Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of LeadingEvery day, in every facet of our lives, opportunities to lead call out to us. At work and at home, in our local communities and in the global village, the chance to make a difference beckons. Yet often, we hesitate. For all its passion and promise, for all its excitement and rewards, leading is risky, dangerous work. Why? Because real leadership-the kind that surfaces conflict, challenges long-held beliefs, and demands new ways of doing things-causes pain. And when people feel threatened, they take aim at the person pushing for change. As a result, leaders often get hurt both personally and professionally. In Leadership on the Line , renowned leadership authorities Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky marshal a half century of combined teaching and consulting experience to show that it is possible to put ourselves on the line, respond effectively to the risks, and live to celebrate our efforts. With compelling examples including the presidents of countries and the presidents of organizations, everyday managers and prominent activists, politicians and parents, the authors illustrate proven strategies for surviving and thriving amidst the dangers of leading: "Getting on the balcony": stepping back to get perspective while remaining fiercely engaged "Thinking politically": keeping the opposition close, but watching your allies, too "Orchestrating the conflict": using stress productively to work the issues "Giving the work back": putting the responsibility on those who need to make the change "Holding steady": maintaining your focus while taking the heat The authors also address often-neglected aspects of leadership, such as how to manage your personal vulnerabilities, and how to anchor yourself and sustain your spirit through tough times. Both uplifting and practical, this essential book enables each of us to lead courageously and confidently-without losing ourselves. AUTHORBIO: Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky are on the faculty at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Heifetz is the author of Leadership Without Easy Answers and Co-director of the school's Center for Public Leadership. Linsky is Faculty Chair of many of the school's executive programs, including Senior Officials in State and Local Government and Leadership for the 21st Century. |
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LibraryThing Review
User Review - sullijo - LibraryThing"Leadership on the Line" is one of the first leadership books I ever read, but it’s one that has stayed with me over the years. I was especially impressed with the authors’ distinction between ... Read full review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - keeraweera - LibraryThingGood book on hazards and perils of leadership. Reassuring and vaguely liberating about the inevitable conflict that arises with any change management project. Lots of useful strategies for becoming a better leader. Definitely recommend as a practical, easy-to-read and useful book on leadership. Read full review
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
The Challenge | 7 |
9 | 24 |
The Heart of Danger | 25 |
The Faces of Danger | 31 |
The Response | 49 |
Get on the Balcony | 51 |
Think Politically | 75 |
Orchestrate the Conflict | 101 |
Give the Work Back | 123 |
Hold Steady | 141 |
249 | |
About the Authors 237 243 | 251 |
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Page 239 - Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., The Coming of the New Deal (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1959), p.