Description
‘In this book, Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow sow seeds of wisdom that offer hope and sound guiding principles for America’s educational leaders’ – Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina ‘This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader’s role’ – Terrence E. Deal, Author Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership ‘Houston and Sokolow focus on how leaders can remain true to their core beliefs and still lead successful organizations. This should be required reading for all leaders and prospective leaders’ – Vincent L. Ferrandino, Executive Director, National Association of Elementary School Principals ‘I can’t imagine a more timely and important book for educators’ – Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science ‘Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension’ – Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals ‘The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership reminds us that the job of leadership is complex, but the actions we take can be very simple and yet have a big impact’ – Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association Busy school leaders rarely have the time to reflect on what motivates them to do the difficult work they do. The authors argue that many of the values, beliefs, and principles that guide and sustain school leaders have underlying spiritual roots. The more in touch school leaders can be with those spiritual roots, the more enlightened their leadership becomes, and the more effective they become in leading others to a better future. This book offers eight principles of enlightened leadership that, the authors suggest, are accessible to everyone. Each principle is clearly outlined, defined by several examples, and then applied to the practice of school leadership, offering ways for readers to become more mindful of enlightened leadership principles in their own work and lives. Paul D. Houston has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American education through his extensive speaking engagements, published articles, and his regular appearances on national radio and television.Formerly executive director of the American Association of School Administrators from 1994 to 2008, Houstonhas served asa teacher and building administrator in North Carolina and New Jersey. He has also served as assistant superintendent in Birmingham, Alabama, and as superintendent of schools in Princeton, NJ; Tucson, AZ; and Riverside, CA. Houston has served in an adjunct capacity for the University of North Carolina, Harvard University, Brigham Young University, and Princeton University. He has served as a consultant and speaker throughout the United States and overseas, and he has published more than 100 articles in professional journals. Foreword by Dawna Markova Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction 1. The Principle of Intention Intention Is a Fundamental Principle of Enlightened Leadership Thought Is More Important Than People Think When Thought Becomes Prayer Spoken and Written Words Are Keys to Manifesting Your Intention Leaders Must Align Their Actions and Intentions Enlisting Spiritual and Nonspiritual Forces to Manifest Your Intentions Using Your “Third Eye” to Manifest Intentions Leaders Use Attention to Focus the Lens of Intention Leaders Focus Energy to Manifest Their Intentions Summary 2. The Principle of Attention Attention Is One of the Key Principles for Enlightened Leaders The Role of Attention in the Thinking of Enlightened Leaders The Role of Attention in the Doing of Enlightened Leaders The Role of Attention in the Being of Enlightened Leaders How Enlightened Leaders Maximize Time on Task How Enlightened Leaders Focus Power and Energy How Attention Serves as a Magnet for Enlisting Others How Enlightened Leaders Keep Their Focus How Enlightened Leaders Use Images to Communicate Summary 3. The Principle of Unique Gifts and Talents Leaders Need to Be Aware That Everyone Has Unique Gifts and Talents Discovering and Developing Everyone’s Unique Gifts and Talents How to Help Others Cultivate Their Unique Gifts and Talents Enlightened Leaders Facilitate the Sharing of Unique Gifts and Talents How Enlightened Leaders Extend Unique Gifts and Talents How Uniqueness Contributes to the Tapestry of Life How the Divine Helps to Clarify Life’s Purpose(s) Summary 4. The Principle of Gratitude Having an Attitude of Gratitude The Importance of Being Mindful of Life’s Blessings The Effect of Showing Gratitude for Help and Support The Importance of Being Grateful for Progress Enlightened Leaders Are Grateful for Obstacles and Adversaries Showing You Are Grateful for Love Received Showing You Are Grateful for Love Accepted Showing You Are Grateful for the Opportunity to Help Others How You Can Show You Are Grateful for Your Gifts and Talents About Being Grateful Enlightened Leaders Experience Boundless Gratitude The Importance of Being Grateful for Divine Guidance Summary 5. The Principle of Unique Life Lessons Using the Experiences of Daily Life to Grow Personally and Professionally People Are Given Life Lessons to Promote Spiritual Growth Problems Are Actually Opportunities in Disguise Clouds Do Have Silver Linings Learning Life’s Lessons the Hard Way or the Easy Way Using the Weaknesses Within Strengths to Understand Life Lessons Mastery of Each Life Lesson Opens a Gateway to the Next Endings Create the Opportunity for New Beginnings Summary 6. The Principle of a Holistic Perspective Spiritual Truths in the Story of Three Blind Men and the Elephant Enlightened Leaders Are Aware That Everything Is Connected The Butterfly Effect and Its Implications for Leaders Leaders Must Know How the Parts and the Whole Are Related Fractals Can Be a Valuable Tool for Leaders A Holographic Perspective Is a Valuable Tool for Leaders The Spiritual Lessons of Oneness, Unity, and Holistic Thinking Summary 7. The Principle of Openness Openness Is an Important Principle for Leaders The Spiritual Aspects of Openness Enlightened Leaders Create Open Systems Leaders Must Be Open to Many Things Opening Your Heart and Mind How Openness Maximizes Growth and Creativity Why Openness Is the Key to Creating Infinite Potentiality Summary 8. The Principle of Trust Why It Is Important for Leaders to Be Trusting Why It Is Essential for Leaders to Be Trustworthy Why It Is Important to Trust Yourself Trusting Your Higher Self Enlightened Leaders Must Learn to Trust the Universe Why It Is Important to Give Trust as a Gift Whenever Possible Summary Selected Bibliography
