Executive Presence

 In her new book, Executive Presence for the Modern Leader, D. A. Benton provides a straightforward, concise, introductory guide to developing executive presence. Chapters address what is executive presence, leadership styles, emotional intelligence, communication, comportment, appearances, and authenticity. There are self-assessments and exercises throughout the book to help develop the skills and habits necessary for developing executive presence. This is a helpful guide for cultivating career success and leadership effectiveness.

Welcome to Management

Ryan Hawk, author of Welcome to Management, has written an informative book in clear language describing what it takes to manage and lead effectively. He draws upon the expertise of numerous researchers and practitioners. Though there is nothing groundbreaking about the information Hawk provides, even experienced leaders should find some useful lessons. The primary audience for this book is those new to management. Those newly promoted to a management position would do well to read this book.

Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader

Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader by Christopher D. Connors is an introductory book on emotional intelligence for leaders. The basics of emotional intelligence are explained and how EQ applies to leading. There are assessment questions and exercises throughout the book. It is helpful that all the assessments are included again at the end of the book in one place. This volume could be a place to start for those unfamiliar with emotional intelligence. Those already familiar with EQ will likely not find much substantive help in this volume.



This review is based on a print copy of the book received from the publisher.

Nuance

At the end of his book Nuance, Michael Fullan shares his concern that readers will miss the nuance in the leadership approach he outlines and misinterpret it as a simple three-step process. Nuanced thinking is required to understand nuance. Nonetheless, this is a valuable book for those having to grapple with the complexities of today’s world. This is a guide for leaders who are unwilling to settle for surface-level change. Fullan describes what is required to lead within complex environments. He illustrates his process with case studies of leaders who lead with nuance. Though Fullan focuses primarily on the education arena, nuanced leadership is applicable to any sector of society.

Leading From Your Best Self

Rob Salafia uses his experience as a performing artist to coach executives on developing poise and presence. He shares his methods in his book Leading from Your Best Self, which includes exercises and reflection questions on such topics as expanding into conflict, developing physical and vocal presence, the art of transitioning, self-discovery and authenticity, relating and connecting, storytelling, influencing, leading change, making great presentations, creating a learning organization, and more. His writing is clear and real-life examples are included to illustrate his points. This is a practical guide for anyone interested in developing the confidence and skill to perform at their best.

Studying Leadership

In their newly-released third edition of A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book About Studying Leadership, Brad Jackson and Ken Parry provide a clear, concise, and comprehensive overview of leadership research. Writing in a nonacademic style, they explain the many leadership models and perspectives scholars are exploring. The authors highlight the strengths and limitations of the various models. An appendix to the book identifies a wealth of useful resources. Though written for those contemplating entering the leadership research field, this book holds value for practitioners and anyone else interested in leadership.

Coaching Conversations

Though specifically targeted to school leaders, other leaders may also benefit from reading Coaching Conversations by Linda M. Gross Cheliotes and Marcia F. Reilly. The book provides basic instruction on how school leaders may facilitate the development and learning of teachers and students through formal and informal coaching conversations. Some of the skills the authors address include listening, asking powerful questions, and providing helpful feedback. Examples to illustrate the application of the skills are provided throughout the book. Appendices list sample questions that can be used in coaching conversations. The writing of the authors is precise, perhaps too much so. Cheliotes and Reilly provide basic explanations but a more detailed treatment might prove more instructive. While the book’s intended audience is school leaders, others inside and outside school settings may find this book useful. Anyone with responsibility for facilitating learning and skill development in others could benefit from the recommendations the authors put forth.