Leading from the Middle, and Other Contrarian Essays on Library Leadership [Paperback]

This compilation reveals how followers help an organization get better and how effective followersleading from the middleare essential to the best kind of leadership.

In Leading from the Middle, and Other Contrarian Essays on Library Leadership, John Lubans, Jr., argues for democratic library organizations with shared leadership and decision making by leaders and followers. His book distills 15 years worth of leadership essays to advance a theory of a collaborative and empowering leadership, touching on such subjects as teamwork, empowerment, followership, challenges, values, coaching, self-management, collaboration, communication, and techniques and tools.

Lubans's 36 essays draw new and insightful perspectives on leadership from disparate realms: travel, sports, music, retail businesses, and airlines. All of the essays have been edited and revised for this book and many have been extensively updated with new material and epilogues. The essays flow from the author's experience as a manager/leader, his teaching of the topic, and his research into and experimentation with organizational leadership. Insights and suggestions are tempered by a candid reflection on successes achieved and mistakes made.

A good addition to the management shelf, along with standard texts. American Libraries

Great reading and will be both enjoyable and instructive for anyone trying to provide top-notch library services. Booklist Online

This refreshing, thought-provoking collection is highly recommended for library staff at all levels, as well as library school students. Library Journal

This collection of essays written by a library administrator could be useful for any librarian. . . . This is a very thought provoking title and worth reading and discussing. Recommended. Library Media Connection

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