More a comparative text of past and modern leadership styles; no ground-breaking advice.
Feature image: Amy Hirschi (via Unsplash)
As one of Australia’s most prominent leadership experts, a Member of the Order of Australia, and a person with over three decades of leadership experience, Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM knows exactly what the eight attributes of a head and heart leader are.
The blurb for this book states that leadership is a series of moments, and if transcribing those were the only intent of this text, it would have been successful. Head and Heart is a celebratory legacy of leadership models demonstrated in all parts of society.
Ferguson tells us about parents, shop assistants, and athletes in everyday life that have demonstrated leadership at a moment in time. She wanted to include a broad range of backgrounds in her leadership stories in order to challenge our thinking or inspire us as the audience, however it failed to connect. It felt like she had just plucked any story to include variety without clearly relating it to any type of advice. As there is no guidance after each of these stories, it was hard to work out the purpose of what Ferguson was trying to achieve.
Are the stories included to connect with the modern-day executive? For someone in the military? Actors, parents, or sales assistants? To serve as role models that we should aspire to be? With many of the leadership tales, there was a comparison of one (bad) style to another (good), so it felt like there were arrogant undertones. One message is clear, however: established practices of managerial models in the past are outdated and modern trends are laudable.
The best part about this book is the structure. It’s divided into four parts, with part one providing context, and part four a summary. Parts two and three are both divided into four chapters, with each chapter dedicated to one of the eight attributes, with the provision of a bullet point summary at the end of the chapter. This makes for an easy read, and great for re-reading.
It did not feel like I learnt anything new in this book, yet perhaps it would be of use to someone who is regimented, managerial in approach, and always thinks they are right. It would also suit youth readers, as they would have limited exposure to the roles of the people discussed. However, without the inclusion of explicit practical advice, it may still fail to hit the mark.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: January 2023
RRP: $34.99
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