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Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact
What enables some talented people to rise to the top and live their full ambitions at work and in life, while others stop short?
In 2008, Joanna Barsh launched and sponsored the Centered Leadership Project at McKinsey and Company to answer that very question. In the process, they uncovered what distinguishes leaders who are successful from those who achieve true greatness. They called it Centered Leadership.
In the business bestseller, How Remarkable Women Lead, Barsh described Centered Leadership’s five capabilities and the research that underpins it. Here, with colleague Johanne Lavoie, she provides a practical, actionable field guide for implementation.
Since 2008, Barsh, Lavoie and others at McKinsey have travelled the globe giving seminars, workshops, and keynotes helping men and women to build these capabilities . In Centered Leadership, Barsh and Lavoie will guide you through the Centered Leadership program. You’ll find the interactive tools, exercises, and practices that have helped the men and women in Centered Leadership programs gain the skills, courage and confidence to unleash their potential and that of those around them. And, along the way, you’ll read inspiring stories of men and women leaders who demonstrate the power of these skills in action..
Those early in their careers will learn how to use these skills to explore their passions and accelerate their professional development. Those forming families will be able to use them to reconcile work-life issues. And those who have already achieved success will be able use these practices to reach their next leadership horizon.
No matter what stage you are currently at in your career, or what level of leadership you aspire to, this book will equip you with the tools to unlock your own Centered Leader and achieve more positive impact at work and outside it.
In 2008, Joanna Barsh launched and sponsored the Centered Leadership Project at McKinsey and Company to answer that very question. In the process, they uncovered what distinguishes leaders who are successful from those who achieve true greatness. They called it Centered Leadership.
In the business bestseller, How Remarkable Women Lead, Barsh described Centered Leadership’s five capabilities and the research that underpins it. Here, with colleague Johanne Lavoie, she provides a practical, actionable field guide for implementation.
Since 2008, Barsh, Lavoie and others at McKinsey have travelled the globe giving seminars, workshops, and keynotes helping men and women to build these capabilities . In Centered Leadership, Barsh and Lavoie will guide you through the Centered Leadership program. You’ll find the interactive tools, exercises, and practices that have helped the men and women in Centered Leadership programs gain the skills, courage and confidence to unleash their potential and that of those around them. And, along the way, you’ll read inspiring stories of men and women leaders who demonstrate the power of these skills in action..
Those early in their careers will learn how to use these skills to explore their passions and accelerate their professional development. Those forming families will be able to use them to reconcile work-life issues. And those who have already achieved success will be able use these practices to reach their next leadership horizon.
No matter what stage you are currently at in your career, or what level of leadership you aspire to, this book will equip you with the tools to unlock your own Centered Leader and achieve more positive impact at work and outside it.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
70 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 23, 2015
I am very glad I stumbled across this at the library.
I listened to the Audio version this time, but I think I need to break down and buy the book.
I think the combination would be like attendiing a personal session.
I enjoyed the program because it is designed with versatility -- you can use it as a personal exercise or in a group setting. It can be scaled and it can be done over time. For me, the exercise that resonated was the one in which you map your network, determine trust and reciprocity, then determine if you are receiving positive or negative energy from your network.
I especially enjoyed Joanna's personal anecdotes, her struggles and successes; as well as the stories and insights of leaders across industries.
Great program that can be applied anywhere -- not only for business situations.
** 8 CD's ... about 9.25 hours
read by Glynnis O'Connor
I listened to the Audio version this time, but I think I need to break down and buy the book.
I think the combination would be like attendiing a personal session.
I enjoyed the program because it is designed with versatility -- you can use it as a personal exercise or in a group setting. It can be scaled and it can be done over time. For me, the exercise that resonated was the one in which you map your network, determine trust and reciprocity, then determine if you are receiving positive or negative energy from your network.
I especially enjoyed Joanna's personal anecdotes, her struggles and successes; as well as the stories and insights of leaders across industries.
Great program that can be applied anywhere -- not only for business situations.
** 8 CD's ... about 9.25 hours
read by Glynnis O'Connor
September 23, 2023
I hate to say that I didn’t care of this book but I found it very difficult to fully get into and finish - too many stories, too many tactics that felt non-specific to leadership but more self-help, and largely a pitch for the leadership program. I didn’t love the book but wish I did.
March 16, 2014
I'm a huge fan of Centered Leadership: A Field Guide for Leading with Positive Impact and Resilience. Barsh and Lavoie go beyond explaining how to improve your leadership performance by including methodologies for all leadership levels to reach their highest potential. The main tenets of Centered Leadership are meaning, framing, connecting, engaging and energizing. The greatest asset of this book is that it incorporates years of quantitative research, and the workbook like format allows anyone from a novice leader to a corporate CEO to begin their journey of acquiring the same skills as today's most esteemed leaders.
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April 6, 2025Book Review: Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact
Authors: Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie
Publisher: Crown Business
Publication Date: March 2014
ISBN: 978-0804138871
Introduction
Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact by Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie offers a comprehensive framework for leaders to cultivate a purposeful and impactful approach to leadership. Drawing on extensive research and practical experiences, the authors present a model of centered leadership that emphasizes self-awareness, relational dynamics, and the ability to inspire others. This book is particularly relevant in an era where effective leadership is indispensable for navigating complex organizational landscapes.
Content Overview
Barsh and Lavoie identify five key dimensions of centered leadership that serve as guiding principles for effective leadership practice:
Purpose: The authors assert that a clear sense of purpose is fundamental to centered leadership. Leaders must articulate a vision that resonates with both their values and the aspirations of their teams. This alignment fosters motivation and commitment among team members.
Clarity: Clarity is essential for effective communication and decision-making. Barsh and Lavoie emphasize that leaders should strive to convey their messages transparently and consistently, ensuring that team members understand expectations and objectives.
Impact: The authors discuss the importance of making a positive impact not only within the organization but also in the broader community. They argue that effective leaders should leverage their influence to drive change and inspire others to act with integrity and purpose.
Relationships: Building and nurturing strong relationships is a core aspect of centered leadership. Barsh and Lavoie highlight the significance of trust, collaboration, and empathy in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Resilience: The ability to adapt and recover from challenges is a critical trait of successful leaders. The authors emphasize that resilience enables leaders to navigate adversity while maintaining focus on their purpose and goals.
Thematic Analysis
One prominent theme in Centered Leadership is the integration of personal and professional development. Barsh and Lavoie emphasize that self-awareness and emotional intelligence are vital for leaders to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of their actions on others. This theme aligns with contemporary leadership theories that advocate for authentic and transformational leadership styles.
Another critical theme is the role of collaboration and inclusivity. The authors posit that centered leadership is inherently relational, involving active engagement with team members and stakeholders. They argue that creating a culture of collaboration not only enhances team performance but also drives innovation and creativity.
Strengths
One of the major strengths of this book is its practicality. Barsh and Lavoie provide actionable tools and strategies that leaders can implement in their daily practices. The use of real-world examples and case studies enriches the narrative, illustrating how centered leadership can be applied in various organizational contexts.
Additionally, the book is well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a cohesive understanding of centered leadership. The writing style is engaging and accessible, making the content suitable for a diverse audience, including aspiring leaders, seasoned executives, and organizational development practitioners.
Critique
While Centered Leadership presents a robust framework for effective leadership, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the challenges associated with implementing these principles, particularly in traditional or rigid organizational structures. A discussion on overcoming resistance to change and fostering a culture of centered leadership would add depth to the authors’ arguments.
Furthermore, although the authors emphasize relationships as a cornerstone of centered leadership, there could be more emphasis on the practical strategies for resolving conflicts and building trust within teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie’s Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact is a significant contribution to the field of leadership studies. By providing a comprehensive framework that emphasizes purpose, clarity, impact, relationships, and resilience, the authors equip leaders with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of modern organizational environments. This book is highly recommended for leaders, educators, and practitioners looking to enhance their leadership effectiveness and foster a collaborative, purpose-driven culture. Through its insightful analysis and practical guidance, Centered Leadership serves as a valuable resource for those committed to leading with impact.
Authors: Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie
Publisher: Crown Business
Publication Date: March 2014
ISBN: 978-0804138871
Introduction
Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact by Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie offers a comprehensive framework for leaders to cultivate a purposeful and impactful approach to leadership. Drawing on extensive research and practical experiences, the authors present a model of centered leadership that emphasizes self-awareness, relational dynamics, and the ability to inspire others. This book is particularly relevant in an era where effective leadership is indispensable for navigating complex organizational landscapes.
Content Overview
Barsh and Lavoie identify five key dimensions of centered leadership that serve as guiding principles for effective leadership practice:
Purpose: The authors assert that a clear sense of purpose is fundamental to centered leadership. Leaders must articulate a vision that resonates with both their values and the aspirations of their teams. This alignment fosters motivation and commitment among team members.
Clarity: Clarity is essential for effective communication and decision-making. Barsh and Lavoie emphasize that leaders should strive to convey their messages transparently and consistently, ensuring that team members understand expectations and objectives.
Impact: The authors discuss the importance of making a positive impact not only within the organization but also in the broader community. They argue that effective leaders should leverage their influence to drive change and inspire others to act with integrity and purpose.
Relationships: Building and nurturing strong relationships is a core aspect of centered leadership. Barsh and Lavoie highlight the significance of trust, collaboration, and empathy in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Resilience: The ability to adapt and recover from challenges is a critical trait of successful leaders. The authors emphasize that resilience enables leaders to navigate adversity while maintaining focus on their purpose and goals.
Thematic Analysis
One prominent theme in Centered Leadership is the integration of personal and professional development. Barsh and Lavoie emphasize that self-awareness and emotional intelligence are vital for leaders to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of their actions on others. This theme aligns with contemporary leadership theories that advocate for authentic and transformational leadership styles.
Another critical theme is the role of collaboration and inclusivity. The authors posit that centered leadership is inherently relational, involving active engagement with team members and stakeholders. They argue that creating a culture of collaboration not only enhances team performance but also drives innovation and creativity.
Strengths
One of the major strengths of this book is its practicality. Barsh and Lavoie provide actionable tools and strategies that leaders can implement in their daily practices. The use of real-world examples and case studies enriches the narrative, illustrating how centered leadership can be applied in various organizational contexts.
Additionally, the book is well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a cohesive understanding of centered leadership. The writing style is engaging and accessible, making the content suitable for a diverse audience, including aspiring leaders, seasoned executives, and organizational development practitioners.
Critique
While Centered Leadership presents a robust framework for effective leadership, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the challenges associated with implementing these principles, particularly in traditional or rigid organizational structures. A discussion on overcoming resistance to change and fostering a culture of centered leadership would add depth to the authors’ arguments.
Furthermore, although the authors emphasize relationships as a cornerstone of centered leadership, there could be more emphasis on the practical strategies for resolving conflicts and building trust within teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie’s Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact is a significant contribution to the field of leadership studies. By providing a comprehensive framework that emphasizes purpose, clarity, impact, relationships, and resilience, the authors equip leaders with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of modern organizational environments. This book is highly recommended for leaders, educators, and practitioners looking to enhance their leadership effectiveness and foster a collaborative, purpose-driven culture. Through its insightful analysis and practical guidance, Centered Leadership serves as a valuable resource for those committed to leading with impact.
September 27, 2023
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, but it wasn’t what I was hoping. I loved her first book - how remarkable women lead - and hoped this would be an expansion of that. I understand her desire to want it to be broad-based and so include men in the interviews as well, but I was disappointed that her “takeaway” chapter focused completely on men.
There are some things I’ll use from this book, but it wasn’t my favorite.
There are some things I’ll use from this book, but it wasn’t my favorite.
March 30, 2014
Centred Leadership
by Joanna Barsh, Johanne Lavoie
Leadership guidebook or guide to transform your life. I was undecided early on, and honestly I am still not sure.
The authors presents her approach to self-improvement, based on a foundation of discovering meaning; examining how they Frame the world; being Connected to get there; how to Engage on their goals; and how to stay Energized.
The book suggest using it as a workbook with a group, and certainly for change to occur it will be easier to be motivated working within a group. It will take a very self-motivated individual to follow her directions to accomplish all that the book has.
The authors illustrate their principles with personal and inspirational stories, from a variety of leaders, as well as providing practical tips that allow the reader to put learning into action.
It contains questions to assist your learning. The content is based on quantitative research, which I have not validated.
The stated aim is for any leader, from novice to corporate CEO to acquiring the same skills as today's most esteemed leaders, and therefore reaching their highest potential.
There are some ideas in the model for people on the journey of self-discovery, as well as developing leaders. It is not a quick fix, but rather the beginning of a journey into leadership.
by Joanna Barsh, Johanne Lavoie
Leadership guidebook or guide to transform your life. I was undecided early on, and honestly I am still not sure.
The authors presents her approach to self-improvement, based on a foundation of discovering meaning; examining how they Frame the world; being Connected to get there; how to Engage on their goals; and how to stay Energized.
The book suggest using it as a workbook with a group, and certainly for change to occur it will be easier to be motivated working within a group. It will take a very self-motivated individual to follow her directions to accomplish all that the book has.
The authors illustrate their principles with personal and inspirational stories, from a variety of leaders, as well as providing practical tips that allow the reader to put learning into action.
It contains questions to assist your learning. The content is based on quantitative research, which I have not validated.
The stated aim is for any leader, from novice to corporate CEO to acquiring the same skills as today's most esteemed leaders, and therefore reaching their highest potential.
There are some ideas in the model for people on the journey of self-discovery, as well as developing leaders. It is not a quick fix, but rather the beginning of a journey into leadership.
November 12, 2016
I read this book with my awesome Smithie book club, and it definitely sparked some inspiring conversation and gave me some nuggets I can incorporate/have been incorporating into my life on a daily basis. I really liked the personal accounts, especially Barsh's, who manages to be authoritative and incredibly vulnerable at the same time.
My only complaints are that 1) the exercises can at times be overly specific such that they are not relatable beyond the context of a corporate environment, and 2) it was difficult to keep track of how the different elements of "Centered Leadership" related to one another and worked in tandem. I kept forgetting where we had been and found myself wishing there had been a chart to refer to or fill in after reading each chapter which synthesized how the different components related to a singular philosophy.
My only complaints are that 1) the exercises can at times be overly specific such that they are not relatable beyond the context of a corporate environment, and 2) it was difficult to keep track of how the different elements of "Centered Leadership" related to one another and worked in tandem. I kept forgetting where we had been and found myself wishing there had been a chart to refer to or fill in after reading each chapter which synthesized how the different components related to a singular philosophy.
June 1, 2016
Not my fave. I've probably read too many books on leadership at this point for school so my bar has gotten pretty high, but I found her "conversational" writing style fairly annoying and was very bugged by the fact that a few last chapters were poached from a different book (she did give credit). I'd read that book and got a ton out of it; wasn't keen on her rehash of it. On the other hand, I could see where Centered Leadership would be really useful for some. Just didn't really do it for me.
February 21, 2015
I am reviewing this book for the November/December issue of Global Business and Organizational Excellence. It was a very interesting read - very hot topic right now, as I've read about it in a couple of other places since I started the book.
February 4, 2020
Good advice for those who want to be impactful leaders.
I want to be a shitty leader, so I guess I'll have to read a different book. Maybe "The Art of the Deal".
I want to be a shitty leader, so I guess I'll have to read a different book. Maybe "The Art of the Deal".
February 13, 2015
Couldn't finish it. It seemed...campy...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews