The Philosophy of Authentic Leadership

This book explores the roots of authentic leadership by integrating philosophy and psychology, emphasizing virtue, integrity, decision-making, and creativity. It opposes authoritarian and extremist leadership and advocates for the pursuit of the common good, democratic rights, civic freedoms, and cosmopolitanism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 233 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the intricate tapestry of authentic leadership, unraveling its foundations through a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between philosophy and psychology. By integrating key concepts such as identity formation, the narrative self, decision-making, and the philosophy of creativity, it reimagines the realm of leadership studies, infusing it with virtue and integrity. In a time when leadership integrity faces relentless challenges from authoritarianism and extremism on both the left and right, the 'Philosophy of Authentic Leadership emerges as a steadfast advocate for the pursuit of the common good, democratic rights, civic freedoms, and cosmopolitanism. This profound work captivates scholars of leadership and political science alike, offering a rich and thought-provoking perspective on the essence of effective leadership.

Introduction:
In a world where leadership is increasingly shaped by power, influence, and expediency, the call for authentic leadership has grown louder than ever. Authentic leadership, as opposed to the conventional notion of leadership, is rooted in values, integrity, and a deep understanding of oneself and the world around us. This book aims to explore the roots of authentic leadership through a detailed analysis of how philosophy and psychology are relevant for understanding leadership.

Philosophy and Psychology:
Philosophy and psychology offer invaluable insights into the nature of human beings and the complexities of leadership. Philosophers have long debated the essence of virtue, ethics, and the moral compass that guides us in our actions. Psychology, on the other hand, provides a wealth of knowledge about the brain, emotions, and the factors that influence decision-making and behavior. By integrating these two disciplines, we can gain a deeper understanding of the qualities that make up authentic leadership.

Identity Formation:
One of the key concepts in the philosophy of authentic leadership is identity formation. Identity is the sense of self that we develop through our experiences, relationships, and beliefs. Authentic leaders are those who have a clear sense of their identity and who align their actions with their values and beliefs. Identity formation is a lifelong process that involves self-reflection, introspection, and the development of a moral compass.

The Narrative Self:
Another important concept in the philosophy of authentic leadership is the narrative self. The narrative self is the story that we tell ourselves about our lives and the world around us. Authentic leaders are those who have a compelling and coherent narrative that inspires and motivates others. The narrative self is shaped by our experiences, our beliefs, and our values, and it plays a crucial role in shaping our behavior and decision-making.

Decision-Making:
Decision-making is a critical aspect of leadership, and it is influenced by a range of factors, including our emotions, our values, and our beliefs. Authentic leaders are those who make decisions that are guided by their values and beliefs, and who are willing to take risks and make difficult choices. Decision-making is a process that involves weighing the pros and cons of different options, and it requires a deep understanding of oneself and the world around us.

The Philosophy of Creativity:
The philosophy of creativity is another key concept in the philosophy of authentic leadership. Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, solutions, and approaches to problems. Authentic leaders are those who are open to creativity, and who are willing to take risks and explore new possibilities. Creativity is a process that involves imagination, intuition, and a willingness to take risks.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book uncovers the roots of authentic leadership through a detailed analysis of how philosophy and psychology are relevant for understanding leadership. By integrating key concepts such as identity formation, the narrative self, decision-making, and the philosophy of creativity, it reimagines the realm of leadership studies, infusing it with virtue and integrity. In a time when leadership integrity faces relentless challenges from authoritarianism and extremism on both the left and right, the 'Philosophy of Authentic Leadership emerges as a steadfast advocate for the pursuit of the common good, democratic rights, civic freedoms, and cosmopolitanism. This profound work captivates scholars of leadership and political science alike, offering a rich and thought-provoking perspective on the essence of effective leadership.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031296499
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023