On the Brink of Failure : the art of impromptu action in everyday leadershipUpplaga 1

When is leadership necessary - and why? This seemingly harmless question has formed the basis of just over three years of research collaboration between the Ericsson Group and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Leadership. The book describes and discusses everyday leadership - how leadership is exercised on a daily basis in the light of present activities and events. Not only are the leadership efforts of project managers and line managers in focus, but also the actions of Ericsson's top management. A general pattern emerges of leadership as an impromptu or improvising mode of action that includes relatively simple criteria for what needs to be prioritised at each stage of the proceedings. The author poses a number of provocative questions. Do we pay homage to the right leaders, and if so, do we admire them for their important achievements? Do we appoint the wrong people when selecting managers because we don't give enough importance to the fact that leadership also has an everyday aspect to it? Do we hold onto leader-ideals that actually hinder collaboration in our companies and organisations? Have we really understood how leadership can nurture the energy and enthusiasm of staff? Have we realised that leadership might even be detrimental to their health and ability to contribute? This book is intended as a support for the person with leadership responsibilities. It is also intended as inspiration in connection with management development and as a textbook for studies at universities and colleges concerned with advanced or specialist courses in the leadership, management and organisational fields.