We are the Leaders We've Been Waiting For

by Julie E. Owen, Heather D. Shea (Foreword), Kristen A. Renn (Foreword)

At this time of social flux, of changing demographics on campus and the world beyond, of recognition of intersectional identities, as well as the wide variety of aspirations and career goals of today's women undergraduates, how can colleges and universities best prepare them for the demands of modern leadership? This text speaks to the changing context of today’s women students' experiences, recognizing that their work life goals may go beyond climbing the corporate ladder to include social innovation and entrepreneurial goals, policy and politics, and social activism.This book is a product of multiple collaborations and intellectual contributions of a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate women who helped shape the course on which it is based. They provided research support, critical readings, as well as the diverse narratives that are included throughout the book, not as an ideal for readers to aspire to but as an authentic expression of how their distinct and sometimes non-conforming lived experiences shaped their understandings of leadership. It goes beyond hero/she-ro person-centered approaches to get at the complex and intrapersonal nature of leadership. It also situates intersectional identities, critical consciousness, and student development theory as important lenses throughout the text.Recognizing that there are many possible manifestations of leadership or gender, this text encourages students to embrace the contradictions rather than engaging in dualistic, black-and-white thinking, challenging them to address such questions as, Should women “lean in” and work harder to achieve their own leadership goals, or should they focus on bigger systemic issues to create equity in the workplace?Each chapter concludes with a brief chapter review, a narrative from a current college student, and critical reflection questions.

Genres: Leadership

250 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book for 2021. I cannot believe how astonishingly fabulous this book is. I have been reading Leadership Studies disciplines for 25 years. This is the greatest book I have read in this field.

Every leader - whatever their power, pay or title - should read this book. It is rigorous, considered and detailed in its engagement with the field. It is honest and brilliantly written.

But this book is more - so much more - than an outstanding monograph or even textbook in Leadership Studies. It is damn inspiring. We live in pretty diabolical times for the workplace, families and the world. This book is motivating. It asks us to do better, and it gives us the language and structures to get there.

This book deserves every award - and all the applause. There is Leadership Studies before Owen's book. There is Leadership Studies after Owen's book. She has improved the field. She will transform us.

[Kristina Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Owen wrote this book after years of teaching on women and leadership and not finding a book that adequately addressed all the important issues. A great primer on women and leadership with helpful references for deeper reading. I appreciated the conversation on precarious pedestals.

[janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent look at women and leadership rather than women in leadership. Would highly recommend to leadership students and practitioners.