Spirit at Work: Discovering the Spirituality in Leadership (Jossey-Bass Management) [Hardcover]

Jay A. Conger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1555426395 | ISBN-13: 978-1555426392 | Publication Date: May 9, 1994 | Edition: 1st

An insightful exploration into the role of spirituality in leadership. The contributors use thought-provoking examples to expand the definition of leadership to include the development of hospitable spaces for work life, services to both the organization and the community, and personal development of individuals within the organization.

Leaders in business, public administration, and nonprofit organizations will gain personal insights into applying spiritual qualities such as justice, fortitude, and prudence to enhance personal fulfillment in the workplace and to strengthen the objectives and performance of their organizations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whatever else one might say about leading, at its core it is a matter of the heart and a reflection of the most basic elements of human nature. Spirit at Work offers an exciting, creative, and hopeful view of leadership that gives the spiritual dimension its rightful place." —Walter F. Ulmer, president, Center for Creative Leadership

"An important book on an aspect of leadership little discussed and not easily articulated. Leaders will be grateful to Jay Conger and his distinguished group of authors for illuminating this critical componentthe spirituality of leadership--and inviting us to join in the search for 'shared ground.'" —Frances Hesselbein, president and CEO, the Peter F. Drucker Foundation

From the Inside Flap

An insightful exploration into the role of spirituality in leadership. The contributors use thought-provoking examples to expand the definition of leadership to include the development of hospitable spaces for work life, services to both the organization and the community, and personal development of individuals within the organization.Leaders in business, public administration, and nonprofit organizations will gain personal insights into applying spiritual qualities such as justice, fortitude, and prudence to enhance personal fulfillment in the workplace and to strengthen the objectives and performance of their organizations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1st edition (May 9, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555426395
• ISBN-13: 978-1555426392
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The journey within: A key to satisfaction at work & in life?, April 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Spirit at Work: Discovering the Spirituality in Leadership (Jossey-Bass Management) (Hardcover)

This book is a great read for anyone who engages in work of any sort, or who desires to connect with self and others in a deeper, more meaningful way. While traditional approaches to career satisfaction have focused on "correct" placement in accordance with interests and personality, this book begins to step into an area that is unknown, ambiguous, and individually unique.... the human spirit.

The definition of "spiritual" in this context has much more to do with a deeper connection to the ideals, values, and goals of an entity greater than oneself (be it a company, an organization, or a family) than the more traditional connotation of "religion," or human relation to "God," (although one chapter does venture into the notion of partnering with "god"). It speaks both to those who would be leaders of others, as well as to those who would just become a leader in his or her own life.

Chapters on leadership, and accessing and projecting one's spirit as a leader provide a new framework that may become one of the most effective approaches to teaching effective leadership yet. Other chapters implore individuals as well as leaders of groups to understand their fears and to become aware of strengths and weaknesses.

Perhaps the most valuable thread running throughout this compilation of chapters by various authors such as Parker Palmer and Katheryn Tyler Scott, is that for any of us to realize a new, higher, more fulfilling connection to those activities in which we engage daily (called "work"), we must individually take a journey within.... a journey that will prove of tremendous value to anyone willing to take it.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rare Jewel, August 5, 2001

By 

Leung Wing Tai - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirit at Work: Discovering the Spirituality in Leadership (Jossey-Bass Management) (Hardcover)

Exploring the relationship between spirituality and leadership, this book is a rare breed. It contains very high quality articles from insightful writers such as Parker Palmer, Vaclav Havel, and Jay Conger. It explores the inner being of a leader and spirituality in practice. This book distinguishes itself from the multitude of management and leadership books with a class of its own. A must read for wholesome leaders with sustainable lives for significance.