University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
The BRAVE Leader
Book

The BRAVE Leader

More courage. Less fear. Better decisions for inclusive leadership.

David McQueen
Practical Inspiration Publishing, 2024
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Well Structured
  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Many busy leaders feel they lack the time to consider whether they’re modeling inclusivity. But failing to do so can have dire consequences for your organization, says leadership coach David McQueen. To successfully navigate change, drive innovation and make wise decisions under pressure, leaders must know how to empower all their people and create systems that serve a wide range of stakeholder needs. In other words, McQueen writes, leaders must be BRAVE. Learn to embody a more Bold, Resilient, Agile, Visionary, and Ethical leadership style, and both you and your organization will benefit.

Summary

Good leaders don’t simply manage people; they inspire and empower others.

Many people have a narrow understanding of what “leadership” means. Your impact as a leader extends beyond management and the workplace; leadership is a way of being. Good leaders guide and inspire others in contexts ranging from local community projects to sports games to faith groups.

Leadership isn’t always an individual endeavor — groups working informally or formally together can model collective leadership and stand out as leaders in their activities. Its context matters: To lead well, you need to understand an organization’s norms and values, as well as any external factors such as societal standards or governmental regulations that may affect the goals you hope to achieve. Bear in mind, too, as a leader, you need “followership”: Leaders need those they’re working with to buy into their vision and deliberately choose to participate in the work necessary to make it a reality.

Leaders must endeavor to be inclusive as they help groups of people work toward a shared vision. Inclusive leadership entails attracting, empowering, and supporting...

About the Author

David McQueen is a leadership coach and the co-founder of Q Squared Ltd., a professional development company. He’s also a culture change blogger and the host of the David McQueen Podcast.

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