The Reflective Leader
Standing Still to Move Forward
The Reflective Leader
Standing Still to Move Forward
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Publisher: Canterbury Press Norwich
ISBN: 9781848250833
Number of Pages: 128
Published: 30/06/2011
Width: 13.5 cm
Height: 21.6 cm
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.
'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 2012 '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 Schon's "Reflective Practitioner," which is seen as a standard text.' -- Tim Harle 2012
