Original quotes and action item.

Can we design organizations in a way that creates a space where employees, the organization, and the larger community all thrive? And if so, where can we go for inspiration to help us achieve this goal? In a time of volatile and complex uncertainty, it is time to learn the lessons that nature has compiled from 3.8 billion years of research and development. Nature is an interdependent, dynamic and living system – just like today’s organizations and communities. Kathleen Allen uses nature as a model, mentor, and muse to rethink how leadership is practiced today. Leading from the Roots takes nature as a source of inspiration to help organizations see a new way of leading and designing workplace structure, applying the generous framework found in mature ecologies to human organizations. Kathleen Allen helps shift assumptions, practices, structures, and processes of organizations to become more resilient and nourishing for all, and, along the way, design the way out of workplace dysfunction and drama. “Leading from the Roots provides a powerful new way of thinking about organizations as living systems and delivers practical leadership frameworks for individuals to learn how to unleash the energy and create innovative, effective teams. -Anne Boneparte, CEO Appthority This book is a must read for organizational leaders who are not only committed to their mission, but equally to creating a workplace that attracts and retains the brightest and the best professionals fully enabled to meet that mission. -Caryl Stern, President & CEO UNICEF USA

The evolution of leadership into a widely accepted concept occurred without any shared understanding and acceptance of its meaning and relevance in contemporary society. Why do some people become leaders? What is the source and legitimacy of leadership power? This book journeys into the heart of the relationship between leaders and followers, the social space and the arena where both contest and collaboration take place and leadership itself is played out. In the book, Morgen Witzel moves beyond traditional traits and skills framing, offering a fresh, historical analysis that involves many different actors with different motives and needs. By analysing the evolution of power relationships, the book analyses the interactions around how power is used and control is bargained for to illuminate the centrepiece of leadership. A wide-ranging history of a slippery subject, this book provides students, scholars and reflective practitioners with an empirical, historical base on which to test their own ideas and experiences.

Successful leaders don't rest on the laurels. Leadership must be a living process, and life means growth. "Great Leaders Grow" shows leaders and aspiring leaders precisely which areas to focus on so they can remain effective throughout their lives.

For most of the lifespan of the new South Africa, leadership consultant Adriaan Groenewald has interviewed and written about top political, corporate, entertainment and sports leaders. His leadership model embraces the legacy of Nelson Mandela - to unselfishly unite people around the creation of positive movement towards the impossible, while fearlessly, openly embracing and confronting all obstacles along the way. What makes a seamless leader? The book combines theory and practice in subjects such as decision making, combining success and values, igniting passion and shifting attitude, performance, multiplying leaders for real impact, motivation, courageous conversations, and leading in difficult times or sensitive situations. Short chapters are complemented by 'interview' sections which illuminate principles learned from personal leadership conversations with individuals from different sectors of society, ranging from President Jacob Zuma to Helen Zille and Sizwe Nxasana to Mike Brown.

A provocative, personal approach to leadership based on in-depth research with hundreds of executives around the world Confronted by disruptive change and economic turbulence, many of today's leaders find themselves ill-equipped to manage the hazards they now face. They must contend with chronic uncertainty, cynical employees, and personal burnout. Most are poorly served by the prevailing paradigm that obsessively focuses on what we do to produce short-term results while sabotaging who we are as healthy human beings. Few have seen alternatives, until now. Grounded proposes a new approach that's designed for actual humans who must grapple with these forces. This new paradigm speaks to our better selves. Based on the author's Healthy Leader model, it focuses on the six personal dimensions that fuel—and refuel—the world's top leaders: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational, and spiritual health. The book argues that leaders at every level can be more self-aware, develop their untapped potential, and drive significantly better results—for themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Shows readers how to build a personal leadership model that works with their values, goals and capabilities Features fresh stories from leaders in a variety of organizations including the New York Fire Department, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Lego Group, and Medstar Health Gives leaders practical tools to face their toughest challenges with greater skill, confidence, and impact By developing themselves and mastering the six dimensions, readers can gain the stamina and strength to not only weather tough times but to achieve much, much more.

The most elaborate and impressive building, built with the highest quality materials will not stand if is foundation is weak. Like wise, before a hurricane, there is comfort in the strength of design and construction. Similarly, large trees with huge trunks can be toppled due to shallow roots. People are no different - unless your roots are well developed, then the storms of life may have you blowing in the wind or cracking under pressure. The Roots of Character details this development process to help individuals create and maintain a stable and productive life. Additionally, this book includes character develop exercised that will allow you to discover who you are while simultaneously documenting who you want to become. These exercises are thought provoking and will give you a personal revelation about why you do what you do; more importantly, it will start you on the path to do what you need you to do to maintain a lifestyle of development.