Synopses & Reviews
Demonstrating the principle that soulfulness at work is a way of being and doing, this guide provides new perspectives on the qualities of leadership. Three main sections elaborate on the themes of choosing the path, staying on track, and persevering to the end. Drawing from interviews with outstanding leadersincluding Tom and Kate Chappell, the founders of Toms of Maine; Bob Glassman, co-chairman of Wainwright Bank & Trust; Desmond Tutu; and The Edge of rock band U2and supported with guided questions in each section, this book is an essential addition to the bookshelf of anyone who wants to lead with soul. In an environment where leaders are rewarded for their drive, decisiveness, productivity, and long work hours, the spiritual well-being of a leader may get short shrift, and harm can come to both the leader and the organization this individual serves. Challenging the assumptions that effective leaders must sell their souls, cut corners, cook the books, and let go of their vision, a new model of spiritual leadership is offered. Teachers, parents, committee chair leaders, and other individuals in organizations of any size are exhorted to aim higher and lead with soul in any sphere, large or small.
Review
"Breaks the mold of leadership books. Benefiel helps me to dare to dream, battle for my soul, and break through the barriers that keep me from succeeding." David Batstone, professor and author, Saving the Corporate Soul and Not For Sale
Review
"Today's global community desperately needs leaders with soul. Margaret Benefiel's groundbreaking book meets that need beautifully, by teaching principles of soulful leadership, illustrated with stories of real leaders who practice them. Required reading." Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner, Nobel Peace Prize
Review
"Speaking both to individual and organizational spiritual transformation, the author's inspiring message will likely earn her book a receptive audience." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Margaret Benefiel demonstrates the value of spiritual leadership and a practical way to carry it out. She brings to leadership theory and practice the new depth thoughtful corporate leaders have been seeking." Gordon Self, vice president, organizational advancement, Caritas Health Group
Review
"Working with Margaret Benefiel has helped me, in a very short time, become grounded in spirit, both in my everyday life and in my corporate workplace." Kerry Hamilton, former vice president, director of marketing, BJ's Wholesale Clubs
About the Author
Margaret Benefiel, Ph. D., author of Soul at Work: Spiritual Leadership in Organizations, is an internationally known expert in the filed of spirituality and leadership. CEO of ExecutiveSoul.com, she serves as Chair of the Academy of Management's Management, Spirituality, and Religion Group. Author of numerous articles and co-editor of a previous book, Dr. Benefiel teaches at Andover Newton Theological School in Boston and the Milltown Institute in Dublin, Ireland.