The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership

Paul D. Houston has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American education through his extensive speaking engagements, published articles, and his regular appearances on national radio and television. Formerly executive director of the American Association of School Administrators from 1994 to 2008, Houston has served as a teacher and building administrator in North Carolina and New Jersey. He has also served as assistant superintendent in Birmingham, Alabama, and as superintendent of schools in Princeton, NJ; Tucson, AZ; and Riverside, CA. Houston has served in an adjunct capacity for the University of North Carolina, Harvard University, Brigham Young University, and Princeton University. He has served as a consultant and speaker throughout the United States and overseas, and he has published more than 100 articles in professional journals.

"I can′t imagine a more timely and important book for educators. Where do we find the courage to continue? Where do we find peace when surrounded by aggression and corruption? What sustains us so that we can remain strong in serving the interests of children? The answers to these questions are in this book. The authors, with great wisdom and generosity of spirit, offer the perspectives and practices that enliven and vitalize our spirits. They have given us more than a lifeline - they have given us solid ground to stand on in the midst of turbulence."

• Foreword by Dawna MarkovaPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorsIntroduction1. The Principle of IntentionIntention Is a Fundamental Principle of Enlightened LeadershipThought Is More Important Than People ThinkWhen Thought Becomes PrayerSpoken and Written Words Are Keys to Manifesting Your IntentionLeaders Must Align Their Actions and IntentionsEnlisting Spiritual and Nonspiritual Forces to Manifest Your IntentionsUsing Your “Third Eye” to Manifest IntentionsLeaders Use Attention to Focus the Lens of IntentionLeaders Focus Energy to Manifest Their IntentionsSummary2. The Principle of AttentionAttention Is One of the Key Principles for Enlightened LeadersThe Role of Attention in the Thinking of Enlightened LeadersThe Role of Attention in the Doing of Enlightened LeadersThe Role of Attention in the Being of Enlightened LeadersHow Enlightened Leaders Maximize Time on TaskHow Enlightened Leaders Focus Power and EnergyHow Attention Serves as a Magnet for Enlisting OthersHow Enlightened Leaders Keep Their FocusHow Enlightened Leaders Use Images to CommunicateSummary3. The Principle of Unique Gifts and TalentsLeaders Need to Be Aware That Everyone Has Unique Gifts and TalentsDiscovering and Developing Everyone’s Unique Gifts and TalentsHow to Help Others Cultivate Their Unique Gifts and TalentsEnlightened Leaders Facilitate the Sharing of Unique Gifts and TalentsHow Enlightened Leaders Extend Unique Gifts and TalentsHow Uniqueness Contributes to the Tapestry of LifeHow the Divine Helps to Clarify Life’s Purpose(s)Summary4. The Principle of GratitudeHaving an Attitude of GratitudeThe Importance of Being Mindful of Life’s BlessingsThe Effect of Showing Gratitude for Help and SupportThe Importance of Being Grateful for ProgressEnlightened Leaders Are Grateful for Obstacles and AdversariesShowing You Are Grateful for Love ReceivedShowing You Are Grateful for Love AcceptedShowing You Are Grateful for the Opportunity to Help OthersHow You Can Show You Are Grateful for Your Gifts and TalentsAbout Being GratefulEnlightened Leaders Experience Boundless GratitudeThe Importance of Being Grateful for Divine GuidanceSummary5. The Principle of Unique Life LessonsUsing the Experiences of Daily Life to Grow Personally and ProfessionallyPeople Are Given Life Lessons to Promote Spiritual GrowthProblems Are Actually Opportunities in DisguiseClouds Do Have Silver LiningsLearning Life’s Lessons the Hard Way or the Easy WayUsing the Weaknesses Within Strengths to Understand Life LessonsMastery of Each Life Lesson Opens a Gateway to the NextEndings Create the Opportunity for New BeginningsSummary6. The Principle of a Holistic PerspectiveSpiritual Truths in the Story of Three Blind Men and the ElephantEnlightened Leaders Are Aware That Everything Is ConnectedThe Butterfly Effect and Its Implications for LeadersLeaders Must Know How the Parts and the Whole Are RelatedFractals Can Be a Valuable Tool for LeadersA Holographic Perspective Is a Valuable Tool for LeadersThe Spiritual Lessons of Oneness, Unity, and Holistic ThinkingSummary7. The Principle of OpennessOpenness Is an Important Principle for LeadersThe Spiritual Aspects of OpennessEnlightened Leaders Create Open SystemsLeaders Must Be Open to Many ThingsOpening Your Heart and MindHow Openness Maximizes Growth and CreativityWhy Openness Is the Key to Creating Infinite PotentialitySummary8. The Principle of TrustWhy It Is Important for Leaders to Be TrustingWhy It Is Essential for Leaders to Be TrustworthyWhy It Is Important to Trust YourselfTrusting Your Higher SelfEnlightened Leaders Must Learn to Trust the UniverseWhy It Is Important to Give Trust as a Gift Whenever PossibleSummarySelected Bibliography