The Inner-Work of Leadership [Paperback]

Barry Brownstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

In The Inner-Work of Leadership, Barry Brownstein has pioneered a new pathway to effective leadership. Brownstein explains that it is the transformational process taking place inside of us that makes great leaders and great organizations possible. Many books offer us techniques to engage employees, but Brownstein, who holds the CSX Chair in Leadership at the Merrick School of Business of the University of Baltimore, makes clear why techniques wear out quickly, and many managers go on firefighting.

The Inner-Work of Leadership takes us on a journey to discover a fresh, unfailing source of leadership energy. To tap into it, Brownstein shows us how to do our inner-work. We need add nothing; rather, we uncover and then give up mistaken beliefs we have about ourselves and those we lead. When we drop our mistaken beliefs, we discover tremendous reserves of human ingenuity. Following his practical guidance, inner-work leads to elevated purposes, higher values, and simple principles that unleash organizational intelligence.

Integrating the perennial spiritual wisdom, lessons learned by quantum physicists, and modern management principles, Brownstein offers us a lens through which we can see fresh possibilities for intelligent, wholehearted engagement beyond what we have dreamed was possible in organizations. A pathway to emergent, innovative change is revealed. Brownstein amply demonstrates the power of inner-work, sharing the experiences of individuals and the performance of organizations in business, the arts, education, healthcare, and sports. This masterful book is brimming with guidance and inspiration.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Immensely powerful! The Inner-Work of Leadership transcends the traditional boundaries between professional and personal improvement. For all books that I read, the ultimate test is do I make any strategic, tactical, or personal changes as a result of reading it? This book hit all three dimensions in a lasting and profound way." --Gabriel Batstone, Managing Director, CAE Flightscape -- Gabriel Batstone

"There is profound wisdom on every page of this book." --Warren Nilsson, PhD, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University -- Warren Nilsson

"The Inner Work of Leadership provides a clear path and roadmap for the open minded reader to reexamine and re-think their paradigms about leadership. The Inner Work of Leadership is a groundbreaking must read for those currently in leadership positions and for those aspiring to leadership positions." -Peter Quinn, Senior Vice-President for Corporate Development, Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc. -- Peter Quinn

"Not just another how-to-book; The Inner-Work of Leadership provides a catalyst that takes the reader on an inward journey of self-discovery and reflection. This is a mind-opening adventure that will benefit readers both in their business and personal lives." --Frank R. van Vliet, Director of Leadership and Organizational Development, Baltimore Aircoil Company -- Frank R. van Vliet

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Jane Philip Publications, LLC (March 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984425403
• ISBN-13: 978-0984425402
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barry Brownstein (Ph.D. Rutgers University) holds the CSX Chair in Leadership at the Merrick School of the University of Baltimore where he has taught since 1979. He is known for his quality innovative teaching and has won numerous teaching awards. Both his teaching and research interests cut across leadership and economics. At http://www.innerworkofleadership.com more information may be found about Barry's leadership book.

In 2002 along with his wife and then 7 year-old twins he began a multi-year project to climb all of the 48 peaks above 4000 ft. in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They completed their odyssey on Mt. Adams in August 2006. His blog Climbing the "48" tells the story (http://nhhikes.blogspot.com). Currently he keeps a blog Giving Up Control (http://www.givingupcontrol.com) on economics, leadership and the inner-journey.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A journey of inner discovery April 14, 2010

By Frank R. Van Vliet

Format:Paperback

The Inner-Work of Leadership
Not just another how-to-book; the "Inner-Work of Leadership" provides a catalyst that takes the reader on an inward journey of self-discovery and reflection. This is a mind-opening adventure that will benefit readers both in their business and personal lives. An excellent read which will change the way you look at your self as a leader.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Inner Work of Leadership April 7, 2010

By Frank

Format:Paperback

This book is great! It offers a "road less traveled" in business literature.
Heck, it offers a road never traveled in business literature and that makes all the difference. A difference in how you look at your work environment, in how you approach business projects and in how you interact with your co-workers.
Imagine improving your effectiveness at work and increasing your job satisfaction at the same time.
Read it. Re-read it. Change is possible.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The spiritual nature of the human experience at work August 13, 2010

By John A. Wood

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

"The Inner Work of Leadership is an outstanding contribution! One of the most important books I have read. As each page turned the narrative took me gently, deeper and deeper into the world of conscious leadership. Its words inspire the open hearted and open minded to make their inner work their primary responsibility in life. Powerful possibilities tumbled out of my mind as I was drawn to reconsider the world of authentic collaboration, cooperation, creativity and productivity. The prize, a more loving, sustainable workplace and world, became clear as the critical nature of shared purpose unfolded. A world of abundance beckoned as you read in example after example the convergence of doing what works with what matters in a context of love, understanding, wisdom and common sense."
John A Wood
Founder and former CEO and Chairman
Fleetwood Corporation Ltd
Australia