Spirit at Work: Discovering the Spirituality in Leadership

Abstract

In this insightful exploration, Jay Conger and his coauthors examine the role of spirituality in leadership. Can spirituality offer solutions to some of the increasing demands being made on today's organizations? As traditional sources of support and connectedness - such as community, church, and extended family - continue to erode, can the workplace be expected to meet the spiritual needs of its participants? What can leaders do to draw on their organization's spiritual resources? In Spirit at Work, management experts, an organizational development specialist, two Jesuit priests, a consultant and trainer to nonprofits, and the director of program evaluation for the Lilly Endowment argue that organizations possess great spiritual potential because they provide individuals with an essential link to a larger world. The contributors use thought-provoking examples to expand the definition of leadership to include the development of hospitable spaces for worklife, services to both the organization and the community, and personal development of individuals within the organization. We learn about how the Lilly Endowment's extensive leadership education program for its staff and the community encourages people to make spirited connections. We learn how Czech Republic leader Vaclav Havel has given new life to his society by encouraging spirituality over ideology. Leaders in business, public administration, and nonprofit organizations will gain personal insights into applying spiritual qualities such as justice, fortitude, and prudence to enhance personal fulfillment in the workplace and to strengthen the objectives and performance of their organizations.

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