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."

Leadership on the LineBook binding

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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

Book Overview of Leadership on the Line

About the Book Authors

R

Ronald Abadian Heifetz

Ronald Abadian Heifetz is a renowned author and thought leader, recognized for his contributions to the fields of leadership and organizational behavior. He is best known for his groundbreaking works, including 'Leadership Without Easy Answers' and 'The Practice of Adaptive Leadership,' co-authored with Marty Linsky. Heifetz's writing style is characterized by its clarity, practical insights, and a deep understanding of the complexities of leadership in dynamic environments. He has served as a faculty member at Harvard University and has influenced countless leaders through his teachings and writings. His work emphasizes the importance of adaptive leadership in addressing complex societal challenges.

M

Martin Linsky

Martin Linsky is an accomplished author and thought leader known for his insightful works on leadership and change management. He is the co-author of the influential book 'Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading', which has become a staple in the fields of business and organizational transformation. Linsky's writing is characterized by its directness and practicality, often blending personal anecdotes with research-based strategies to provide readers with actionable insights. His contributions to the Harvard Kennedy School and numerous articles for various esteemed publications reflect his commitment to advancing the discourse on effective leadership.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Ronald Abadian Heifetz, Martin Linsky
Published
January 2002
Publisher
Harvard Business Press
ISBN
1578514371
Language
English
Pages
276
Genres
Strategic LeadershipLeadershipExecutive LeadershipLeadership Theories

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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

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