The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership : 8 Key Principles to Leading More Effectively

This book illuminates many of the core values, beliefs, and principles that can guide, sustain, and inspire leaders during difficult times. "In this book, Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow sow seeds of wisdom that offer hope and sound guiding principles for America′s educational leaders." -Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina "This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader′s role." -Terrence E. Deal, Author Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership "Houston and Sokolow focus on how leaders can remain true to their core beliefs and still lead successful organizations. This should be required reading for all leaders and prospective leaders." -Vincent L. Ferrandino, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals "I can′t imagine a more timely and important book for educators." -Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science "Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension." -Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director National Association of Secondary School Principals " The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership reminds us that the job of leadership is complex, but the actions we take can be very simple and yet have a big impact." -Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director National School Boards Association Infuse your leadership practice—and your life—with greater purpose and wisdom! This book illuminates many of the core values, beliefs, and principles that can guide, sustain, and inspire leaders during difficult times. These values and principles have underlying spiritual roots. The more aware of them you are, and the more you express them in leadership practice, the more effective you become. Paul D. Houston, Executive Director of the American Association of School Administrators, and Stephen L. Sokolow, a founding partner and Executive Director of the Center for Empowered Leadership, offer the following eight key leadership principles to help you become a more enlightened leader: Intention Attention Unique gifts and talents Gratitude Unique life lessons Holistic perspective Openness Trust Reap the many rewards of practicing these principles and journey down a path of awareness and insight that will empower you and those you lead to create the best possible future for our children. Cover; Contents; Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgments; About the Authors; Introduction; Chapter 1 - The Principle of Intention; Intention is a Fundamental Principle of Enlightened Leadership; Thought is More Important Than You Think; When thought becomes Prayer; Spoken and Written Words are Keys to Manifesting Your Intention; Leaders Must Align Their Actions and Intentions; Enlisting Spiritual and Nonspiritual Forces to Manifest Your Intentions; Using Your "Third Eye" to Manifest Intentions; Leaders Use Attention to Focus the Lens of Intention; Leaders Focus Energy to Manifest Their Intentions The Principle Of Intention -- The Principle Of Attention -- The Principle Of Our Unique Gifts And Talents -- The Principle Of Gratitude -- The Principle Of Unique Life Lessons -- The Principle Of A Holistic Perspective -- The Principle Of Openness -- The Principle Of Trust. Paul D. Houston, Stephen L. Sokolow ; Foreword By Dawna Markova. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 148-149). The principle of intention The principle of attention The principle of our unique gifts and talents The principle of gratitude The principle of our unique life lessons The principle of a holistic perspective The principle of openness The principle of trust.