Leading with Conviction: Mastering the Nine Critical Pillars of Integrated Leadership

"A tested and inspired approach that will guide you through the work leadership requires." Warren Bennis

Praise for Leading with Conviction

"Shalom Saar describes effective leadership in terms of grace and lightness words that equally describe this book. Unlike authors that prescribe a list of tricks and tactics, Saar thoughtfully leads the reader on a journey of self–discovery. With priceless metaphors and enduring pillars as milestones, readers will cherish Leading with Conviction as a companion and guide to the well–lived life that is leadership."

Rebecca S. Chopp, president, Swarthmore College

"Leading with Conviction is rich with suggestive ideas."

Ronald Heifetz, author of Leadership Without Easy Answers, and cofounder, Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government

"Shalom Saar′s insightful book will help both new and experienced leaders who want to become better. Using self–awareness as a tool, he leads the reader expertly along the never–ending journey of learning to make organizations great."

Edmund F. "Ted′′ Kelly, CEO (ret.) and chairman, Liberty Mutual Insurance

"I thought I had read everything I needed to read about leadership. But ′conviction′ is the quintessential attribute of a transformative leader that so far has not been addressed. This timely book goes a long way toward illuminating how leaders can cultivate and apply the conviction that is essential to achieving their transformative vision."

Robert H. Miles, president, Corporate Transformation Resources

"Leading with Conviction is filled with engaging stories and practical advice. It offers a leadership framework that is both useful and innovative."

Amir Ziv, vice dean and professor of accounting, Columbia Business School

"Leading with Conviction combines western frameworks of management with the wisdom of the ancient Chinese writings of Sun Tzu and others. It is a must–read book for executives in China searching for a relevant and meaningful blend of West and East."

Xiang Bing, dean of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, Beijing, China

A Note from Warren Bennis xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xvii

1 The Pillar of Self 1

2 The Pillar of Balance 23

3 The Pillar of Agility 43

4 The Pillar of Change 67

5 The Pillar of Conf lict 89

6 The Pillar of Creativity 113

7 The Pillar of Coaching 135

8 The Pillar of Collaboration 161

9 The Pillar of Results 187

10 The Journey Continues 211

Notes 223

About the Authors 233

Index 235

Shalom Saada Saar is cofounder of the Center for Leadership Development. He is a professor of management practice at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing and teaches leadership at MIT. His work focuses on enhancing leadership effectiveness through self–awareness and organizational change. Shalom has consulted with numerous organizations and coached senior executives throughout the world. He has taught at Harvard University, SMU, and China Europe International Business School in Shanghai, and he has delivered speeches on the power of leadership in mobilizing people and organizations. Shalom received his bachelor′s degree in economics and psychology from Swarthmore College and master′s and doctoral degrees in organizational behavior from Harvard University.

Michael J. Hargrove is cofounder of the Center for Leadership Development. He has led large–scale change efforts for global companies. His work has focused on improving performance by leveraging strategic thinking and collaborative leadership. He received his master′s and doctoral degrees in planning and organizational behavior from Harvard University.