Description
Book SynopsisToday's educational leaders are often caught in a world of rising expectations and diminishing resources_the political pressures are enormous. Those in the business of education often feel ill prepared and apprehensive about their ability to deal with a high-stakes political environment. The Politically Intelligent Leader helps leaders at all levels learn more about themselves and their own political styles. It provides strategies for delivering a personal educational vision, diagnosing others' styles, and customizing strategies to influence those who can help or hinder one's organizational goals as well as providing groundwork for leaders to understand how to operate ethically with all groups_elected boards, citizen groups, unions and volunteers_during politically volatile times.
Trade ReviewThere is a fertile zone between mugger's alley and Pollyannaish ideals where the push-and-tug of politics flourishes. Educators need to join the fray. This book nicely portrays the strategic and tactical options drawing on both academic research and the realities of the game. -- Terry Deal, coauthor, Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership, and Leading with Soul
The Politically Intelligent Leader is a must read for any aspiring—or experienced—administrator who must deal with competing priorities and organizational interests. Returning repeatedly to the notion that 'politics is local' and a challenge to be understood and embraced, the authors bring to bear their considerable experience in a series of easy-to-understand theoretical concepts and sensible and practical approaches to everyday professional challenges. I heartily recommend this book. -- Scott P. Plotkin, executive director, California School Boards Association
I really loved [the] book. It is written in the kind of personal, highly readable style that appeals to me, and I'm sure will appeal to many others as well. I particularly loved all the practical tips and the illustrative war stories ... used to make [the] points come to life. I find The Politically Intelligent Leader to be full of what my grandmother used to call 'good common horse sense.' -- Leonard O. Pellicer, author, Caring Enough to Lead: Schools and the Sacred Trust, dean of the College of Education and Organizational Leadership, Uni
A most useful book for aspiring administrators who need to understand issues of political leadership. The authors have written a very clear and user-friendly book. We will use this book with the students in our Educational Leadership program. -- Dr. Noni Mendoza Reis, chair, Department of Educational Leadership, San Jose State University
White, Harvey, and Kemper offer a readable book that encourages leaders to view politics as a way to meet the needs of all. -- . * American School Board Journal, May 2008 *
A book that will keep you focused and grounded as you face the realities of external and internal politics, [this] is essential reading, not only for fresh, young faces uncertain about how to address their first organizational challenge, but also for their battle-weary counterparts who are looking for newer—and more effective—strategies to address ongoing issues. The Politically Intelligent Leader is a book that can save your sanity—and your career! -- Robin Calote, president, Ventura College, CA
Table of ContentsPart 1 Part I: Developing Your Political Intelligence Chapter 2 The Politically Intelligent Leader Defined Chapter 3 External Political Strategies Chapter 4 Internal Strategies Part 5 Part II: Analyzing Political Styles Chapter 6 Understanding Your Own Political Style Chapter 7 Working Effectively with Other Political Styles Part 8 Part III: Staying on an Ethical Course in Politically Charged Situations Chapter 9 The Politically Ethical Leader Chapter 10 Dealing with Special Public Sector Groups Chapter 11 Digging your Way Out of a Political Hole Part 12 Part IV: Pulling it All Together Chapter 13 Practicing What We Preach Chapter 14 Epilogue Chapter 15 Appendix: Inventory of Political Styles
