The authors offer an approach to leadership practice which is more appropriate for the challenges of today's digitally networked economy. They conclude that, contrary to popular opinion, the practices proposed are not provoked by leadership education as they are evoked from a deep emotional feel for leading and leadership.
'Why do we have so many theories of leadership? Because none of them work very well all of the time. For 70 years we have spewed out content leadership theories. In the new digital world of the twenty-first century we need a new leadership theory. This is it! Open Source Leadership is a process theory ruled by attention, awareness, intention and, yes, structure. Open Source Leadership is by invitation, not by imposition. This important book invites each of us into the leadership process, drawing on the gifts, talents, and resources within us. The book poses the important questions without offering the final answers. YOU are the answer.' - Professor James Campbell Quick, John and Judy Goolsby Distinguished Professor, Goolsby Leadership Academy, The University of Texas at Arlington
'This book contains a big idea. The leadership model is changing. Leadership can come from anywhere, not just the top. Intriguingly the best leadership comes from the user of the product the customer. They can shape the future direction of the enterprise.' - Sir Terry Leahy, Chief Executive, Tesco
'Gadman and Cooper have done an excellent job in empowering the reader to reflectively challenge their own perceptions and understandings of what it takes to be a successful contemporary leader. They provide easily readable chapters that spell out the skills required to take advantage of the open source revolution. Today, leaders cannot allow themselves to be prisoners of out of dateor inadequate ways of thinking, or even see problems in isolation. Open Source Leadership explains how individuals can seize the advantage by better understanding how the power and collective energy and focus of people can overcome intractable problems. Finally, Open Source Leadership provides a guide for leaders on how inspiration and creativity can have a positive impact on their people and organisations.' - Professor Iain Densten, Professor of Leadership and Director of the Lancaster Leadership Centre, Lancaster University
'This book contains a big idea. The leadership model is changing. Leadership can come from anywhere, not just the top. Intriguingly the best leadership comes from the user of the product the customer. They can shape the future direction of the enterprise.' - Sir Terry Leahy, Chief Executive, Tesco
'Gadman and Cooper have done an excellent job in empowering the reader to reflectively challenge their own perceptions and understandings of what it takes to be a successful contemporary leader. They provide easily readable chapters that spell out the skills required to take advantage of the open source revolution. Today, leaders cannot allow themselves to be prisoners of out of dateor inadequate ways of thinking, or even see problems in isolation. Open Source Leadership explains how individuals can seize the advantage by better understanding how the power and collective energy and focus of people can overcome intractable problems. Finally, Open Source Leadership provides a guide for leaders on how inspiration and creativity can have a positive impact on their people and organisations.' - Professor Iain Densten, Professor of Leadership and Director of the Lancaster Leadership Centre, Lancaster University