The Inner-Work of Leadership

In The Inner-Work of Leadership, Barry Brownstein has pioneered a new pathway to effective leadership. Brownstein explains that it is the transformational process taking place inside of us that makes great leaders and great organizations possible. Many books offer us techniques to engage employees, but Brownstein, who holds the CSX Chair in Leadership at the Merrick School of Business of the University of Baltimore, makes clear why techniques wear out quickly, and many managers go on firefighting.

The Inner-Work of Leadership takes us on a journey to discover a fresh, unfailing source of leadership energy. To tap into it, Brownstein shows us how to do our inner-work. We need add nothing; rather, we uncover and then give up mistaken beliefs we have about ourselves and those we lead. When we drop our mistaken beliefs, we discover tremendous reserves of human ingenuity. Following his practical guidance, inner-work leads to elevated purposes, higher values, and simple principles that unleash organizational intelligence.

Integrating the perennial spiritual wisdom, lessons learned by quantum physicists, and modern management principles, Brownstein offers us a lens through which we can see fresh possibilities for intelligent, wholehearted engagement beyond what we have dreamed was possible in organizations. A pathway to emergent, innovative change is revealed. Brownstein amply demonstrates the power of inner-work, sharing the experiences of individuals and the performance of organizations in business, the arts, education, healthcare, and sports. This masterful book is brimming with guidance and inspiration.