Routledge The Existential Leader: An Authentic Leader For Our Uncertain Times

The Existential Leader: An Authentic Leader For Our Uncertain Times invites us to reconsider our preconceptions about leadership, introducing a new model more in line with our uncertain times: existential leadership. Monica Hanaway presents an illuminating overview of existential thinking and describes how an understanding of philosophy can improve leadership, drawing on existing leadership theories to show how this new model is more fitting for the challenges of today. The approach is primarily philosophical, rather than systemic or behavioural. It invites us to re-examine what we think about leaders, whether we really need leaders at all, and, if so, which existential concerns leaders must address. The book offers an introduction to the development of existential thinking and main concerns, including meaningfulness, anxiety, loneliness, freedom, choice and responsibility, authenticity, and values and beliefs. These are explored in the leadership context, with practical approaches for using these in everyday leadership dilemmas. Unique and accessible, The Existential Leader paves a way for modern leadership perfectly suited to the challenging times we live in. Innovative, theoretical and applicable to our changing world landscape, this book will appeal to coaches, HR and L&D professionals, executives, business consultants, and current and future leaders. It will also be of interest to academics and students of coaching psychology, applied philosophy and psychology. Review "In my work with leaders I am acutely aware of the challenges of today’s world with all the uncertainties we face. I welcome a book which understands these existential leadership challenges and integrates wider philosophical ideas with the practicalities of the role of leader. The author explores the nature of leadership and the styles this takes, and introduces a new existential approach, which although embodying the ideas of existential philosophy, psychotherapy and coaching provides a practical grounding for leaders in the 21st century.’ This book is a resource for leaders and those working with leaders as trainers, coaches or consultants.' - Colleen Harris MVO, FRSA, MICG; personal brand coach; communications adviser; diversity adviser; Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, UK "For anyone willing to embark on a healthy jog through the history of existentialist thought and phenomenology, Monica Hanaway translates this theory into a framework for action that has relevance for the choices to be made, not only by leaders, but by everyone involved in the life of an organisation. For those of us who find "the business of life" itself frequently challenging, what a comfort it is to find an author who can make this topic sing, in a genre too often associated with gloomy introspection. The Existential Leader is a practical, no nonsense & learned reflection on ‘being’ in the world - a book for anyone trying to better appreciate & better manage this human condition we find ourselves in." - Tim Macready, Executive Chairman & Founder of SKILL CAPITAL LLP "Leadership has always been important, but the emphasis is changing. The hierarchical boss culture is no longer fit for purpose. The increasing pace of change and complexity means that leaders must adapt and modify their leadership style to inspire that "can’t wait to get to work" ethos. Most effective leaders have one element in common – people want to work with them. Monica Hanaway’s The Existential Leader sets out clearly the rationale for collaborative leadership and provides a well-illustrated approach for developing authentic leaders. This book is one that every leader should keep in their bookcase." - Felix Spender, former army officer, international negotiator and SME business leader "As a leader and leadership trainer I am passionate about equipping leaders for the challenges of the world we live in. At this time of great uncertainty, we need a leadership approach which