The courage to lead : transform self, transform society / R. Brian Stanfield.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stanfield, Brian, 1931-

Contributor:

Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Leadership--Psychological aspects.

Social change.

Self-realization.

Physical Description:

v, 259 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Gabriola Island, B.C. : New Society Publishers, 2000.

Summary:

Many people want to engage in social change, to be activists for a better world. But the complexity of our world can paralyze even the most committed individuals in their efforts to work for change. Furthermore, it is not always clear what exactly social change is, nor how to go about doing it effectively.

The Courage to Lead starts from the premise that, to transform society, we first need to transform ourselves. It presents twelve leadership stances any one of which, if adopted, will change your life. And its message is simple: if you relate authentically to life, to yourself, to the world, and to society, you can not only start the process of social change from where you are right now but you can be a leader, as well. The Courage To Lead spells out the practical implications of living those four relationships to the full. Grounded in nearly fifty years of the Institute of Cultural Affairs in-depth research and practical experience in over thirty nations, this book offers you the lived experience of leadership in many different situations: personal, family, work, organization, community. A welcome manual that describes the internal landscape and external style needed for people to seriously engage in social change. The Courage to Lead uses a large canvas to paint a picture of leadership that is practical and deep. Illustrated by a multitude of engaging activist stories from around the world, it is readily accessible to a wide range of readers.

Contents:

Section A Relation to Life

1. Everyday Care: Care is Everywhere 16

2. Disciplined Lucidity: Acknowledging Life As It Is 32

3. Continual Affirmation: The Yes to All of Life 51

Section B Relation to the Self

4. Self-conscious Reflection: Experiencing Your Experience 74

5. Meaning in the Mundane: Finding the Windows to Spirit Depth 92

6. Profound Vocation: I Can Make a Difference 115

Section C Relation to the World

7. The Comprehensive Perspective: Resisting the Urge to Reduce 136

8. Historical Involvement: Climbing Onto the Stage of History 156

9. Inclusive Responsibility: Shouldering the Load 172

Section D Relation to Society

10. The Social Pioneer: A Wedgeblade Inserted 190

11. The Transestablishment Style: The Operational Approach to Social Pioneering 205

12. Signal Prescence: Demonstrating Radical Living 219

Conclusion: Summoning the Will and Courage 235.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

0865714258

OCLC:

44068995