Leadership thoughts: Inspire yourself, inspire others by Gerhard van Rensburg |
 |
|
Van Rensburg provides critical insight into the complexity of leadership in the modern work and other environments where leaders operate. This unique contribution extends beyond the complexity of leadership and takes the reader back to the basic simplicity of leadership, and that is to inspire yourself and others. Not only does Van Rensburg provide direction to leaders in the new era, but he evokes a sense of hope, key focus, critical thinking and reflection. This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to achieve increased awareness of leadership behaviour and personal mastery in the dynamic and evolving field of leadership. Thus, the importance of key dimensions of leadership such as character, values and beliefs is clearly articulated in the book.
Leadership thoughts offers the reader with profound lessons into the challenges, realities and truths of leadership. It will guide you on a journey of discovering the insights needed to survive, grow and thrive as a leader functioning in a complex work environment. Providing a balanced perspective, Van Rensburg also acknowledges that the unpredictable future, coupled with unexpected crises makes leadership vulnerable. However, several questions relating to this uncertainty are posed, and unfortunately remain unanswered in the book. Despite a sound exposition of key elements of effective leadership, certain key trends or issues of modern leadership have been neglected, such as servant leadership, systems and process thinking, and the role of leaders in promoting corporate citizenship and sound governance of organisations. The function of leaders as custodians of organisation culture, and corporate facilitators in a knowledge economy driven by technology, information, creativity, diversity and innovation could have been addressed more explicitly in the book. Although certain practical guidelines are provided at the end of chapter 9, this useful approach has not been optimised consistently in the rest of the book, leaving readers with the challenge of surmising their own journey of applying the leadership thoughts contained in the book. Moreover, the moral obligation of leaders is superficially covered and could have been very appropriate given the fact that the publication date of the book culminated with the release of the King III Report on Governance for South Africa, which interestingly, kicked off with a chapter on leadership. The key omissions mentioned above notwithstanding, the strength of the book lies in its thought-provoking discussion on leadership and its dynamics in business and life today. The book is logically divided into three parts making up 25 short chapters, starting with the leader’s disposition in achieving personal mastery by addressing key issues such as learning, resilience, tenacity and relationships. Accountability and responsibility – two fundamental issues that most leaders struggle with – are explicitly covered as a chapter on its own. In addition, the seemingly paradoxical concepts of humility and confidence (including assertiveness and decisiveness) are adequately explained. Also, the need for a positive approach and attitude is indicated and reinforced throughout the book. Part two addresses moral leadership and meaning, dealing with moral questions, character, honour, stewardship, servanthood and gratitude. The concept of stewardship deserves attention. Van Rensburg defined stewardship as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to our care. Hence, the book challenges leaders to become better stewards of the resources at their disposal, and is therefore related to the notion of responsibility. The third and last part of the book positions leadership and life in today’s world, covering broad issues such as success and the need for national leadership. Furthermore, the reality of business and the skill of prioritising is emphasised, as well as the need for appreciation. Perhaps more attention on inspiring different generations in today’s dynamic and increasingly virtual workplace would have added value. However, the interface between organisational leadership and leadership in life is skillfully integrated in the last part of the book. Finally, the book ends on a highlight – reminding readers to focus on excellence and success, with a particular emphasis on the role of leaders as facilitators of meaning as a key element of effective leadership Leadership Thoughts is available from Van Schaik Publishers on www.vanschaiknet.com Author: Gerhard van Rensburg, executive and leadership coach at New Era Leadership and consultant and facilitator in organisation development and leadership Reviewer: Marius Meyer, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, and board member of the South African Board for People Practices, as well as ASTD Global Network South Africa, and chairman of the HR Directors Forum of Executives’ Global Network South Africa. |
The failure of government, businesses and public service and other organisations is often attributed to poor leadership. As a result, various stakeholders and society in particular has lost faith in leadership. Sadly, leaders make themselves guilty of unethical behaviour, fraud, poor governance and ineffective leadership practices, resulting in underperforming companies and corporate scandals. This book addresses one of the fundamental flaws in traditional leadership thinking and practice, i.e. the leader-follower mindset. Leaders first need to inspire themselves before they can inspire others.
