The Inner Work of Leaders: Leadership as a Habit of Mind

There is no script for being a great leader, and no way to play act in the role. It’s the inner work that creates the difference between a manager and a leader.
Leaders who shine have the insight to examine their own lives–the influence of their families, the guidance of teachers, and the force of momentous events–and translate that information into habits of mind for persevering in the face of obstacles and instilling commitment and confidence in others.

In this bold, fresh approach to leadership, two psychologists profile more than 50 leaders who have leveraged the legacy of their life experiences into five powerful habits of mind to shape the way they think about, and respond to, challenges in their leadership.

Readers learn about the inner work of leaders such as Sara Lee CEO John Bryan, Hearst Magazine President Cathleen Black, Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller, Princeton President Harold Shapiro, Chicago Cubs President Andy MacPhail, and Ogilvy & Mather CEO Shelly Lazarus.

Each leader tells a compelling story of translating the lessons of a lifetime into habits of mind that are central to his or her success, including:

* Framework: The strategy of interpreting negative events with a resilient response
* Reflection: The capacity to observe and analyze his or her own behavior
* Attunement: The practice of learning from every person in the organization
* Conviction: The ability to draw upon inner authority and purpose
* Replenishment: The craft of restoring perspective and renewing resources

THE INNER WORK OF LEADERS is a book with a clear, strategic message: Leadership develops from within. Only when leaders do this inner work (and understand the experiences that have influenced them) can they develop powerful habits of mind for leading and inspiring others.