‘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.
Tabella dei contenuti
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
Circa l’autore
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.
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