Publisher's Synopsis
Leadership Challenges from the Edge of Experience: This book is a must read for the responsible leader who is committed to a serving ethos to lead and excel in any context. The book takes the reader on a leadership journey using the dramatic device of following Shackleton's attempt to cross the Antarctic continent, in order to explore perennial leadership principles and challenges in challenging contexts. The book explores seven perennial challenges to leadership and advances corresponding principles for developing the state of mind for responsible leadership and leveraging strategic capability in any context. The focus of the book is on the lived experience of exemplary leadership to provide the reader with a real and immediate understanding of timeless leadership challenges and corresponding principles. The scientific research provides the underlying rigour to the book but the emphasis throughout is on the immediacy of the challenge and how the reader can apply the principles to be effective as a leader. The book integrates theory and practice based on extensive applied research and field work in complex and demanding contexts. The author's have clearly lived what they write. Dr. Michael Cox is Professor Emeritus in Leadership and former Director, Centre for Studies in Leadership, University of Guelph. Dr. James Warn is Former Head, School of Business and Leadership Programs, Australian Defence Force Academy at the University of New South Wales. Cox and Warn have written a remarkable book. Using the real life epic journey of explorer Shackleton, as an exemplary responsible leader. They have fleshed out the form to show numerous instances and examples of leadership principles in action. The authors ask us to join them as they follow Shackleton, through his horrific life threatening journey, and take advantage of each setback to illustrate Shackleton's inherent genius at leadership. From the earliest revelation that "the map is not the territory", they use the explorer's actions to demonstrate the author's "Seven Cs" of leadership. It is a fantastic journey which continually challenges the reader to self assess his perception of leadership.John R. Vickers P. Eng.Past C.E. O. Westinghouse Air Bake Casting Division.The authors draw out principles and tenets of leadership and skillfully refines them into modern leadership lessons. The self-assessments at the end of each chapter are useful to help a leader put the principles into action. Overall, the authors validate that principled leadership is ageless. Mark EasdenChief Operating OfficerDale & Lessmann LLPIn my early twenties I found myself in a middle management role and over the years I intuitively found ways to manage. A book like this would have have been such a great help! A leader who does not walk the talk soon loses the moral authority to lead others. Leaders must take action, commit and be prepared to handle what comes next. This book will have a place to help leaders in family, business and organizations.Len VerheyPresident, Canway Equipment Manufacturing Inc.The authors skillfully and richly illustrate how to move from the leadership approach of managing numbers and cutting people to creating wins for leaders, followers, communities, and the world. The authors have clearly lived what they write. This book will be inspiring for the responsible leader who rejects the notion of self-focussed leadership. This book provides hope for humanity. Iain P. Murray, PhDProfessor EmeritusGordon S. Lang School of Business and EconomicsUniversity of GuelphThe authors take us on a journey exploring leadership in contemporary, challenging, and crisis contexts by using illustrative narrative and illuminating paintings from the story of Shackelton's Antarctica expedition.This book charts territory applicable for leadership lessons today. Cynthia Cherrey, PhD - President and CEO International Leadership AssociationMoller Institute Leadership Fellow, Cambridge University
