weLEAD Online Magazine
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2003 ã weLEAD, Inc.
Book Review
Leadership Presence
Dramatic Techniques to Reach Out, Motivate, and Inspire
Authors–Belle
Linda Halpern and Kathy Lubar
ISBN 1-592-40017-5
At weLEAD we naturally receive
hundreds of books on the subject of leadership
from virtually every perspective and approach. We will give Leadership
Presence credit for a truly novel and effective approach. Unlike most
leadership authors Belle Linda Halpren and Kathy Lubar do not come from a
strictly business school, military or academic background. It may be the very
reason why this book is so enjoyable to read! The authors are highly skilled
actresses and taught acting skills in Repertory Theater. Many of the students
they had were various professionals including teachers, doctors, businesspeople
and others. Because these individuals were able to use the theatre skills they
acquired effectively in the workplace, the authors founded the Ariel Group in
1992. Since that time the Ariel Group has presented workshops to over 30,000
executives. This book is a result of that effort and the results achieved.
The main theme of Leadership Presence
is simple yet profound. The authors define Leadership Presence as the “ability to connect authentically
with the thoughts and feelings of others in order to motivate and inspire them
to achieve a desired outcome”. Throughout the book you will find a special
emphasis on the word “authentic”. This is not a book about motivating or
manipulating others by using acting skills or pretence. It is a book that
focuses on learning to authentically connect with the minds and hearts of
others to effectively lead. Far too many business leaders conduct themselves in
ways they think their executive roles require, rather than being themselves
based on their heartfelt values. The result is that they come across as
inauthentic and this breeds a lack of trust. The authors spend an admirable
amount on the importance of values and introduce the reader to what they call
the PRES Model of Leadership Presence.
Leadership Presence was written to teach
techniques that will help the leader to motivate, inspire and reach out to
others. It will help the reader to enhance relationships, build collaboration
and flexibly deal with challenging situations. The book is composed of nine
chapters divided into four sections suitably called “Acts”. Act I discusses how
one can learn to be completely in the moment. Act II analyzes the skills
available to build relationships. Act III examines the appropriate way to
express emotions and feelings. Act IV focuses on being yourself and reflecting
your values in your behavior. Most chapters end with a section on exercises or
practice guidelines to cement the information taught in the preceding chapter.
Numerous personal stories and examples provided by the authors keep the
material interesting and practical.
If you are new to the study of leadership you
will enjoy this book. If you have read dozens of books on the study of
leadership, you will love this book because it views this complex subject from
a truly innovative and helpful angle. Sometimes we can get so immersed in a
subject we can’t “see the forest for the trees”. Leadership Presence is
one of those unique books that will help you to step back and see the forest
because it gets to the very heart of leadership…authentic behavior and values.
To read an exclusive weLEAD interview with Belle Linda Halpern & Kathy
Lubar please click
here!
weLEAD rating - highly recommended
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This Book at a Discounted Price Here!
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