Leading with Uncommon Sense: Slowing Down, Looking Inward, Taking Action

This book offers alternatives to traditional leadership, highlighting new ways of thinking about how individuals can lead effectively. It integrates several fields, including neuroscience, behavioral economics, mindfulness, cognitive and social psychology, emotional intelligence, and management decision-making, and challenges the "common sense" thinking about leadership. Effective leadership depends on a more complicated understanding of the underlying dynamics, and the book calls for leaders to operate with more humility and greater awareness of the multiple contexts in which they function, improving life for all organizational members.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 12 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents innovative alternatives to conventional leadership, shedding light on fresh perspectives on effective leadership. By integrating various disciplines such as neuroscience, behavioral economics, mindfulness, cognitive and social psychology, emotional intelligence, and management decision-making, the authors challenge the prevailing "common sense" notions of leadership. They argue that true leadership necessitates a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics, which goes beyond the simplistic approaches taught in traditional leadership programs.

When leaders adhere to the conventional wisdom they have been taught, whether explicitly or implicitly, the outcomes are often ineffective. For example, aspiring leaders often believe that the hallmark of a good leader is their ability to provide swift solutions to problems. Others perceive leadership potential in individuals who can simplify complex situations and manage uncertainty. Despite the abundance of literature highlighting the importance of self-reflection, few leaders take the time to reflect on themselves regularly. Even those who possess a theoretical understanding of emotional intelligence often focus solely on their ability to influence the emotions of others, neglecting to introspect and learn from their own emotions.

The book advocates for leaders to adopt a more humble and mindful approach, recognizing the diverse contexts in which they operate. By doing so, they can enhance the well-being of all organizational members, leading to greater satisfaction, reduced stress, increased stability, and a greater sense of fulfillment in their personal lives. As leaders become more effective, they experience improved health and well-being, resulting in a more positive impact on their organizations and society as a whole.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030419738
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020