"We live in a world of groups. Almost every facet of daily existence, whether sitting in meetings, collaborating with coworkers, attending classes or programs, contributing to community or social events, participating in family gatherings, even enjoying coffee or meals with friends, takes place in group contexts. In addition, everyone finds themselves in leadership positions at one time or another, responsible for the welfare of others. It is curious, but nevertheless commonplace, that counselors, therapists, teachers, business leaders, executives, coaches, and other helping professionals, who have been specifically trained in group leadership, often fail to apply their knowledge and skills to settings in which they might matter most. The same practitioners who guide others may not be able-or willing-to put that background to work when they find themselves supervising peers, leading meetings, or even managing conflict at the dinner table. Many, if not most, people experience required meetings and mandated group collaborations as tedious, repetitive, and often a waste of time that could be spent doing other things that feel far more productive"--

This book examines what it means to be a leader. It is intended not only for education leaders, but for anyone who feels compelled to provide the most effective leadership they can. The content is based on the author's 30 years of experience as a professional educator. Each chapter illustrates a component of leadership through a series of questions, short vignettes, selected quotations, and personal stories. It emphasizes that questions are more important than answers and that the essential things about which a person cares determine to a great extent who that person is as a human being and as a leader. It asks persons to take the time to examine their personal point of reference in dealing with professional colleagues, and underscores the role that cooperation and understanding can play in successful leadership. The book illustrates how leadership roles are demanding and stressful and states that leaders should take care of themselves. It closes with a description of the metamorphosis that one must experience to become a leader. (Contains 23 references.) (RJM)