The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership: 8 Key Principles to Leading More Effectively - Softcover

Houston, Paul D.; Sokolow, Stephen L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1412925789 ISBN 13: 9781412925785

Publisher: Corwin, 2006

Synopsis

This book illuminates many of the core values, beliefs, and principles that can guide, sustain, and inspire leaders during difficult times.

About this title

About the Author

Paul D. Houston has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American education through his extensive speaking engagements, published articles, and his regular appearances on national radio and television. Formerly executive director of the American Association of School Administrators from 1994 to 2008, Houston has served as a teacher and building administrator in North Carolina and New Jersey. He has also served as assistant superintendent in Birmingham, Alabama, and as superintendent of schools in Princeton, NJ; Tucson, AZ; and Riverside, CA. Houston has served in an adjunct capacity for the University of North Carolina, Harvard University, Brigham Young University, and Princeton University. He has served as a consultant and speaker throughout the United States and overseas, and he has published more than 100 articles in professional journals.

Review

"I can′t imagine a more timely and important book for educators. Where do we find the courage to continue? Where do we find peace when surrounded by aggression and corruption? What sustains us so that we can remain strong in serving the interests of children? The answers to these questions are in this book. The authors, with great wisdom and generosity of spirit, offer the perspectives and practices that enliven and vitalize our spirits. They have given us more than a lifeline - they have given us solid ground to stand on in the midst of turbulence." Author: Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science Published On: 2005-10-11

"Being both a non-believer and a person wary of books whose titles suggest that there are eight principles of leadership, I approached this volume with some trepidation. What I found was a description of leadership that actually transcends the outdated idea that it can be reduced to a few principles or acquired by learning some skills. Instead the book honors its complexity, casts it mainly in terms of creating sound relationships and offers what I would call a posture toward leadership, which I regard as far more valuable." Author: Richard Farson, President, Western Behavioral Sciences Institute Published On: 2005-10-11

"This book is GREAT! The authors have taken a very slippery topic (spirituality & leadership) and made the connection from the spiritual roots to the practical fruits. It′s seamless!"

Author: Chuck Bonner, Assistant Principal Published On: 2005-09-09

"The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership reminds us that the job of leadership is complex . . . but the actions we take can be very simple and yet have a big impact. There are valuable insights here for leaders at every level." Author: Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director Published On: 2005-10-11

"Finally a book that examines leadership from a human perspective! Houston and Sokolow cut through all the leadership jargon and focus on how leaders can remain true to their core beliefs and still lead successful organizations. This should be required reading for all leaders and prospective leaders." Author: Vincent L. Ferrandino, Executive Director Published On: 2005-10-11

"This book is loaded with insight into a crucial dimension of leadership." Author: Scott Thompson, Assistant Director Published On: 2005-10-12

"I felt as though I was having a conversation with God when I read your book . . . as though I′d been blessed with the opportunity to touch the essence, the wonder, the silence of God′s presence . . . it felt like a tear . . . Is there a greater or more pure joy?" Author: Frances Hill, Associate Professor Published On: 2005-10-12

"I know this book of wisdom will make a difference to the important people who care for our children in schools . . ." Author: Kathleen Alfiero, Co-founder Published On: 2005-10-12

"In our attempts to improve education, we are snuffing out the very thing that would make it better - human spirit. This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader′s role. Schools don′t need any more testing; they need a big dose of zest, buoyancy, and meaning. Reviving the spirit is the critical challenge. This book shows us how." Author: Terrence E. Deal, Author, Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership Published On: 2005-10-14

"Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension. They show how enlightened visionary leaders can use their own innermost spiritual principles to bring about the best in themselves to create a working environment that builds on collaboration and sharing. It breaks down the communication barriers that separated us - and builds on the essential concept of connectedness between and among people."
Author: Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director Published On: 2005-10-14

About this edition

• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1412925789
• ISBN 13: 9781412925785
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176