Q & A:

1. A manuscript is a large undertaking, what was your vision upon starting and do you believe you have achieved your goals?

Within my doctoral dissertation were unanswered questions. Is there a way for leaders and lay leaders to understand uncertainty better so they can learn how to lead more effectively? What if leaders were able to succeed and achieve intended, instead of unintended consequences with different thinking and actions?

This would require a paradigm shift from their current heroic leadership style to one that is protean. After identifying seven paradoxes, knowing there are multitudes more, I interviewed successful leaders from a variety of organizations and types of leadership positions. What I found was as a shift to what I titled “dynamic thinking and conscious actions”. For leaders to understand themselves and their organizations differently, through the paradox lens, might the result be more intended consequences and more successful organizations and leaders.

Sara I believe this is what you are referring to as “goals”. Without business jargon and quite readable, I believe understanding “paradox” is one path to accomplish the above. Paradox is a riddle; not to be solved. There is no easy or pat answer.

The most valuable take away is to empower leaders to think differently about themselves and their organizations. Doing this they are better prepared to lead their organizations successfully, making them generative and sustainable. Less blindsided by their own current ways of thinking and actions, The Protean Leader approaches work in our 21st century complex uncertain times postured to succeed.

2. What do you hope resonates with the reader?

What you have here is a way for leaders to invest in uncertainty and uncertain times. The book shows the ineffable mystery of leadership is within every leader’s reach and grasp. Learning to adapt to circumstances, being resilient, versatile and flexible, the Protean Leader utilizes the lens of paradox and its power. The Protean Leadership Model provides a template, a starting point to succeed in uncertain times.

3. What makes this book different from similar titles on the market?

Leaders fail. The result is unintended consequences. What makes this book different from others is it shows paradoxical forces are at play in organizations. This is no reason to run or hide. To seek solace and direction in the midst of uncertainty, leaders need to wake up and approach leadership and uncertainty with the excitement of Sherlock Holmes telling Watson, “The game’s afoot!,” as he runs out the door into the maelstrom.

4. Who are the intended audience?

The intended audience is leaders and lay leaders. In addition, the book seeks to reach anyone aspiring to learn more about leadership and leading effectively at work or within academic programs and educational settings.

5. Can you sum up the book in a single sentence(s)?

The Power of Paradox: The Protean Leader and Leading in Uncertain Times identifies specific conscious actions and new ways to think. In the Protean Leadership Model, is a different approach to uncertainty. Leaders are better informed, having knowledge and skills learned from successful leaders experiences, shared, as each one addresses the seven paradoxes using the power of paradox.

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