Paradoxes of Leadership

By Charles R. Edmunson

Nestled in 14 paradoxes, Charles Edmunson conveys leadership principles that value the individual and challenge traditional management practices. Reflecting on his 20 years of business experience,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0926902539
• ISBN13: 9780926902534
• Release Date: December 2009
• Publisher: National Center for Employee Ownership
• Length: 92 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.2" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Very Readable, Full of Wisdom, Brief Enough for the Busiest

Most good books on Management and Leadership require us to wade through 300 pages or more to reap the nuggets. Paradoxes of Leadership can be read and valuable lessons learned at the rate of 2 pages per day, one paradox at a time, or in one sitting of 1-2 hours. Each paradox is a condensed gem, based on the author's many years of experience, and highly relevant to leadership in any field. This is the ideal book for busy managers and executives, and for their consultants and advisors. Suggestion: Read it yourself, and then use it, Paradox by Paradox, as the kickoff for a weekly dialogue about leadership in your organization.

A True Leader

Charles Edmundson takes a very human approach in his "Paradoxes of Leadership". He views each person, no matter what his or her position in the company, as essential to the business. The author gives us a refreshing prospective as we consider the fourteen paradoxes of leadership and how they relate to our business situation. He stresses the individual's self-worth which is enhanced by our ability to listen, give respect to others and thereby value one another. This short, concise book offers the reader "paradoxes" which are worthwhile for one's business and personal lifestyle.

A TRULY useful book

This is an easily-read book, but its real use, I believe, is beside you at work, to be opened in times of perplexity, or when things aren't going quite the way you'd like.Open it then and review one or two of the paradoxes of leadership (which are often described and illustrated on just two pages). Reflect for a few minutes about how what you are reading may relate to the situation that's bothering you, and I'll bet you'll find a new perspective on, and approach to, your dilemma.I have known Charles personally, and the wonderful thing is that he actually worked in the reflective way the book reads. The book also communicates the inspiring struggle he has gone through to stay in touch with us even as he has progressively lost his physical capacities. His integrity shines through the book's words.

Paradoxes from a Straightforward Guy

For all the blather about leadership, the thousands of books, videos and tapes available, there is something missing -- an acknowledgement that the ways to great leadership aren't clear. Charles Edmunson has recognized that leadership is not a clear-cut, cookie-cutter makeover, but a personal examination, and an understanding that leadership in today's world is an amalgam of paradoxes. This short, but rich book asks readers to discover themselves in a world of paradoxes-- where we have more influence when we listen, when we are stronger when we are vulnerable, when grace is stronger than confrontation. Anyone struggling with the leadership of an organization will benefit from this short read, but beware: if you want a one-minute formula, you won't get it here. What you'll get is the opportunity for honest self-examination, and some tough questions that if answered from the heart, will benefit you and your team.

"Manager's Bible"

Paradoxes of Leadership is a concise collection of beliefs from a mentor who leads by getting his hands dirty with the people on the shop floor. Charles Edmunson's successful leadership style does not come from all the knowledge he has about his craft, instead it comes from his insight to effectively interacting with employees by his display of teamwork and enthusiasm that promotes a commitment to continous self improvemnt. I found Charles' paradoxes to be a refreshing look at the age old question---how do we get our employees to reach their full potential? It is a easy read--a managers handbook to be referred to time and time again. Charles, thank you for sharing your wisdom!