Leadership on the Line Book Summary

'Leadership on the Line' delves into the precarious nature of leading change in organizations and society. Heifetz and Linsky highlight the emotional and practical trials leaders face while navigating resistance and maintaining their own resilience. Readers are introduced to essential strategies for sustaining personal integrity and effectiveness amid conflict and criticism. The authors emphasize the importance of balancing personal vulnerabilities with the demands of ethical leadership. This thought-provoking guide challenges conventional views on leadership, inviting readers to explore what it truly means to lead courageously.

By Ronald Abadian Heifetz, Martin Linsky

Published: 2002

"The leadership challenge is not only to provide direction and guidance but also to create an environment where people can take risks and engage with their own fears."

Book Review of Leadership on the Line

Heifetz and Linsky (both John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard U.) discuss how to survive and thrive on the dangers of leadership. They address leadership at all levels, from parents to everyday workers, managers and community activists, presidents of organizations and of countries. They examine why and how leadership is dangerous, how that danger drives some people "out of the game," possible strategies to reduce the risk of getting pushed aside, ways that people contribute to their own demise, ways to manage personal vulnerabilities, and how to keep one's spirit alive in the face of adversity. This text takes a more personal and practical approach to expand on ideas raised in Heifetz's earlier book, Leadership Without Easy Answers. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

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The leadership challenge is not only to provide direction and guidance but also to create an environment where people can take risks and engage with their own fears.

Leadership on the Line

By Ronald Abadian Heifetz, Martin Linsky