I find myself drawn back to Heifetz work as a trusted guidepost for leadership, particularly leading without authority

An essential book that explores leadership as an activity, not as an inherent trait or an acquired position.

Read this for class. Provides a framework to diagnose and intervene on “adaptive” challenges in a system. Expanded my thinking in an interesting way.

Very well researched book which gives an excellent framework for approaching leadership. Emphasizes that leadership is adaptive and ongoing. Enjoyed many of the historical anecdotes particularly those about Lyndon Johnson. Definitely can tell Heifetz approaches leadership from a very thoughtful perspective and his psychiatric training background comes through.

Oxymoron...leadership & Answers in the same sentence.

From Dean Rose

Well written with some value that remains relevant today regarding leadership v. authority, but the perspectives are outdated regarding racial and social justice, trauma-informed practices, and human rights.

"Instead of looking for saviors, we should be calling for leadership that will challenge us to face problems for which there are no simple, painless solutions-- problems that require us to learn new ways."- Heifetz

Adaptive Leadership, as described by Heifetz, is the only model of leadership that I have seen that is fully applicable to public administration. Great read for those working in government or community activism!

We have to stand united behind the President as we work for Health Care Reform

How times have you been involved in a discussion about leadership? What leadership is, what it is not. Asked for examples of good leaders? Felt compelled to offer examples of poor leaders?

Heifetz' book "Leadership without Easy Answers" is a must own. Period.

Why? Too many great reasons to recite them all. But let me hit some highlights that hopefully will convince you to at least browse this book at your favorite bookstore.

1. A framework to organize the concepts of Leadership
2. Analysis of decision making in the context of Leadership
3. Insight in the dynamics of change and tips to manage change

Having read it only once, I would guess that I have about a 10% comprehension of the material. Only nine more reads to go!

-ski

Interesting with good points. I wish the language had been slightly more straightforward - it was quite academic for a book that kept commenting on how it was supposed to be useful for 'practitioners'.

In his seminal book, Heifetz outlines his theory of adaptive leadership. That is, how leaders educate society about the need for change. The book centers on LBJ and his success in bringing about the Voter Rights Act, and his failure in the Vietnam War. In the former instance, LBJ gradually educated society about the need for the change, in the latter matter he pursued a technocratic response and neglected to inform the American public about the purpose of the war. This book, overall, improved my understanding of the importance of messaging to the public to obtain change and the need for successful leaders to communicate.