The Human Side of Leadership: Navigating Emotions at Work

(Hardback)

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Despite the ubiquitous nature of emotions as part of the human psyche, the emotional side of leadership is largely ignored in formal and informal training of managers, often resulting in miscommunication and contributing to stress in the workplace. Though concepts such as emotional intelligence have entered the mainstream, they are often marginalized in managerial practice. This book argues that without acknowledging the powerful influence of emotionsyour own as well as others'managers are doomed to fail in their interactions with employees, peers, and bosses, and ultimately in their ability to manage and lead effectively. Ginsberg and Davies draw from primary research, including interviews with managers in a variety of settings, to introduce readers to the emotional side of leadership and demonstrate its positive effects on individual and organizational performance. They present practical tools for honing emotional navigation skills and applying them toward decision making, problem solving, communication, feedback, and performance improvement. Any management decision that involves people (in other words, any management decision) has an emotional component. Given the ubiquitous nature of emotions as part of the human psyche, one would expect leaders and managers to be well-trained and equipped to deal with emotions in the workplace. On the contrary, the emotional side of being a leader is largely ignored in formal and informal training programs, often resulting in miscommunication between managers and their employees, and contributing to workplace stress. Though concepts such as emotional intelligence have entered the mainstream, systematic development of skills in managing emotions in the workplace have yet to emerge, and are often relegated to the touchy-feely end of the spectrum. This book argues that without acknowledging the powerful influence of emotionstheir own as well as others'managers are doomed to fail in their interactions with employees, peers, and bosses, and ultimately in their ability to manage and lead effectively. Ginsberg and Davies draw from primary research, including interviews with managers in a variety of settings, to introduce readers to the emotional side of leadership and demonstrate its positive effects on individual and organizational performance. They present practical tools for honing emotional navigation skills and applying them toward decision making, problem solving, communication, feedback, and performance improvement.

Reviews

These two authors have collected research concering a seldom discussed and little understood topic in educational literature: emotional intelligence. They have done it with great insight learned from acknowledged leaders engaged presently in administration.A real bonus for every reader will be found in the numerous resources the authors provide for further attention and study in their four-page appendix. Reading this book should improve the changes for real calmness and joy in the life of every administrator who takes the time to be enlightened. * Catholic Library World *
Ginsberg and Davies describe the importance of emotions in interactions that managers have with employees, peers, and bosses, and how they affect their leadership abilities. A topic usually ignored in training programs, emotional leadership is addressed as the authors discuss their experiences interviewing leaders in different contexts and ways to deal with interactions. They describe research findings about leadership, emotions, intelligence, and emotional intelligence from a variety of fields and discuss topics such as job stress, burnout, and cultural perspectives of success. Then, they present their findings from leaders in business and educational organizations about how their decisions affected them emotionally, and how to deal with special circumstances, such as difficult employees and decisions. Coping mechanisms and strategies to prepare for reactions are also detailed. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

Rick Ginsberg is Dean of the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Previously, he served as Professor and Director of the School of Education at Colorado State University. He has spent nearly 30 years in education, in teaching, research, administration, and policy. He is the author of over 80 journal articles and book chapters on issues related to individual and organizational success. He is also co-editor of two books and co-author of Exceeding Expectations. Timothy Gray Davies is Professor and Director of the School of Education at Colorado State University, where he previously served as Director of Graduate Programs and Program Chair of the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program. Prior to joining Colorado State, he spent over 30 years in community college development, administration, and leadership. He has published over 40 articles and book chapters on leadership and emotional intelligence.