Conversations with Leaders : Frank Talk From Nurses (and Others) on the Frontlines of Leadership

This book presents 22 conversations with leaders who generously shared their personal and professional experiences. In clear and frank fashion, each of these leaders offers the unique wisdom earned by the sweat equity that is behind all achievement. Doody Review Services Reviewer: Brenda B Harton, MSN, RN(University of Phoenix) Description: Through personal and engaging stories, professionals representing nursing, law, human services, and various other entities, share insights about leadership and significant decisions they have made in their careers that have enabled them to be leaders. Originally a series of 22 presentations over several years for leaders in the health professions, this inspiring collection of vignettes was intended to encourage nurses who are involved in nurse-managed health centers in the Philadelphia area. Purpose: The purpose is to share leadership principles and practices with others who will benefit from the inspiration and vision of seasoned leaders, and the book meets this goal without fail. The collective wisdom of these true leaders is refreshing. Audience: Those who are new to leadership roles or leaders at any stage in their careers will find the book difficult to lay aside. Presented in an informal conversational style, the expertise and credibility of the selected leaders will cause one to sit up and pay attention. The book is a quick read, although one may find that lingering with each concept is more rewarding. Features: Reflections include the importance of mentors and the need to lead not so much with the head, but with the heart. One author indicates that having the right boss is just as important as having a mentor; specifically a boss who allows one to make mistakes while growing. An ever-present theme is that relationships help to define leadership as actualized through teams and partnerships. One of the best features is the organization of vignettes by theme, such that leadership is inspiring, challenging, collaborative, intentional, transformative, and visionary. Assessment: This book takes the best discussions about leadership as presented for a defined audience, and shares them with everyone else. Those looking for affirmation that failure is not fatal when traversing a leadership path will find encouragement, guidance, and wisdom. The conversations inside Conversations With Leaders began with a simple desire to bring leadership principles and lessons to a small gathering of community health professionals. Over the years, local and international leaders added their voices, and so the gatherings grew in size and might. This book presents 22 conversations with leaders who generously shared their personal and professional experiences. In clear and frank fashion, each of these leaders offers the unique wisdom earned by the sweat equity that is behind all achievement.