Women and the Leadership Q: Revealing the Four Paths to Influence and Power [Hardcover]

Shoya Zichy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071352163 | ISBN-13: 978-0071352161 | Publication Date: August 29, 2000 | Edition: 1

Using Leadership Q—a 38-item, self-scoring, gender-neutral test, developed by Shoya Zichy and based upon the work of Carl Jung — women can identify which of the four profile groups best matches their leadership personalities and then goes on to explore which of the eight subsets, or specific leadership styles, applies to them. Women and the Leadership Q includes exercises that help readers further refine their own styles, build upon their strengths, and minimize their weaknesses. In addition, interviews and profiles of more than thirty-eight internationally well-known women illustrate the different groups and their leadership styles. Profiles include: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Governor Christie Whitman, Diane Sawyer, Dr. Nancy Snyderman, Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Wendy Wasserstein, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Alexandra Lebenthal. (20000821)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Leadership Questionnaire designed by Zichy assesses a woman's management style, based in part on the results of psychological tests, including Myers-Briggs. Typical questions include whether one meets deadlines easily, likes scheduling and likes to meet people. Using her questionnaire, Zichy examined a number of accomplished women to see whether they share any similar attributes. Among the qualities they have in common are focused intellectual energy, optimism in the face of setbacks and the belief that learning is an ongoing process. Yet even with these shared traits, several types of leadership styles emerged. To help readers understand them, Zichy profiles more than 30 of the women she interviewed, presenting biographical information, a description of their style and some of their own commentary about their accomplishments. (Among the women who appear here are Linda Chavez-Thompson, executive v-p of the AFL-CIO; journalist Diane Sawyer; playwright Wendy Wasserstein; and Alexandra Lebenthal, president of Lebenthal & Company.) Although Zichy's intent is to educate women so they can better use their leadership personality and advance on the job, the book's strength is in its engaging profiles; the psychological assessments are often cumbersome and offer fewer insights than the women's own analyses of their behavior. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

"Leadership skills can be learned and developed," states Zichy in her well-organized book on leadership. She showcases many natural styles through interviews of 36 women, mostly Americans (ages 38 to 80), who have distinguished themselves in their fields. Using the Myers-Briggs type of indicator as a frame of reference, the author presents a model to maximize natural leadership talent. Although it can apply to men, too, the author focuses on women and offers a roadmap for each reader to understand her own style and to recognize the complementary qualities in others. The book includes a self-scoring leadership questionnaire; presents four common leadership personalities with their leadership styles; and offers ideas on how to overcome blind spots that everyone has. The author's formula for future success begins with self-knowledge and management, which leads to confidence and accomplishment, which leads to self-esteem and leadership. Although some people may not agree with all of Zichy's theories, this is a thought-provoking view of leadership. Mary Whaley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 310 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (August 29, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071352163
• ISBN-13: 978-0071352161
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight on yourself and others, March 9, 2001

By 

Gabrielle St Phalle (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Women and the Leadership Q: Revealing the Four Paths to Influence and Power (Hardcover)

This book is insightful and fun. It punctures the usual stereotypes about the difference between male and female leaders. It quickly showed me that it was okay to be competitive and task driven. After all, one in every three women is. I wish I had read it 20 years ago. The test is incisive and Zichy's advice is right on target - become comfortable with yourself, play to your strengths and appreciate what others bring to the table. I also loved reading about the women she profiles - about their backgrounds, ambitions and views on leadership. This book is a unique toolkit. There is something in it for everyone.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How To Be All You Can Be, October 1, 2000

By 

Ann Bidou "Career Match author" (Falls Village, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Women and the Leadership Q: Revealing the Four Paths to Influence and Power (Hardcover)

This book was a revelation to me. I thought leadership was leadership--hard-driving, focused, ruthless, maybe inspiring. Women & the Leadership Q showed me there are a number of styles of leadership, and mine is not only valid, it's very needed in today's world. Instead of staying in the background in support positions because I'm not "ruthless" enough, I have every right to step up to a leadership role because my natural style (a Green) is to inspire, motivate, and see far into the future! I'm very excited to test my new-found wings!

The book is great because it tells you what your leadership style is right away, then gives short, snappy biographies of famous women with your same style. A quote from writer Wendy Wasserstein about how she sees the world is now up on my mirror to read when I wake up and as I finish my day. I find it deeply inspiring.

This is the perfect gift to give a close friend you care about, or any woman whose potential is going unrealized...and that's still alot of us.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for everyone - women and men in all fields!, February 27, 2001

By 

Rehana Farrell (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Women and the Leadership Q: Revealing the Four Paths to Influence and Power (Hardcover)

Whether you work in a large corporation, small Internet start-up, a non-profit organization or for the government, this book applies to you and your work environment!

This clear, concise and witty book helps you identify and understand your leadership style, its strengths and its potential pitfalls. It is fun and easy to read and provides you with keen insights about how you interact with others, what types of environments motivate you and how you can tailor your behavior to maximize your talents.

It is also a great tool to think about your style as a significant other and a parent. Its usefulness and applicability are endless!