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 - A Book to ReadThis is a book about leadership. It is not the standard leadership book that sets forth winning skills and practices, nor is it a report of leadership research. Rather, this is a book of leadership wisdom. Leadership, the authors suggest, is the work of leading people through difficult change. They distinguish between "technical change"--the kind that can be resolved by doing what everyone knows is necessary--and "adaptive change"--the kind that requires us to reconsider our values, our traditions, and our habits. Adaptive change always is resisted because it incurs loss and a sense of disloyalty to those we love and admire who taught us the values we now hold. Because adaptive change is resisted, leadership is dangerous. The book looks at the dangers inherent in leadership and ways to protect ourselves as we lead. The dance floor is offered as a metaphor for the leadership environment, whether corporate, community, or family. On the dance floor, we constantly interact with people. It is important, the authors tell us, periodically to get up to the balcony--to reflect with some detachment about what is happening on the dance floor, including our own movements there. We don't stay in the balcony, however; going to the balcony enables us more intentionally to re-engage in the dance. Beside the dance floor and the balcony, leaders also need a sanctuary--a place where reflection is focused on restoring one's own soul and on reestablishing perspective. Once a week, we are told, is not enough; leaders need time in their sanctuary daily. Leaders often are called to act beyond their authorization because people prefer "work avoidance strategies" to engaging adaptive change. The task of the leader is to raise the temperature of dialogue to the point that people are willing to face the issues that inhibit progress while monitoring the heat to avoid permanent damage or withdrawal. When people are willing to face the need for change, however, it is important to give the work back to the group. Our temptation as leaders is to do the necessary work for the group, but that creates dependency and never effects the needed change--the issue we thought was resolved will crop up again in different form. Furthermore, focus is shifted from the issue to the leader; this may be temporarily satisfying when one is acclaimed a hero, but it also assures that unprocessed emotions will be directed against the leader when the issue reemerges. When the heat is on, as well as when accolades are flowing, we need to distinguish between our person and role. However personally attacks or praise may be framed, it is one's role as leader that raises people's angst, anger, and appreciation, not one's person. We are advised to keep the opposition close at hand because we need their insights. We also are advised not to confuse allies and confidants; allies who truly share our values make poor confidants because they fail to bring a detached perspective. Allies who share strategic interests with us also may betray confidences. The book is Leadership On the Line, by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. Heifetz and Linsky teach at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Heifetz was trained as a psychiatrist and is a master musician; Linsky's background also is music and government. I hope others will find this book as helpful as I have. Rating:  - Class bookI needed the book for class. It was much cheaper on Amazon and got here quickly. Rating: - Must Read for New ManagersLeadership on the line is a must read for all new managers. The authors clearly and logically review the strategic positions that in which leaders may find themselves and options for moving forward. Maps are provided of various minefields and this book may just save your job/career. Rating: - Inspires You To Lead!The book does a great job of inspiring the reader to lead. The chapter on 'Sacred Heart' truly struck a chord with me. The authors urge you to not become numb to the unpleasantness that comes with leading and urge you to live life fully. I haven't finished the book yet but I love what I've read so far. Rating: - Leaders Take NoteAnyone who is a leader understands the risks and rewards, as well as the hardship and triumphs that come from leading a group or team. In Leadership on the Line, Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky break down the important aspects of what being a leader is all about. The book is enriched with experiences, philosophies and examples of how to emerge yourself as a successful leader or how to take yourself to the proverbial next level. The authors relate leadership qualities, characteristics, and theories to real world business people - from Bill Clinton to Phil Jackson with many others that fall in between. This book can be helpful to those just dabbling in a leadership role or someone who is a fully fledged leader and looking for reinforcement and new ideas of how to handle complex situations, because let's face it, a leader can never be over-prepared. Leadership on the Line is an enjoyable read and all the while you are picking up invaluable information and advice on how to be a more effective an efficient leader. Heifetz and Linsky explore the dangers and resistance that is often encountered by those who lead; this piece of literature is a must read and I strongly suggest this book to any businessperson or anyone just trying to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
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