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| Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading | 
 enlarge | Authors: Martin Linsky, Ronald A. Heifetz
Publisher: Harvard Business School Press
Category: Book
List Price: $32.95
Buy New: $18.09
You Save: $14.86 (45%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  31 reviews
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 252
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.1
ISBN: 1578514371
Dewey Decimal Number: 303.34
EAN: 9781578514373
Publication Date: April 18, 2002
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
Climbing Mount Everest: dangerous. Hitchhiking in Colombia: very dangerous. Leading through change: perilous. Perilous but possible, say Heifetz and Linsky in their encouragingly practical guide to putting yourself on the line and negotiating the hazards of leadership. As the authors acknowledge, many leadership books are "all about inspiration, but downplay the perspiration." This one doesn't. Leadership is always a risky business, but those risks can be understood and reduced. Effective leadership comes from doing more than the technical work of routine management; it involves adaptive work on the part of the leader, and a willingness to confront and disturb people, promote their resourcefulness, and engage their ability to adjust to new realities. But adaptive change always encounters resistance. Heifetz and Linsky examine four forms of resistance--marginalization, diversion, attack, and seduction--before presenting a number of practical resistance-response skills to nurture and employ. Some are fairly obvious (like developing and maintaining perspective, and holding steady in the midst of change), and others more complex (like thinking politically when dealing with friends, foes, and fence sitters), but shimmering nuggets of insight and practical wisdom can be found in each. The dangers of leadership also spring from within, however, and the book's final section addresses ways to recognize and manage competing "hungers" and learn to distinguish one's roles from one's self. The authors' points are illustrated by the experiences of leaders from all walks of life, making this a useful and inspiring manual for anyone hoping to put themselves on the line and make a difference in the lives of others. --S. Ketchum
Product Description
Every day, in every facet of our lives, opportunities to lead call out to us. At work and at home, in our local communities and in the global village, the chance to make a difference beckons. Yet often, we hesitate. For all its passion and promise, for all its excitement and rewards, leading is risky, dangerous work. Why? Because real leadership - the kind that surfaces conflict, challenges long-held beliefs, and demands new ways of doing things - causes pain. And when people feel threatened, they take aim at the person pushing for change. As a result, leaders often get hurt both personally and professionally. In "Leadership on the Line", renowned leadership authorities Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky marshal a half century of combined teaching and consulting experience to show that it is possible to put ourselves on the line, respond effectively to the risks, and live to celebrate our efforts.With compelling examples including the presidents of countries and the presidents of organizations, everyday managers and prominent activists, politicians and parents, the authors illustrate proven strategies for surviving and thriving amidst the dangers of leading: "Getting on the balcony" - stepping back to get perspective while remaining fiercely engaged; "Thinking politically" - keeping the opposition close, but watching your allies, too; "Orchestrating the conflict" - using stress productively to work the issues; "Giving the work back" - putting the responsibility on those who need to make the change; and, "Holding steady" - maintaining your focus while taking the heat. The authors also address often-neglected aspects of leadership, such as how to manage your personal vulnerabilities, and how to anchor yourself and sustain your spirit through tough times. Both uplifting and practical, this essential book enables each of us to lead courageously and confidently-without losing ourselves. Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky are on the faculty at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Heifetz is the author of "Leadership Without Easy Answers" and Co-director of the school's Center for Public Leadership. Linsky is Faculty Chair of many of the school's executive programs, including Senior Officials in State and Local Government and Leadership for the 21st Century.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 26 more reviews...
 A Book to Read November 17, 2008
This is a book about leadership. It is not the standard leadership book that sets forth winning skills and practices, nor is it a report of leadership research. Rather, this is a book of leadership wisdom.
Leadership, the authors suggest, is the work of leading people through difficult change. They distinguish between "technical change"--the kind that can be resolved by doing what everyone knows is necessary--and "adaptive change"--the kind that requires us to reconsider our values, our traditions, and our habits. Adaptive change always is resisted because it incurs loss and a sense of disloyalty to those we love and admire who taught us the values we now hold. Because adaptive change is resisted, leadership is dangerous. The book looks at the dangers inherent in leadership and ways to protect ourselves as we lead.
The dance floor is offered as a metaphor for the leadership environment, whether corporate, community, or family. On the dance floor, we constantly interact with people. It is important, the authors tell us, periodically to get up to the balcony--to reflect with some detachment about what is happening on the dance floor, including our own movements there. We don't stay in the balcony, however; going to the balcony enables us more intentionally to re-engage in the dance. Beside the dance floor and the balcony, leaders also need a sanctuary--a place where reflection is focused on restoring one's own soul and on reestablishing perspective. Once a week, we are told, is not enough; leaders need time in their sanctuary daily.
Leaders often are called to act beyond their authorization because people prefer "work avoidance strategies" to engaging adaptive change. The task of the leader is to raise the temperature of dialogue to the point that people are willing to face the issues that inhibit progress while monitoring the heat to avoid permanent damage or withdrawal. When people are willing to face the need for change, however, it is important to give the work back to the group. Our temptation as leaders is to do the necessary work for the group, but that creates dependency and never effects the needed change--the issue we thought was resolved will crop up again in different form. Furthermore, focus is shifted from the issue to the leader; this may be temporarily satisfying when one is acclaimed a hero, but it also assures that unprocessed emotions will be directed against the leader when the issue reemerges.
When the heat is on, as well as when accolades are flowing, we need to distinguish between our person and role. However personally attacks or praise may be framed, it is one's role as leader that raises people's angst, anger, and appreciation, not one's person. We are advised to keep the opposition close at hand because we need their insights. We also are advised not to confuse allies and confidants; allies who truly share our values make poor confidants because they fail to bring a detached perspective. Allies who share strategic interests with us also may betray confidences.
The book is Leadership On the Line, by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. Heifetz and Linsky teach at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Heifetz was trained as a psychiatrist and is a master musician; Linsky's background also is music and government. I hope others will find this book as helpful as I have.
 Class book October 9, 2008
I needed the book for class. It was much cheaper on Amazon and got here quickly.
Must Read for New Managers July 19, 2008
Leadership on the line is a must read for all new managers. The authors clearly and logically review the strategic positions that in which leaders may find themselves and options for moving forward. Maps are provided of various minefields and this book may just save your job/career.
Inspires You To Lead! December 20, 2007
The book does a great job of inspiring the reader to lead. The chapter on 'Sacred Heart' truly struck a chord with me. The authors urge you to not become numb to the unpleasantness that comes with leading and urge you to live life fully.
I haven't finished the book yet but I love what I've read so far.
Leaders Take Note December 8, 2007
Anyone who is a leader understands the risks and rewards, as well as the hardship and triumphs that come from leading a group or team. In Leadership on the Line, Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky break down the important aspects of what being a leader is all about. The book is enriched with experiences, philosophies and examples of how to emerge yourself as a successful leader or how to take yourself to the proverbial next level.
The authors relate leadership qualities, characteristics, and theories to real world business people - from Bill Clinton to Phil Jackson with many others that fall in between. This book can be helpful to those just dabbling in a leadership role or someone who is a fully fledged leader and looking for reinforcement and new ideas of how to handle complex situations, because let's face it, a leader can never be over-prepared.
Leadership on the Line is an enjoyable read and all the while you are picking up invaluable information and advice on how to be a more effective an efficient leader. Heifetz and Linsky explore the dangers and resistance that is often encountered by those who lead; this piece of literature is a must read and I strongly suggest this book to any businessperson or anyone just trying to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
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