Psychology for Leaders: Using Motivation, Conflict, and Power to Manage More Effectively

As an undergraduate, I studied political science; as a graduate student, I studied history (among other things) - however, few if any of my classes ever dealt with the actual mechanics of business, despite dealing with business in a more general sense (as it would fit in the context of history and politics). I decided that it was important to learn some of the basic concepts of business administration, and the Portable MBA series by John Wiley & Sons publishers fit the bill. This book on psychology for leaders is not a typical rah-rah work of motivation - there are many such books available for both personal motivation as well as motivational strategy manuals (I believe that Zig Ziglar was one of the first such authors I read in that regard; Tony Robbins is perhaps one of the better known motivational speakers around today). While this book will give some insight into how such motivational work succeeds, this book concentrates on giving an understanding of the underlying psychological forces that motivate people in a much deeper way. Conflict management is also high on the list of topics here, for little can sap the motivational energies of people than can unhealthy conflict; on the other hand, healthy competition can often promote motivation. Beyond the theory, however, this book gives practical suggestions for applying the ideas that come from psychological understanding. It is all well and good to say that trust is important or that listening is crucial, but how do these get presented in a practical way? 'Knowing an idea does not mean that the idea automatically gets translated into action; believing that you should be empathetic does not mean that you are empathetic. This book was written to help leaders build on, extend, and refine their ideas and to encourage discussion and application'. Unlike many volumes in the Portable MBA series, this one is primarily the work of two authors, rather than an editor or two with a number of contributors. The authors, Dean Tjosvold and Mary Tjosvold, have both academic and professional experience, and do a good job at explaining things in terms that the non-professional can understanding. Anyone with a basic undergraduate background should find this volume accessible, and indeed motivational in many parts. This book is a good one for the new manager, the manager-to-be (or manager-wanna-be), or the established and experienced leader looking for new insight and ideas.

This book is the one I would most highly recommend to people who are looking to address the many issues found in their business environment. The Tjosvolds have developed a work here which is rich in usable material, is written clearly, and does not trivialize the imporance of the issues they address. This is NOT the usual cookie cutter business book; it is a serious work which is practical and can be put to use immediately in any sized company. I also personally found it motivational and inspiration to my efforts as a change leader.