Presidential Leadership : Making a Difference

Writers on transactional leadership....suggest that presidents should not attempt to make profound changes in their institutions and that most don't accomplish much real change anyway. But James L. Fisher and James V. Koch paint a much different picture of the power of the presidency. Fisher and Koch use both leadership theory and empirical research as well as examples of successful presidencies to teach how presidents can make a difference. They also present principles to guide presidents toward effective transformational leadership. Whether or not the reader completely espouses transformational leadership, every administrator will find much to think about in the pages of Presidential Leadership. The book's most valuable sections deal with the symbolic role of the president, understanding the need to maintain social distance, developing charisma (if one doesn't have it naturally), the role of the governing board and its relationship to the presidency, and the presidential compensation....an excellent book and should be read by aspiring and sitting presidents, boards of trustees and legislators, and all those interested in leadership roles.--Administrator