue: John Reflects Differently Self-development Being intentional Stepping outside your comfort zone Making time to self-reflect Symbiotic positivity Past, present, and future Reading this book Designing interventions 1 Invite - don't coerce 2 Make time for reflection 3 Teach people how to reflect 4 Group coaching 5 Run your programs over a l-o-n-g period of time Your 3Ps revisited References Part Two: Know Yourselves A leadership myth: Authenticity is About Honouring Your One True Self Theory Evidence for multiplicity A short history of multiplicity Differences between theories Language Generic or specific types? Narrator or not? The value of a multiple perspective - case study Authenticity and learning to dance Becoming more aware of our emotions Epilogue: Susan Goes Multiple Self-development Step one - the roles that you play Step two - characterize self in each role Step three - refine yourselves Step four - test your hypotheses Step five - reflect on inner tension Step six - learn to dance Designing interventions Your 3Ps revisited References Part Three: Transcend Yourselves A leadership myth: Leader as Hero Theory Epilogue: Jean-Francoise Adapts Self-development Designing interventions Your 3Ps revisited References Part Four: Think Meta A leadership myth: Leadership is About Being in Control Theory Five ways of thinking about systems and change Epilogue: Tony Discovers Humility Self-development Designing interventions Your 3Ps revisited References Part Five: Do Dialogue A leadership myth: Great Leaders Just Need to Engage in 'Active Listening' Theory Power dynamics Epilogue: Emma and the Team Do Dialogue Self-development Designing interventions Your 3Ps revisited References Conclusions Index