The Thoughtful Leader: A Model of Integrative Leadership

by Jim Fisher

Overview

Leadership is a quality that is difficult to define. Some believe that it is innate, the gift of a selected few. Others believe that it is a skill that can be learned but don't agree on what, exactly, should be taught.

In The Thoughtful Leader, Jim Fisher provides an invigorating, inclusive and positive framework for teaching current and aspiring leaders in all walks of life. The author has incorporated various apparently opposing leadership ideas into an integrated model. In order to successfully meet the challenges of a fast changing world, leaders can no longer choose between managing, directing or engaging. The thoughtful leader is someone who simultaneously, consistently and coherently manages, directs and engages their followers. The framework provides a way for anyone who is motivated to lead, has the courage to act and is willing to think about their actions to become more effective. Thoughtful leaders can maintain integrity in their actions and activities regardless of the situations that they encounter day-to-day.

The model developed in this book applies to many settings, including corporate and public service environments. The Thoughtful Leader offers a fresh and forward thinking framework that allows active and emerging leaders to be better prepared to live as a leader day to day.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781487523725
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	07/24/2018
Series:	Rotman-Utp Publishing
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	186
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jim Fisher is a Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He was formerly the Vice-Dean and Marcel Desautels Chair in Entrepreneurship at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. He joined the Rotman School after a successful career.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Leadership Models

3. The Integrative Model

4. The Hard Work of Managing

5. Leaders Provide Direction

6. Create Energy through Engagement

7. The Dynamics of Leadership

8. Leadership 360

9. Know Yourself; Understand Others

10. Final Thoughts

References

Acknowledgments

About the Author

What People are Saying About This

Deepak Chopra

“Jim has masterfully demystified 'Leadership' for those who think not everyone is meant to be a leader. He seamlessly takes the reader through the journey of managing, directing, and engaging to build confidence in anyone aspiring to be a leader. A must read for anyone in a leadership role or aspiring to move up the ladder.”

Rose Patten

“Jim Fisher's mix of theory, stories, personal journeys, and real cases offers a wealth of information that showcases his broad and deep command of the many facets of leadership. By impressively pulling together leadership theories and concepts into a coherent framework, Jim successfully convinces us leadership can be learned.”

Roger Martin

“Knowledge upon which positive action can be taken is rarely provided and hence precious. By this standard, The Thoughtful Leader by Jim Fisher is a gold mine of value for the practice of leadership. Simply put, it is the most actionable book on leadership I have yet read. Anybody who wants to become a better leader would be wise to read it.”

Editorial Reviews

‘Fisher’s style is easy to read and has a flair for making complex concepts accessible to the reader. The book is versatile and appropriate for audiences in a number of contexts, from those leading organizations or departments to students of leadership in higher education settings.’

—Sarah Elaine Eaton, Journal of Educational Thought – vol 50:01:2017

“Knowledge upon which positive action can be taken is rarely provided and hence precious. By this standard, The Thoughtful Leader by Jim Fisher is a gold mine of value for the practice of leadership. Simply put, it is the most actionable book on leadership I have yet read. Anybody who wants to become a better leader would be wise to read it.”

—Roger Martin, Institute Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

“Jim has masterfully demystified ‘Leadership’ for those who think not everyone is meant to be a leader. He seamlessly takes the reader through the journey of managing, directing, and engaging to build confidence in anyone aspiring to be a leader. A must read for anyone in a leadership role or aspiring to move up the ladder.”

—Deepak Chopra, President & Chief Executive Officer, Canada Post Corporation

“Jim Fisher’s mix of theory, stories, personal journeys, and real cases offers a wealth of information that showcases his broad and deep command of the many facets of leadership. By impressively pulling together leadership theories and concepts into a coherent framework, Jim successfully convinces us leadership can be learned.”

—Rose Patten, Special Advisor to the President and CEO, BMO Financial Group, and Adjunct Professor and Executive in Residence at the Rotman School of Managment

From the Publisher

'Fisher's style is easy to read and has a flair for making complex concepts accessible to the reader. The book is versatile and appropriate for audiences in a number of contexts, from those leading organizations or departments to students of leadership in higher education settings.'

Journal of Educational Thought — vol 50:01:2017 - Sarah Elaine Eaton