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REVIEWS BY JEFF YERGLER

LEADERSHIP BY INVITATION: STEP UP: LEAD IN SIX LEAD POSITIVE: LEADERSHIP BLINDSPOTS:
HOW TO RSVP AND EMBRACE MOMENTS THAT MATTER WHAT HIGHLY EFFECTIVE HOW SUCCESSFUL LEADERS
YOUR ROLE AS A LEADER Henry Evans and Colm Foster LEADERS SEE, SAY, AND DO IDENTIFY AND OVERCOME THE
Barry L. Smith Evans and Foster’s book is a Kathryn D. Cramer WEAKNESSES THAT MATTER
If you were looking for a book structured and streamlined While there are a plethora of books Robert Bruce Shaw
that describes the journey of approach to demonstrating on the market that leverage the Leaders are constantly on the
leadership through the experience leadership when addressing six approach of positive psychology search for books that speak to the
of a single individual, this would particular situations: managing and its integration into leadership real, and often complex, issues of
be it. At is core, this book is anger, constructive confict, being practice, Cramer’s book affrms leadership. Shaw’s book has done
fundamentally a description about decisive, assuming responsibility the essential tenants of positive just that in his masterful book on
Smith’s journey from ignominy to rather than blaming, leveraging psychology and takes it a few steps leadership gaps or what he calls
visibility and impact as a leader. It pessimism, and inspiring action. further. Using Cramer’s Asset “blindspots.” Blindspots are those
is a biography of his life in general Each area is addressed in a way Based Thinking (ABT) approach to areas where gaps exist between
and, in particular, his emergence that helps readers place themselves leadership practice, she challenges what the leader believes to be
as a leader. The book is divided in similar situations and to identify leaders to leverage the approach true and what is actual reality.
into four parts: the purpose, the the right actions. Because both of positive psychology in what This performance differential is a
position, the person, and the plan. Evans and Foster are experienced they observe, what they say, and blindspot precisely because the
Smith attempts to communicate consultants, they are able to draw how they undertake actions. leader either cannot see the gap
different aspects of leadership upon their work with organizations From my perspective, Cramer is or refuses to believe a gap exists.
using these four lenses each of and their thorough understanding taking existing positive psychology Certainly, a leader wants to always
which is heavily nuanced by his of the issues that are associated knowledge and repackaging that believe in his or her “best self” but
Christian faith. While Smith’s story with each of the six areas as well knowledge in different wrapping Shaw, with preciseness, clarity,
of a life unfolding is encouraging, as to provide anecdotal data that called ABT. The difference though, and honesty, describes how a
there is little that a leader provides windows of understanding with Cramer’s work, is that she reluctance to deal with blindspots
would fnd helpful. It is, in many into each chapter’s conclusions fnds a way to communicate the can be a dangerous and slippery
respects, trite and shallow and and insights. As for what might be philosophy and practice of positive slope. The good news is that he
does little if anything to advance considered new information in this psychology using a system that provides solutions and strategies to
the conversation about leadership. book, there may be little. However, puts into operational and actionable address and eliminate blindspots.
To be blunt, the value of this Evans and Colm are successful language the philosophical This is a very well-written and well-
book as it relates to advancing at exploring these six areas that foundations of positive psychology. researched book that draws
leadership knowledge and practice are often vexing for leaders. I was surprised by this book as on Shaw’s years of experience
is negligible at best. It is a “feel Furthermore, the authors do a good not only another book on positive as a consultant.
good” book that has little to offer job of encouraging anyone in the leadership and leadership but
beyond simple inspiration. organization to take action and lead a framework that translates the
in these often diffcult situations. language of positivity into the
context of leadership that makes
sense and makes a difference
in organizations.

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LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.2 Fall 2014 31

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