Wise Leadership provides current and emerging leaders with a grounded, intuitive framework to help them understand and master multiple leadership identities, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to different leadership settings and challenges.
Anchored in a wisdom-based approach, Kessler digs into leadership’s philosophical core to uncover the six fundamental challenges leaders face and presents the corresponding set of six synergistic competencies or tools that readers can develop to solve them. Bridging scholarship with practice, each part of this leadership toolbox is outlined in a clear and consistent way so that readers can learn exactly when, why, and how to use it. The user-friendly format also eases comparison and customization of the different approaches along with a consideration of their strengths and dangers.
Incorporating colorful examples and practical guidelines, this book will equip both students and professionals with a dynamic repertoire of flexible leadership skills that will help them succeed in any situation.
List of Figures
List of Tables
Introduction
PART I: DISCOVERING YOUR LEADERSHIP WISDOM
Chapter 1: The PROBLEM – Stupid Smart People
Chapter 2: The JOURNEY – Paths for Exploring Leadership
Chapter 3: The SOLUTION – A Model of ‘Wise’ Leadership
PART II: ASSEMBLING YOUR LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX
Chapter 4: The MIND of a Leader – How to Use Your Leadership Scientist (Logic) Tools
Chapter 5: The HEART of a Leader – How to Use Your Leadership Artist (Aesthetics) Tools
Chapter 6: Looking Deep INSIDE Yourself – How to Use Your Leadership Icon (Ethics) Tools
Chapter 7: Looking Far OUTSIDE Yourself – How to Use Your Leadership Advocate (Metaphysics) Tools
Chapter 8: PULLING People Together – How to Use Your Leadership Maestro (Epistemology) Tools
Chapter 9: PUSHING People Forward – How to Use Your Leadership General (Politics) Tools
PART III: LEVERAGING YOUR LEADERSHIP SUCCESS
Chapter 10: A SELECTION Guide for the Wise Leader – Customizing your Leadership Approach
Chapter 11: An OPTIMIZATION Guide for the Wise Leader – Growing your Leadership Strengths
Chapter 12: A MAINTENANCE Guide for the Wise Leader – Trouble-Shooting your Leadership Exposures
Appendix A: Summary of Core Wise Leadership Tools
Appendix B: References for Wise Leadership
Appendix C: Sample Syllabus for a Wise Leadership Program
Appendix D: Exercises to Practice Wise Leadership
Index A: Subject Index
Index B: People Index
Biography
Eric H. Kessler is a Distinguished University Professor and Henry George Scholar in the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, New York City, USA.