Politically Intelligent Leader - by Patricia Clark White & Thomas R Harvey & Lawrence Kemper (Paperback)

About the Book

The Politically Intelligent Leader will help leaders at all levels understand how to operate ethically during politically volatile times and how to deal with the special groups that are unique to the educational setting_elected boards, citizen groups, unions, and volunteers. A...

Book Synopsis

The Politically Intelligent Leader will help leaders at all levels understand how to operate ethically during politically volatile times and how to deal with the special groups that are unique to the educational setting_elected boards, citizen groups, unions, and volunteers. And when a political crisis arises, there's some advice on how to come out of it 'alive.'

Review Quotes

The Politically Intelligent Leader is a must read for any aspiring--or experienced--administrator who must deal with competing priorities and organizational interests. Returning repeatedly to the notion that 'politics is local' and a challenge to be understood and embraced, the authors bring to bear their considerable experience in a series of easy-to-understand theoretical concepts and sensible and practical approaches to everyday professional challenges. I heartily recommend this book.

A book that will keep you focused and grounded as you face the realities of external and internal politics, [this] is essential reading, not only for fresh, young faces uncertain about how to address their first organizational challenge, but also for their battle-weary counterparts who are looking for newer--and more effective--strategies to address ongoing issues. The Politically Intelligent Leader is a book that can save your sanity--and your career!

A most useful book for aspiring administrators who need to understand issues of political leadership. The authors have written a very clear and user-friendly book. We will use this book with the students in our Educational Leadership program.

I really loved [the] book. It is written in the kind of personal, highly readable style that appeals to me, and I'm sure will appeal to many others as well. I particularly loved all the practical tips and the illustrative war stories ... used to make [the] points come to life. I find The Politically Intelligent Leader to be full of what my grandmother used to call 'good common horse sense.'

There is a fertile zone between mugger's alley and Pollyannaish ideals where the push-and-tug of politics flourishes. Educators need to join the fray. This book nicely portrays the strategic and tactical options drawing on both academic research and the realities of the game.

White, Harvey, and Kemper offer a readable book that encourages leaders to view politics as a way to meet the needs of all.

About the Author

Patricia Clark White has been superintendent of three California school districts, a national and international consultant and presenter, and an executive coach for leaders dealing with political issues. Thomas R. Harvey served as dean of organizational leadership at the University of La Verne in California. He is the author of several books including Checklist for Change; The Practical Decision Maker; Building Teams, Building People; and the The Soul of Leadership. Lawrence Kemper has served as board member and state president of the Association of California School Administrators and superintendent in four school districts.