1. Introduction: On Becoming a Holistic Leader

This book suggests that the solution to the current leadership crisis lies in leaders’ self-cultivation process, emanating from their deepest values and culminating in their contribution to the common good. Traditional approaches to leadership rarely provide any permeating or systematic framework to garner a sense of higher purpose or nurture deeper moral and spiritual dimensions of leaders. Learning to be an effective leader requires a level of personal transformation on the continuum of self, spirit, and service. Achieving insight into the art and science of exemplary leadership is not as easy as it may seem. While some people may develop personal and professional mastery, many people need specific guidelines. This book provides those guidelines.

Synthesizing the best of contemporary approaches to leadership in a holistic manner, this book presents a unique model of leadership that is built on the sound principles of Self-Motivation, Personal Mastery, Creativity and Flow, Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, Optimal Performance, Appreciative Inquiry, Authentic Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Positive Psychology, Moral Philosophy, and Wisdom Traditions of the world. This is a daring thesis but I believe that such a broad interdisciplinary approach is well-suited to effectively address the multifaceted issues faced by contemporary organizations and leaders. The integral nature of the function of leadership vindicates Lao Tzu’s matchless wisdom: to lead, one must follow.