This 2nd Edition, published in July 2024 is a completely updated version of the original highly acclaimed book which was launched in 2018. It acknowledges the many global changes that have taken place since 2018 and addresses the leadership needs for the future, especially the increasing complexity, challenges and rate of change. This new edition provides greater depth of learning in several areas including leading in complex adaptive systems; sustainability; purpose; health & resilience; and diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). Every original chapter has been thoroughly updated and upgraded in the light of experience and feedback from readers, including a new section in key chapters challenging readers to put theory into practice.
In essence this book takes leaders on a journey to become Transpersonal Leaders who operate beyond their ego, continuing personal development and learning. They are radical, ethical and authentic while emotionally intelligent and caring. They create performance-enhancing and sustainable cultures. And they can operate successfully in an increasing complex world where traditional leadership approaches just don’t work effectively.
Rooted in the experience of senior organisational leaders and mentors, readers embark on a personal journey to innovate and enhance their leadership skills. Reflections are rooted in recent advances in neuroscience and acknowledge the challenges faced by leaders in light of new organisational and commercial structures, in a volatile and uncertain world. The reader is supported to transcend individual ego to develop beyond just emotional intelligence to a higher level of consciousness and ethical behaviour; able to build strong, collaborative relationships, delegate and devolve leadership and move away from centralised control.
Learn how to lead beyond the ego! An essential manual for current and aspiring organisational leaders, HR professionals, executive coaches and mentors, Leading Beyond the Ego is a vital reference source for anyone in a position of leadership.
Published by Routledge (2024), The Second Edition of Leading Beyond the Ego, is available from Amazon, or from Routledge's website. Use code ESA02 to save 20% when buying direct from Routledge until 30th September, 2024.
New endorsement for the second edition
"The LeaderShape Global team of John Knights, Danielle Grant, Greg Young, and Duncan Enright have done it again with a must-read second edition of their book Leading Beyond the Ego: How to Become a Transpersonal Leader. The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world-of-work continues to change at break-neck speed. The savvy modern leader must evolve to navigate a workforce searching for meaning and purpose, while still ensuring productivity and profitability for their organization. Leading Beyond the Ego is a road map that enables leaders to hone their strengths and develop new competencies that honor diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to create workplaces where people can do their best work. Top leaders are also lifelong learners, and this book is an essential resource to become the best version of your leadership self."
Caroline Dowd-Higgins, Host of Your Working Life global podcast, Executive Coach, Speaker, and Author
"Leading Beyond the Ego" is an important book for at least two reasons. First, it is firmly grounded in John Knights’ direct experience, showcasing both personal and professional growth. This authenticity will resonate deeply with senior executives, as John’s career serves as a credible example of responsible leadership. The message is loud and clear: If I can do it, you can too.
Second, it is one of the few leadership development books that seamlessly combines high-quality theory and practice. Utilizing the powerful framework of the three intelligences, it integrates proven practical tools to build and measure a systematic pathway towards better individual and organizational leadership. The result is a unique resource that convincingly illustrates that leadership is ‘merely’ a matter of practice: everyone can become a good leader, one chapter at a time.
Having worked with John for many years, I fully subscribe to his mission. May his book inspire many future leaders to transcend their ego and practice transpersonal leadership. The world needs it!"
Otti Vogt, Global Transformation Leader | Co-Founder of Global Society for Good Leadership