Strategy, Leadership and the Soul
Strategy, Leadership and the Soul presents a new paradigm for organizations. In building their case, the authors present a unique analysis of the dynamics of organizational evolution since 1850 to the present day, reflecting on how the context of the changing nature of society over time has informed the necessary adjustments in structure and leadership, and in what way these have been vital to the sustainability of those organizations. The current quixotic context for both small and large organizations - the rapidly changing business landscapes, global interconnectedness, technological innovation and the diversity of the needs of customers and employees alike - requires organizations to 'be in a state of permanent transformation if they are to survive', to become transorganizations.
And in order for these transorganizations to survive, a new style of leader is required - a transleader. From their experience as consultants, the authors conclude that transleaders must transform themselves first rather than look to the outside for a solution.
The qualities needed for this leadership style are:-
• the ability to communicate with passion and clarity
• to develop a shared language that can transform the thinking of everyone working in or with the organization
• to inspire self-confidence and knowledge to strengthen teams
• to share power, and give greater control to the workforce to behave like mentors rather than bosses
• to welcome diversity
• to have an exceptional level of self-awareness
• to be able to transcend culture, age, and title as a means to arrive at what is relevant
Aligning the values and beliefs of the transorganisation and the transleader is a key feature of this new paradigm. Transorganizational strategy must be similarly aligned, with an agility and flexibility to allow for an unlimited number of possibilities. Without this, organizations become dysfunctional and will be subject to a very real chance of failure.
The soul of an organization is the intrinsic corporate identity that underlies all that it does, that informs its business practices, its aims and goals, its internal and external relationships and its intangible sense of direction-shared in an aligned way between its employees, its managers, its shareholders and its business partners. It is the extremely present and powerful set of beliefs that make the organization what it is. This is not the same as superficial PR or the 'image' on advertisements, nor is it just brand identity or corporate culture, but the identity that defines and aligns the relationship it has within the various sectors of the organization and in its interface with the global community.
Strategy, Leadership and the Soul provides a new paradigm and a practical guide to the personal and the organizational adaptation needed to meet the challenges of the future.
Author Jennifer Sertl
Jennifer Sertl is a thought leader in the emerging field of corporate consciousness - the convergence of Neuroscience and Existential Philosophy fostering inspiration and subsequently creating strategic advantage and enhancing value.
Jennifer is an internationally respected author, keynote speaker and the president and founder of Agility3R an organizational effectiveness company which primarily focuses upon the optimization of customer value by aligning corporate objectives with the individuals responsible for delivering results. Jennifer had successfully run three separate C-level 'think tanks' betweem 2002-2007. Over the past 12 years Jennifer's expertise and keen insights have dominated paradigm shifts in executive leadership, employee engagement and shareholder responsibility in both privately held and publicly traded corporations in the transportation, telecommunications and health care industries including: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Frontier Communications, Genesee and Wyoming Inc., Optimax Systems Inc., Zotos International, Global Crossings, Landsman Development Company, Tabtronics, and nearly thirty other businesses. In supporting the growth strategies of small companies Jennifer has established an international peer-to-peer learning environment contributing to economic development in several countries.
Jennifer runs a business simulation strategy game called Interplay® that facilitates awareness and personal accountability focused upon quantifying intangible assets and human capital.
Jennifer's book, published by Triarchy Press in the United Kingdom, called Strategy, Leadership and the Soul was released in Q2 2010 and is available on Amazon.com.
Jennifer is a wife and the mother of three children ranging in age from teenager to toddler, active in her community and serves on several boards. She holds dual majors in English and philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Author Koby Huberman
Koby Huberman is the CEO of Strategic Landscapes Ltd. and has more than 27 years' experience in global high-tech technology corporations, where he has held executive roles in general management, business development, strategy development, mergers and acquisitions and strategic marketing. He is known as a visionary business leader, and has helped many corporations through successful transformation to achieve accelerated growth. Today he invests in emerging start-ups with disruptive breakthroughs, and continues to consult CEOs of global companies. His expertise spans several domains.
In parallel to his business career, Koby has been engaged in more than 25 voluntary projects with various NGOs and NFP organizations. As a strong believer in the leadership role of independent citizens in a modern civil society, his current activities focus on transformational initiatives for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.
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Reviews
I love this book! It bursts with fresh ideas and redefines what a true leader is today - and more importantly tomorrow. This book is pure gold for any business wanting enduring success.
~ Daniel C. Barnett, CEO, The Primavera Company Speaker, Vistage International, Inc.
As you read this book you realize that this is a new paradigm for business leadership ... The three anchors in the book – Strategy, Leadership and the Soul – provide the coordinates to understand the new organizational dimensions. Beyond intellectually enjoying the original analyses in the book, I gained a new "GPS", which helps me "recalculate a new route" in any dynamically changing situation. ~ Ofer Levy, Chairman of the Lotem Group
The world needs leaders that understand and thrive on diversity and constant change. Most of us fall into the trap of looking for solutions for our companies; few of us look for ways of transforming ourselves first, so we can continually transform our businesses ... This is a book for everybody who believes that business sustainability, in the uncertain times we live in, is possible.
~ Carl R Luttig, Managing Director of the ZEAL Group Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Australia
Strategy, Leadership and the Soul presents an insightful view of the future that will be embraced by transleaders and create bewilderment for those that cannot make the transition to a world where customer knowledge and desires set the pace for value creation.
~ Rick Plympton, CEO, Optimax Systems Inc.
Humbleness and leadership – two words seemingly from different sides of personality. Can they be at peace with one another, or better still, can they create a harmonious combination? ... This book shows you how to do this. Let it also drive you to self reflect on who YOU are and who YOU want to be as you prepare for your next challenge.
~ Gabi Seligsohn, CEO of Nova Measurement Instruments Ltd.
In today's world the 'business book of the week' usually espouses a new quick solution to problems or better ways to restructure your business in 90 minutes or less. This is a refreshing new book ... it makes us think differently. It makes us answer tough questions. Read it twice!
~ Peter Parts, Peter Parts Electronics
It is often difficult to understand the complexities and subtleties of the changing business environment while struggling to cope with our own internal operations and preconceived mental models. This book clarifies the factors causing dramatic transformation in the economy and society, and provides a guide for both the personal and the organizational adaptation needed to meet the challenges of the future.
~ Dale Ewing, CEO/President, InstallNet