By Karen A. Longman (Ed.)Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press (2012); Reviewed by DENICE ROSS HAYNES
Editor Karen Longman, together with “seventeen seasoned senior-level college and university administrators,” offers “fresh perspectives on what is required to thrive in leadership and to shape institutions where both employees and students flourish” (p. 25). Besides being practical, resourceful, and relevant, this work has a next- level profundity in the way it invites the reader into a personal dialogue about her personal leadership calling. While most of the current literature discusses leadership primarily as something one does and how to do it better, this book connects effective leadership to the degree of mindfulness in which the leader engages and the intentional cultivation of her own character and identity. These authors, sharing from different perspectives and successes, make a coherent case that exceptional Christian college leadership happens as leaders tread into deeper waters of the heart. For example, love for God, respect for calling, and honoring the gifting in others are highlighted as critical practices.
Starting with an introduction that features a concise overview of current leadership literature and practice, topics like team building, mission-centered strategic planning, financial accountability, cultivating culture and community, and impacting student success are explored throughout the book’s 14 chapters, which are arranged in three sections.
Section I, the Interior Life of thriving Leaders, suggests that the journey of leadership is a like a call. Moreover, awareness of place and openness to other perspectives make a difference in the strength of a leader’s influence; this is especially true in times of relational conflict, change, and crisis. Section II, the Social Intelligence of thriving Leaders, is practical in focus, giving attention to specific strategies like storytelling, intentional listening, and mentorship, all of which result in an environment of mutual trust, shared values and covenants. This section also offers a chapter to help non-faculty administrators understand and effectively work with faculty culture. Section III, how Leaders can Shape a thriving Organizational culture, broadens the scope of the book as it speaks to building a campus-wide culture that extends beyond hospitality and leading well in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Overall, the topics addressed in Thriving in Leadership are relevant and packed with supporting citations from leading thinkers in leadership theory and research (there are over 60 in-text book references). Yet, “these authors can settle some of our most stubborn ideas about leadership” by the way they are approached in this work (p. 310). Their personal stories about challenge and triumph are candid yet hopeful. If one is searching only for “tips” on leadership, this book will seem a bit too long. However, its length is appropriate for encouraging the kind of reflection necessary for those who dare to lead and thrive, with Christ as center and guide. I highly recommend this book for both professional and personal growth.
DENICE ROSS HAYNES, Ph.D., currently serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Education and Interim Director for Science Bound, a pre-college preparation program for STEM fields at Iowa State University. Denice teaches critical thinking, assessment, and evaluation. She also consults on organization identity, assessment, evaluation, retention, and student outcomes.