Previous books of the Leadership Horizon Series showed unequivocally how both leaders and followers play an equally important part in the co-production of leadership outcomes, and how leader and follower identities are fluid, so that the same individual can enact both at different times. This book stretches the notion of leadership a step further by exploring the co-enactment of both roles, identities, and positions of leader and follower by one same individual. This individual is defined as a connecting leader, as in this co-enactment he/she functions as connector between different leadership relationships. The concept of connecting leader emerges from the observation that most individuals in organizations engage in the leader-follower role co-enactment: managers, pulled between executives and reportees; CEOs, between the board and the head of departments; or employees involved in cross functional teams, leading and following in different degrees, subject to their expertise. Yet, despite its pervasiveness this concept is at best under theorized by the literature, which, dominated by dyadic and romanticized views, mostly presents the roles as enacted by separate individuals facing each other. To advance our understanding of connecting leaders the editor proposes to shift our focus on leadership in three ways: to unpack the interconnectedness and interplay of leader and follower identities; to investigate the tensions arising from the co-enactment and how these can be overcome; to widen the way in which we study leadership, through new configurations (e.g. leadership triads) and ontologies; and finally to consider the similarities between leading and following. The book chapters are organized to mirror these areas of exploration. Understanding leadership from a perspective that acknowledges that many individuals in organizations are not just leaders or followers, but both, democratizes the way we theorize leadership, and moves us further away from the temptation to romanticize it.

We are not leaders having a leadership crisis. We are leaders having a human being crisis. Connection is the antidote to this crisis—yet, many of us do not know how to connect to ourselves in a rigorously honest, self-compassionate way that enhances self-discovery and leads to creating healthy relationships with others. Without this self-connection, we cannot connect—in a meaningful way—to a higher purpose or engage with others in ways that help them step into their gifts. With the help of Karen Hardwick’s connection architecture, we can create the kind of relationships that are transforming and inspiring. By learning how to show up with her seven attributes of connection, we can empower workplaces and relationships through the grace and grit, resilience and empathy, honesty and authenticity that occurs when our connection-wiring is activated in healthy ways. Hardwick’s willingness to share her own stories of struggle and triumph—along with anecdotes from the boardroom to the family room—draws us into the pages of this book and helps us to awaken and courageously lead. She uniquely synthesizes the emotional, spiritual, and relational, giving us permission to look at the ways we do damage to ourselves and others while inviting us to live and lead from a place of true well-being, tapped into our purpose, and lifting up others. “Hardwick’s inspiring message is there’s a more fully human way to lead rooted in emotional, spiritual, and relational wholeness. Connected leadership is the way of the future. Highly recommended!” —Ian Morgan Cron, author, The Road Back to You

An essential book for anyone who wants to be a better leader to the millennials, and reap the rewards of this incredibly capable generation. Millennials make up a significant part of today's workforce and we would be foolish not to embrace what they have to offer - a unique perspective, an ethical outlook, tech-savvy minds, and a 'no fear' approach to the workplace. Top-down leadership is passé. Millennials need a leadership style that is current - collaborative, open, transparent and inclusive - which caters to their strengths. They want to be a valued part of the leadership process. This book asks the question: What do you want in a leader? The answers, summarised into nine traits that were identified by hundreds of millennials worldwide as being of the utmost importance in a leader, comprise the CHAMELEON Leader. An informative, straight from the source, fully interactive, exercise-guided book that gives you the practical skills you need to be a better leader, and offers a place to self-reflect on your own existing skills and create a game plan to take action.

This book is a beginning, a first step, in taking leader development in organizations beyond conventional wisdom toward a scientifically sound research-based set of principles and practices. The authors looked beyond their own academic disciplines to bring to bear accumulated wisdom from researchers who have developed well-established and accepted

Command and control ways of leading won't work in the new millennium. Connection with employees, consumers and customers is a differentiator in today's fast-paced world. Leadership in the 21st century is not reserved for "the top dogs." Leadership as a life practice for success is relevant for all, regardless of your role. Skills for managing time lines, projects and deadlines are not the same as those for leading people. When leaders micromanage, people under-perform. Laura shows the importance of bringing our hearts to work. Getting reluctant employees to accept new ideas is not much different from convincing a two-year-old it's time for bed. While being an effective leader is not easy, the rationale, insights and experiences offered in The Connected and Committed Leader will help everyone: from CEOs to school principals, from mid-level managers to teachers, from the board room, to mail room, to the head of the custodial department.

Grounded in extensive research, this book offers practical guidelines to help professionals think, coach, converse, speak, write, meet, and negotiate strategically to deliver results. --

Shirley Taylor has inspired audiences around the world with her heart-warming stories and simple but powerful lessons. Now through the pages of this book, they will inspire readers to stay positive during challenging times and create new opportunities for growth and success. In looking back at the significant turning points in her life, Shirley shares the key lessons that have helped her to grow both professionally and personally. She then 'connects the dots' to reveal the common thread that runs through all these turning points. Shirley also includes inspiring insights from global leadership experts who share their own personal turning points and the lessons they have learned. In Connecting the Dots, Shirley provides down-to-earth advice and practical tools that will help people everywhere to navigate change, unlock their true potential, and drive their own success.