Hi Everyone,
I came across an interesting book which I think all of us can benefit from. As you may already know managing and leading in a government agency or elected position is different from traditional leadership roles in companies or non-profits. I thought it would be beneficial to have an understanding of how to lead in a government settings. Transformational Leadership in Government is a book written by Jerry W. Koehler and Joseph M. Pankowski. The book is designed to help individuals involved in government management become more effective, quality leaders. The book is a relatively quick read and draws on principles that are explained in both B&D and D,D,&A. For example the key topics include organizations as systems, principles of quality leadership, leadership skills, leaders as agents of change, team leadership, and assessing effectiveness. Whereas our textbooks go into detail about various topics, this book takes a different approach. It assumes we are in management roles and builds on skills which most managers/leaders should possess. If we had not taken PAF9120 I think only a handfull of our classmates would be able to relate to the material in the book. But given our foundation built over the last several weeks I think we can all benefit from the book. One of my favorite parts is where the authors discuss the principles of transformational leadership.
They argue that 8 principles can help government managers/leaders become more effective in their jobs.
Principle #1: View organizations as systems.
Principle #2: Establish and communicate organization strategy.
Principle #3: Institutionalize a management system.
Principle #4: Develop and train all associates in process management.
Principle #5: Empower individuals and teams.
Principle #6: Measure and control processes.
Principle #7: Recognize and reward continual improvement.
Principle #8: Inspire continual change.
The book is about 13 years old but I still find the content very relevant. I feel as if this book combined with B&D and D,D,&A is a tremendous resource for any non-profit or public sector leadership training program. Where B&D and D,D,&A serve as the foundation of a well structured leadership program this book does a good job of keeping the key points fresh. It is only 157 pages which is the size of some of the chapters in our texts. I know the semester is over and we all have other obligations. However, I would encourage all of you to read this book. Besides, it wouldn't take more than a day or so to finish it.
Gaurav "Mike" Bawa
The book sounds great and it seems to have some really great principles. The eight principles mentioned in the blog seem as if they would be useful in a government agency but I cant help but feel that it is very difficult to stick to principles in government agencies. The external forces and political implications of every action seem to trump the best principles and ideas in any book. I think political ties and promises often shape the way many governmental leaders lead. There is also the media that usually scrutinizes government agencies for any missteps. I think all of our jobs go past principles or steps provided to us in a book but then again it’s a good start.
ReplyDeleteShawnta Washington