The Reflective Leader: Standing Still to Move Forward - Softcover

Smith, Alan; Shaw, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848250835 ISBN 13: 9781848250833

Publisher: Canterbury Press Norwich, 2011

Synopsis

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*

About this title

About the Author:

ALAN SMITH is the Bishop of St Albans and author of God-Shaped Mission.

Review:

'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 ScotlandÂ)

'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 CouncilÂ)

'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 BoneÂ)

'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 Schön's "Reflective Practitioner," which is seen as a standard text.' (Tim HarleÂ)

About this edition

• Publisher: Canterbury Press Norwich
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1848250835
• ISBN 13: 9781848250833
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128