Traditionally, literature about leadership focuses on qualities, talents, practices, or principles. The emphasis is on doing leadership, rather than on being effective leaders. Rarely do we examine the core values and beliefs underlying these qualities. In Leading with Soul , Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal cut through the superficial layers of leadership rhetoric to connect the essential nature of leadership to the heart of spirituality. Leadership is not a function of performance.
Leadership is a spiritual act.
In a world where so many influential people are out of touch with things spiritual, leadership as a spiritual act may inspire discomfort. Our culture is very successful disassociating the acts of leadership from the person of the leader. Recent surveys conclude that a majority of Americans no longer expect business and government leaders to tell the truth, behave morally, be kind, or act compassionately. The President Clinton-Monica Lewinski scandal is clear indication that bad behavior on the part of our leaders is no longer surprising or significantly disappointing. Simply, the focus must shift from action to interior, from deeds to values, and from practice to soul.