Overview

"""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."

Full Product Details

Author:   Paul D. Houston ,  Stephen L. Sokolow
Publisher:   SAGE Publications Inc
Imprint:   Corwin Press Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 17.70cm , Height: 1.10cm , Length: 25.40cm
Weight:   0.370kg
ISBN:  

9781412925785

ISBN 10:   1412925789
Pages:   176
Publication Date:   11 April 2006
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Dawna Markova Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction 1. The Principle of Intention Intention Is a Fundamental Principle of Enlightened Leadership Thought Is More Important Than People 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 Summary 2. The Principle of Attention Attention Is One of the Key Principles for Enlightened Leaders The Role of Attention in the Thinking of Enlightened Leaders The Role of Attention in the Doing of Enlightened Leaders The Role of Attention in the Being of Enlightened Leaders How Enlightened Leaders Maximize Time on Task How Enlightened Leaders Focus Power and Energy How Attention Serves as a Magnet for Enlisting Others How Enlightened Leaders Keep Their Focus How Enlightened Leaders Use Images to Communicate Summary 3. The Principle of Unique Gifts and Talents Leaders Need to Be Aware That Everyone Has Unique Gifts and Talents Discovering and Developing Everyone’s Unique Gifts and Talents How to Help Others Cultivate Their Unique Gifts and Talents Enlightened Leaders Facilitate the Sharing of Unique Gifts and Talents How Enlightened Leaders Extend Unique Gifts and Talents How Uniqueness Contributes to the Tapestry of Life How the Divine Helps to Clarify Life’s Purpose(s) Summary 4. The Principle of Gratitude Having an Attitude of Gratitude The Importance of Being Mindful of Life’s Blessings The Effect of Showing Gratitude for Help and Support The Importance of Being Grateful for Progress Enlightened Leaders Are Grateful for Obstacles and Adversaries Showing You Are Grateful for Love Received Showing You Are Grateful for Love Accepted Showing You Are Grateful for the Opportunity to Help Others How You Can Show You Are Grateful for Your Gifts and Talents About Being Grateful Enlightened Leaders Experience Boundless Gratitude The Importance of Being Grateful for Divine Guidance Summary 5. The Principle of Unique Life Lessons Using the Experiences of Daily Life to Grow Personally and Professionally People Are Given Life Lessons to Promote Spiritual Growth Problems Are Actually Opportunities in Disguise Clouds Do Have Silver Linings Learning Life’s Lessons the Hard Way or the Easy Way Using the Weaknesses Within Strengths to Understand Life Lessons Mastery of Each Life Lesson Opens a Gateway to the Next Endings Create the Opportunity for New Beginnings Summary 6. The Principle of a Holistic Perspective Spiritual Truths in the Story of Three Blind Men and the Elephant Enlightened Leaders Are Aware That Everything Is Connected The Butterfly Effect and Its Implications for Leaders Leaders Must Know How the Parts and the Whole Are Related Fractals Can Be a Valuable Tool for Leaders A Holographic Perspective Is a Valuable Tool for Leaders The Spiritual Lessons of Oneness, Unity, and Holistic Thinking Summary 7. The Principle of Openness Openness Is an Important Principle for Leaders The Spiritual Aspects of Openness Enlightened Leaders Create Open Systems Leaders Must Be Open to Many Things Opening Your Heart and Mind How Openness Maximizes Growth and Creativity Why Openness Is the Key to Creating Infinite Potentiality Summary 8. The Principle of Trust Why It Is Important for Leaders to Be Trusting Why It Is Essential for Leaders to Be Trustworthy Why It Is Important to Trust Yourself Trusting Your Higher Self Enlightened Leaders Must Learn to Trust the Universe Why It Is Important to Give Trust as a Gift Whenever Possible Summary Selected Bibliography

Reviews

I can't imagine a more timely and important book for educators. Where do we find the courage to continue? Where do we find peace when surrounded by aggression and corruption? What sustains us so that we can remain strong in serving the interests of children? The answers to these questions are in this book. The authors, with great wisdom and generosity of spirit, offer the perspectives and practices that enliven and vitalize our spirits. They have given us more than a lifeline - they have given us solid ground to stand on in the midst of turbulence. -- Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science 20051011 Being both a non-believer and a person wary of books whose titles suggest that there are eight principles of leadership, I approached this volume with some trepidation. What I found was a description of leadership that actually transcends the outdated idea that it can be reduced to a few principles or acquired by learning some skills. Instead the book honors its complexity, casts it mainly in terms of creating sound relationships and offers what I would call a posture toward leadership, which I regard as far more valuable. -- Richard Farson, President, Western Behavioral Sciences Institute 20051011 This book is GREAT! The authors have taken a very slippery topic (spirituality & leadership) and made the connection from the spiritual roots to the practical fruits. It's seamless! -- Chuck Bonner, Assistant Principal 20050909 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. There are valuable insights here for leaders at every level. -- Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director 20051011 Finally a book that examines leadership from a human perspective! Houston and Sokolow cut through all the leadership jargon and 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 20051011 This book is loaded with insight into a crucial dimension of leadership. -- Scott Thompson, Assistant Director 20051012 I felt as though I was having a conversation with God when I read your book ... as though I'd been blessed with the opportunity to touch the essence, the wonder, the silence of God's presence ... it felt like a tear ... Is there a greater or more pure joy? -- Frances Hill, Associate Professor 20051012 I know this book of wisdom will make a difference to the important people who care for our children in schools ... -- Kathleen Alfiero, Co-founder 20051012 In our attempts to improve education, we are snuffing out the very thing that would make it better - human spirit. This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader's role. Schools don't need any more testing; they need a big dose of zest, buoyancy, and meaning. Reviving the spirit is the critical challenge. This book shows us how. -- Terrence E. Deal, Author, Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership 20051014 Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension. They show how enlightened visionary leaders can use their own innermost spiritual principles to bring about the best in themselves to create a working environment that builds on collaboration and sharing. It breaks down the communication barriers that separated us - and builds on the essential concept of connectedness between and among people. -- Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director 20051014 In order for teachers to empower their students, teachers must first be empowered themselves. At a time when teachers are feeling frustrated and disenchanted, this inspiring and insightful book offers a series of spiritual principles of leadership that can help empower both teachers and students alike. -- Reg Weaver, President 20051018 When asked by some aspiring young song-writer or folk-singer how he or she might pursue success, I always tell them that first they must believe in something, authentically, and only then can their music inspire and touch the hearts of listeners. This book makes a parallel assertion, inspiring us even as it speaks to the nature of inspiration as a necessary component of communication, empathy, and empowerment of others; all of these are fundamental to the practice and art of true leadership. -- Peter Yarrow, Folk Singer 20051028 When I served as Governor of South Carolina, improving education was my top priority. As U.S. Secretary of Education, I was honored to lead President Clinton's crusade for excellence in education. Wise leadership, especially in education, is one of the keys to America's future success. In this book, Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow sow seeds of wisdom that offer hope and sound guiding principles for America's education leaders. -- Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina 20051031 For most of human history, leadership was inseparable from wisdom. Today it's mostly about power and cleverness. Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow's practical and down to earth guide will help many find their way back. -- Peter Senge, Founding Chair A fine piece that will be of great support to a great many people. -- Parker J. Palmer, Author 20060511 Houston and Sokolow have identified 42 principles that have guided their own work. Included are some we all would immediately see as essential-intention, attention, trust, and openness-as well as those that don't come so readily to mind-such as unique gifts and talents, unique life lessons, a holistic perspective, and gratitude. -- Principal Magazine, January/February 2007 20070503

I can't imagine a more timely and important book for educators. Where do we find the courage to continue? Where do we find peace when surrounded by aggression and corruption? What sustains us so that we can remain strong in serving the interests of children? The answers to these questions are in this book. The authors, with great wisdom and generosity of spirit, offer the perspectives and practices that enliven and vitalize our spirits. They have given us more than a lifeline - they have given us solid ground to stand on in the midst of turbulence. -- Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science 20051011 Being both a non-believer and a person wary of books whose titles suggest that there are eight principles of leadership, I approached this volume with some trepidation. What I found was a description of leadership that actually transcends the outdated idea that it can be reduced to a few principles or acquired by learning some skills. Instead the book honors its complexity, casts it mainly in terms of creating sound relationships and offers what I would call a posture toward leadership, which I regard as far more valuable. -- Richard Farson, President, Western Behavioral Sciences Institute 20051011 This book is GREAT! The authors have taken a very slippery topic (spirituality & leadership) and made the connection from the spiritual roots to the practical fruits. It's seamless! -- Chuck Bonner, Assistant Principal 20050909 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. There are valuable insights here for leaders at every level. -- Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director 20051011 Finally a book that examines leadership from a human perspective! Houston and Sokolow cut through all the leadership jargon and 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 20051011 This book is loaded with insight into a crucial dimension of leadership. -- Scott Thompson, Assistant Director 20051012 I felt as though I was having a conversation with God when I read your book ... as though I'd been blessed with the opportunity to touch the essence, the wonder, the silence of God's presence ... it felt like a tear ... Is there a greater or more pure joy? -- Frances Hill, Associate Professor 20051012 I know this book of wisdom will make a difference to the important people who care for our children in schools ... -- Kathleen Alfiero, Co-founder 20051012 In our attempts to improve education, we are snuffing out the very thing that would make it better - human spirit. This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader's role. Schools don't need any more testing; they need a big dose of zest, buoyancy, and meaning. Reviving the spirit is the critical challenge. This book shows us how. -- Terrence E. Deal, Author, Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership 20051014 Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension. They show how enlightened visionary leaders can use their own innermost spiritual principles to bring about the best in themselves to create a working environment that builds on collaboration and sharing. It breaks down the communication barriers that separated us - and builds on the essential concept of connectedness between and among people. -- Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director 20051014 In order for teachers to empower their students, teachers must first be empowered themselves. At a time when teachers are feeling frustrated and disenchanted, this inspiring and insightful book offers a series of spiritual principles of leadership that can help empower both teachers and students alike. -- Reg Weaver, President 20051018 When asked by some aspiring young song-writer or folk-singer how he or she might pursue success, I always tell them that first they must believe in something, authentically, and only then can their music inspire and touch the hearts of listeners. This book makes a parallel assertion, inspiring us even as it speaks to the nature of inspiration as a necessary component of communication, empathy, and empowerment of others; all of these are fundamental to the practice and art of true leadership. -- Peter Yarrow, Folk Singer 20051028 When I served as Governor of South Carolina, improving education was my top priority. As U.S. Secretary of Education, I was honored to lead President Clinton's crusade for excellence in education. Wise leadership, especially in education, is one of the keys to America's future success. In this book, Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow sow seeds of wisdom that offer hope and sound guiding principles for America's education leaders. -- Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina 20051031 For most of human history, leadership was inseparable from wisdom. Today it's mostly about power and cleverness. Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow's practical and down to earth guide will help many find their way back. -- Peter Senge, Founding Chair A fine piece that will be of great support to a great many people. -- Parker J. Palmer, Author 20060511 Houston and Sokolow have identified 42 principles that have guided their own work. Included are some we all would immediately see as essential-intention, attention, trust, and openness-as well as those that don't come so readily to mind-such as unique gifts and talents, unique life lessons, a holistic perspective, and gratitude. -- Principal Magazine, January/February 2007 20070503

Author Information

Paul D. Houston has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American education through his extensive speaking engagements, published articles, and his regular appearances on national radio and television. Formerly executive director of the American Association of School Administrators from 1994 to 2008, Houston has served as a teacher and building administrator in North Carolina and New Jersey. He has also served as assistant superintendent in Birmingham, Alabama, and as superintendent of schools in Princeton, NJ; Tucson, AZ; and Riverside, CA. Houston has served in an adjunct capacity for the University of North Carolina, Harvard University, Brigham Young University, and Princeton University. He has served as a consultant and speaker throughout the United States and overseas, and he has published more than 100 articles in professional journals.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions