From Problem to Possibility: Action and Research for Leading Up to Continuous Improvement

The purpose of this book is to not only persuade leaders that action research is leadership, but that leadership can be more deliberate in promoting human dignity when leaders engage in a reflective process of continuous improvement. An action research frame of mind is the impetus for efforts toward continuous improvement -- dissatisfaction with what is the beginning of improvement! The caveat is that leadership is not a position, leadership is action. Those who want to make their work better, their service better, their clients, customers, stakeholders, children, or students better -- are leaders, with or without a bureaucratic or hierarchical position. Professional leadership, executive leadership, company leadership, and everyday leadership requires action and reflection on those actions to determine the effectiveness of the continuous improvement process. The rationale for this book is to provide leaders at all levels with a framework that progresses through six steps of action and research from considering the challenge faced by the leader within an organization to reflecting on the improvement and next steps to continue the improvement process - thus Leading Up: From Problem to Possibility.

Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction Part I – Leadership is… Chapter 1 - From Problems to Possibilities Chapter 2 – Transformational Leadership Chapter 3 - Group Efficacy: All of Us is Smarter Than One of Us Chapter 4 - Continuous Improvement Chapter 5 - Organizational Transformation Part II – Action Research Is Leadership Chapter 6 - Action Research: Leadership in Action Chapter 7 - LOOK at the Problem Chapter 8 - EXAMINING What’s Known Chapter 9 - ACQUIRING New Knowledge and Methods for Handling the Problems Chapter 10 - DEVISING A PLAN Chapter 11 - EXECUTING-EVALUATING the PLAN: How to Start Smart and End Smart Chapter 12 - REPEATING the Steps as Needed Part III – Practical Application of L.E.A.D.E.R. for Leaders Chapter 13 - Where to Start? Chapter 14 - What Comes Next? About the author

About the Author :
Mary Ann Jacobs, scc is an associate professor in education and leadership at Manhattan College, Bronx, NY. Remigia Kushner, csj is a professor of education and the director of educational leadership in the Graduate Education Program at Manhattan College, Bronx, NY.

Review :
On its surface, this book appears to be yet another of the plethora of texts on "leadership." Though it relies on the time-honored practice of using acronyms (including, of course, LEADER), analogies, and such buzzword measurements as "continuous improvement," it does break new ground that differentiates it from the many, many other texts on the subject. In clear, concise, and engaging language…. Surprisingly engaging and useful, this book breaks some new ground and connects those observations to the vast corpus of traditional literature. The authors offer a fresh look at a well-covered topic. Recommended. Undergraduates through faculty and practitioners. Leading Up: From Problem to Possibility represents an effective blueprint for today’s innovative leaders to address the complex issues that organizations face by using the creative talent of those people closest to the problem – the insider. Collaboration and teamwork have become key organizational principals in the last several decades. In presenting an insider action research approach through the L.E.A.D.E.R. framework as a way to foster organizational improvement, the authors highlight the strength of action research in a practical way that leaders at all levels working in a wide range of disciplines can effectively utilize as a method to solve problems and address issues in their organization. The concept of Leadership in today's world is experiencing unabated challenges. The notion of autocratic models of leadership to the democratic worldview of leadership has been placed before the world as equal options to consider. The assumption is that followers prefer a type of leadership that maximizes the freedom to choose leaders through a free and fair process that appears to be under attack worldwide. Even in democratic countries, the choice of leaders often is reduced to an autocrat or inclusive style of leadership amongst candidates. Research and scholarship in the areas of leadership and management are extremely important given these realities. The authors of Leading Up: From Problem to Possibility, approach leadership from a pluralistically rising perspective of the lead not the traditional notion of the leaders. This book suggests that in a society, organization, or institution even the most modest stakeholder is responsible for leading. The idea of leaders versus followers is eliminated by placing the responsibility to lead on all stakeholders. The authors take a further step by providing a prescription to follow as they introduce their progressive approach to the leadership responsibilities of all stakeholders. Readers familiar with the concepts of action research in leadership, participatory leadership, and strategic leadership will find this book helpful in their practice and new readers will be oriented toward an inclusive leadership approach that is needed in the world today. Leading Up: From Problem to Possibility is transformative, inspiring, and practical! It affirms the leadership qualities within each person and equips the reader with a framework, L.E.A.D.E.R, from which one can maximize possibilities in the face of complex problems. Action research is leadership in action! True leadership creates an environment where problems are addressed, collective intelligence is sought, innovations are encouraged, and change is welcomed! Jacobs and Kushner offer practical examples of how leaders can move organizations toward future possibilities and how to move their participants towards greater commitment to the organization, a win-win solution!