Perhaps the best way to learn leadership is to surround oneself with authentic leadersand that is exactly what David Irvine and Jim Reger have done for the readers of this book. Its pages are packed with real-world examples of the challengesand rewardsof being an Authentic Leader.
Norman R. Augustine,Retired Chairman & CEO, Lockheed
Martin Corporation
Join the authorsand all the wonderful people they talk withon their travels through life toward authenticity. Take a journey toward your true self by accompanying others on their journeys. Their experiences will hearten and inform you.
Geoff Bellman,Consultant and Author ofYour Signature Path
andGetting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge
The true essence of leadership is service and moral courage. Both service and moral courage are enhanced by authenticity. David Irvine and Jim Reger have greatly facilitated our understanding of how to empower and synergize our collective productivity withThe Authentic Leader.
Dr. Len Marrella,Founder and President, Center for Leadership
and Ethics, and Author ofIn Search of Ethics
This book brings to life the notion of authentic leadership. It adds the magic sauce and thus the DNA.
Sam Georges,CEO/President, Anthony Robbins Holdings
For years we have heard that leaders must be authentic; finally someone shows us what that means. David Irvine and Jim Reger are the real thing, authentic leaders helping other leaders become more real. Of all the souls desires, being true to self is the greatest. David and Jim show us how to reach that desire. This book is an excellent treatment of an important topic and leaders who want more influence and more joy in leading must read this book.
John Izzo,Author ofAwakening Corporate Soul
andSecond Innocence
Too often, the journey in life is a thorny experience involving erosion of our souls. Myriad forces conspire to have us give up our authentic selves to serve the dictates of hierarchical power-based structures.
At last, this book has arrived, addressing this dilemma by offering holarchical solutions to reinforce the development of the human in the midst of an ever-depersonalizing world.
This important writing is at once informative and inspiring. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in its creation. We recommend it highly.
Bennet Wong, M.D. F.R.C.P. (c)andJock McKeen, M.D.,
F.R.C.P. (c),Authors ofThe New Manual for Life
and Founders of The Haven Institute
I believe the time is right for this book as so many people I meet are thirsting to fill a void of significance and meaning in their lives. The words of the authors and others describing their quest for purpose and authenticity are gifts to consider as we each find our way.
Judy Walton,Vice President of
Human Resources (Canadian Region), Conoco Phillips
I have read many leadership books over the years; most taught how to lead like others, either directly or through their ideas and ideals. Finally I read a book that teaches me to lead like ME! For every leader struggling to find their way this book will be a revelation. The fact that my authentic self will become the core of how I lead will revolutionize not just my leadership but its impact for the future.
Lawrence Barns,CEO, The Canadian Association
of Family Enterprise (CAF)
If you are serious about living your values, if you want to live without regrets and have a full rewarding life, this is a must read.
Don Campbell,President, B-C Ranch
We have established a grassroots leadership program here and I am eager to give each participant a copy of this book. It captures the personal nature of leadership and dispels the sense that leadership is solely about skill-building or that one is born to leadership. The personal exploration and the commitment to nurture those around us to be their authentic selves is powerful. I expect the book to inform and transform these grassroots leaders as it has me.
Tim Dutton,CEO of SCOPE, Sarasota, Florida
Ive never believed leadership skills could be taught, but always knew they could be developed. The authors use the experiences, beliefs, values and stories of real people from all walks of life to illustrate the many and complex variables that determine a leader. They do it in an innovative fashion, and they do it well.
Chuck Williams,Now retired; formerly President,
Hewlett Packard Canada Ltd.
What the world needs now is a book about being authentic. Years ago, leaders discovered the words empowerment and teams, but it became only rhetoric. There was a disconnect between the action and the words. People became confused with the lack of authenticity. Finally, a book that describes how important it is for the words and the actions to be one, and reflect the true meaning of respect and integrity.
This book will be especially important to women leadersnow and in the future. Caught in hierarchies which profess inclusion and empowerment, but where autocrats still rule, women are caught between two realities. Being true to who you are and what you believe about people, and being authentic above all else, is the key to success for women, both as individuals and as leaders.
Respect, kindness and integrity are signs of a truly authentic leader. This book has helped me understand that being authentic at work and at home is not a hat you put on when its convenientits a way of being.
In doing management coaching, I see managers who believe they have to act a certain way to be leaders, pretending to be strong and have all the answers. It isnt real and the people they work with know it. Being authentic means being true to yourself and showing respect for othersthats what a true leader is. This book can lead managers and aspiring leaders down a path that validates being true to yourself.
Beverly Suek,Former CEO of the Womens Enterprise Centre,
and Director, TLS Enterprises
The Authentic Leader
Its About PRESENCE, Not Position
The Authentic Leader
Its About PRESENCE, Not Position
By
David Irvine and Jim Reger
Copyright 2006 by David Irvine and Jim Reger
All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The copyright owners consent does not extend to copying for general distribution for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific permission must be obtained in writing from DC Press for such purposes.
This publication contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted material is used with permission, and sources are indicated. Reasonable effort has been made to publish reliable data and information, but the authors and the publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or for the consequences of their use or misuse.
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