In Imperfect Leadership: A book for leaders who know they don't know it all, Steve Munby eloquently reflects upon and describes a leadership approach that is strong on self-awareness and positive about the importance of asking for help. Foreword by Michael Fullan. When asked to describe his own leadership style, Steve uses the word 'imperfect' . This is not something he apologises for; he feels imperfect leadership should be celebrated. Too often we are given examples of leaders who are put on some kind of pedestal, lauded as superheroes who have it all worked out and are so good at what they do that nobody else can come close. This book is the antidote to that flawed perception. Imperfect Leadership is an honest reflection upon leadership. It is about Steve's journey, covering his highs and lows and, ultimately, how he learned to refine and improve his leadership. It is about messy, trial-and-error, butterflies-in-the-stomach leadership and about thoughtful and invitational leadership - and the positive impact it can have. At the heart of the book are edited highlights of the 12 keynote speeches delivered to increasingly large audiences of school leaders between 2005 and 2017. These speeches, delivered at the Seizing Success and Inspiring Leadership conferences, form the structure around which Steve's story and insights are wrapped. Steve's account covers some fundamental shifts in the English education system over this 12-year period and describes how school leaders altered their leadership as this context changed. Furthermore, it delves into how his own leadership developed as his personal context changed, and explores how the notion that a leader needs to be good at all aspects of leadership is not only unrealistic, but is also bad for the mental and physical health of leaders and will do nothing to attract new people into leadership positions. Ultimately, Steve hopes that as you read this book you will see the value of imperfect leadership and of the positive impact it can make. For those reading it who have yet to step up into leadership, his sincere wish is that it will encourage and empower aspirational leaders rather than discourage them. Suitable for all those in or aspiring to leadership positions in education.

The story told in The Imperfect Leader is timely...its relevant...its powerful...and it will challenge the way you think about leadership. It is a story that reveals a new model for transformational leadershipone that flies in the face of conventional wisdom, creates healthy corporate cultures, and delivers extraordinary, sustainable results. It is a story about the personal journey transformational leaders must take in order to be true to themselvesto be in touch with themselvesand to find at journeys end that its not about them. The Imperfect Leader will resonate with leaders at all levels and in every walk of life. It guides, equips and motivates leaders, young and old, to understand the necessity for personal transformation that is required for leaders to make a difference in their organizations. George Gallup, Jr. (The Gallup Organization) said this about The Imperfect Leader: There is one true and effective model for leadership that outperforms all othersit is time-tested and historically proven to be the leadership model for transformational change. In The Imperfect Leader, Taylor offers an interesting, well written articulation of that model. It is a very practical book that should be read by any leader seriously intending to make a differencein their organizationor in the world.

Making a case for a reflexive approach to leadership, the authors draw upon decades of carrying out in-depth studies of professionals trying to "do" leadership. Through interviews with managers and their subordinates, getting a good understanding of organizational context, and critically interpreting their observations considering both leadership theories and a wealth of other perspectives, their celebration of reflexivity is used to question dominant leadership thinking. Considering and challenging various departures from lines of reasoning results in a book that draws upon rich empirical material and which has a number of new, provocative, critical and constructive ideas that help to develop sharper and more thoughtful thinking and practice - both in academic and practical contexts. Suitable for leadership and organisation courses at upper-level undergraduate and upwards (including MBA-classes and Executive Education) and a thought provoking read for practitioners and management development professionals interested in leadership thought.

A pragmatic guide for leaders aspiring to convert their leadership challenges into a competitive advantage for themselves and for their organizations.

Foreword by Andy Hargreaves.Hero headship is out. Imperfect leadership is in. This book is designed to help leaders develop and embrace an imperfect leadership mindset as a foundation for growth and development. In his first book, Imperfect Leadership: A book for leaders who know they don't know it all, Steve Munby uses the word 'imperfect' to describe his own leadership style. This is not something he apologises for; he feels imperfect leadership should be celebrated. Too often we are given examples of leaders who are put on some kind of pedestal, lauded as superheroes who have it all worked out and are so good at what they do that nobody else can come close. But imperfect leadership is the antidote to this flawed perception. In Imperfect Leadership in Action, Steve has teamed up with Marie-Claire Bretherton to delve in more detail into a broad range of themes under the umbrella of imperfect leadership. Writing with sparkling clarity, the authors explore the approach's key principles and share engaging exercises and inspiring case studies which give voice to a wide range of experiences from across the education sector.The central message is that we can use our imperfections as a springboard for leadership development by asking for help, investing in self-reflection, focusing on building teams - and by trying to be a better version of ourselves tomorrow than we were today.The book provides numerous prompts for self-reflection, and also includes a chapter on leading in times of change (such as the COVID-19 lockdowns) and how the principles of imperfect leadership turn out to be equally applicable in times of crisis.Suitable for all those in or aspiring to leadership positions in education.

There is a problem in today's developing leaders-they think they need to be someone they are not to get what they want. In short, none of us is perfect, and when we pretend to be, people quit listening to us. Instead, we need to focus on trying to connect with others. Leading Imperfectly is full of examples for how to make those connections. The book is divided into a series of short, often humorous, and always insightful essays filled with real-life stories from James' own life. The through line for the book is the significance of practicing authentic leadership. The essays discuss topics such as realizing our story has value, the importance of love in leadership, how to prevent over-committing because you can't be everything to everyone, realizing you don't have all the answers, and some practical advice about the importance of valuing the time we have and giving that time to the most important people in our lives. James also challenges us to look at the lies we tell ourselves that hold us back in life, and to learn how to listen to others so they will listen to us. James' humor provides comic relief in the middle of some of the more serious stories, but the humor always makes his examples hit home and keeps his stories memorable. Readers will appreciate that while he speaks as someone who has had success in life, his leadership background is not that of the typical leader who writes leadership books-he's not a former company CEO or a famous athlete-and that makes his points stand out all the more. Educators, business professionals, student leaders, and others will find this book to be introspective, validating, and motivational. Most importantly they will take away that their story is good enough. Check out Leading Imperfectly. Between the chuckles, there's quite a bit of wisdom that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action tells the story of a superintendent from his first days to the pandemic. In each chapter, he responds to a series of questions to prompt genuine reflection. This book is structured to give leaders the tools to become predictably successful leaders.