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Leadership on the Line, With a New Preface: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Change Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 606 ratings

The dangerous work of leading change--somebody has to do it. Will you put yourself on the line?

To lead is to live dangerously. It's romantic and exciting to think of leadership as all inspiration, decisive action, and rich rewards, but leading requires taking risks that can jeopardize your career and your personal life. It requires putting yourself on the line, disrupting the status quo, and surfacing hidden conflict. And when people resist and push back, there's a strong temptation to play it safe. Those who choose to lead plunge in, take the risks, and sometimes get burned. But it doesn't have to be that way say renowned leadership experts Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. In Leadership on the Line, they show how it's possible to make a difference without getting "taken out" or pushed aside. They present everyday tools that give equal weight to the dangerous work of leading change and the critical importance of personal survival. Through vivid stories from all walks of life, the authors present straightforward strategies for navigating the perilous straits of leadership. Whether you're a parent or a politician, a CEO or a community activist, this practical book shows how you can exercise leadership and survive and thrive to enjoy the fruits of your labor.


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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ronald Heifetz is a cofounder of the international leadership and consulting practice Cambridge Leadership Associates (CLA) and the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. He is renowned worldwide for his innovative work on the practice and teaching of leadership. Marty Linsky is a cofounder of CLA and has taught at the Kennedy School for more than twenty-five years.

You can find the authors at:
Ronald Heifetz:

  • hks.harvard.edu/about/faculty-staff-directory/ronald-heifetz
  • facebook.com/pages/Ronald-Heifetz/112388868773261?fref=ts
  • mobile.twitter.com/RonHeifetz
    Marty Linsky:
    • hks.harvard.edu/about/faculty-staff-directory/marty-linsky
    • cambridge-leadership.com/team-member/marty-linsky/
    • facebook.com/marty.linsky
    • linkedin.com/in/marty-linsky; mobile.twitter.com/martylinsky

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N1XCO0S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvard Business Review Press; Revised edition (June 20, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 235 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 606 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
606 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides valuable leadership insights, with one mentioning how it helps strengthen communication skills. The book is readable, with one customer noting its plain language style.

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15 customers mention "Leadership insight"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides valuable insights into leadership challenges, with one customer noting how it helps strengthen communication skills.

"...What you'll find in this book is an honest analysis, including insight, into what Heifetz has learned over the years as a consultant and collaborator..." Read more

"...What he said to me is, "This is the best book on leadership I've ever read...." Read more

"...I’m still reading it, but so far I am finding it very helpful. But how does a second edition after 15 years get a basic fact wrong?..." Read more

"...like all books, don't swallow everything but still a great tool for every leader to navigate during tough leadership moments" Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it uses plain language and is suitable for university classes.

"Great book. I will apply much of the information on adaptive leadership to my life...." Read more

"...Then, when suggesting this exceptional book to one of the international leaders I mentor, he told me several years ago he was in a class taught by..." Read more

"Insightful, readable, and smart. I’m still reading it, but so far I am finding it very helpful...." Read more

"Good book, kind of lengthy but the material is good" Read more

Oversight in storytelling about Rosa Parks
4 out of 5 stars
Oversight in storytelling about Rosa Parks
Insightful, readable, and smart. I’m still reading it, but so far I am finding it very helpful. But how does a second edition after 15 years get a basic fact wrong? Rosa Parks was not elderly when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. She was 42 years old. With all these vignettes illustrating the book’s argument, a basic mistake in storytelling dings the authors’ credibility.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020
    If you're a leader, you know the difficulties associated with "moving people" in the right direction. You know the frustrations - both practical and emotional - that occur when people aren't moving together and you need them to. Maybe you've pondered how effective leaders do their thing. If you're like me, leadership is an important duty - and any information on the subject is worth exploring.

    This book will surely not disappoint. In fact, I found it to be very impactful in my own abilities in leadership. This book discusses the reality of human nature in regards to decision making and leadership. Most importantly, Heifetz doesn't shy away from the reality of leadership - it is a painful experience. Though many of us find great joy and accomplishment in being a leader, we are also not shy to say that the role is challenging at times. It is challenging because we are trying to help move people into unknown waters - whether it be perceptual or truly unknown. Yet that's what a leader does, and needs to do, in order to lead an organization or group of individuals to a certain standard.

    What you'll find in this book is an honest analysis, including insight, into what Heifetz has learned over the years as a consultant and collaborator. You will learn of some disappointing truths - including the reality that, if not handled correctly, people will find ways to eliminate your leadership rather than embrace it. You will also be able to identify and name some of the things you're experiencing as a leader. Overall, it is a nice read into the challenges of being a leader with some possible solutions to help remedy or mitigate those challenges.

    What I found beneficial from this book is similar to when a person with a chronic illness finally finds a doctor or specialist that can name it and provide some form of concreteness to the once "ambiguous thorn." For years I've struggled understanding why leaders do the things they do, or why I've experienced certain things when all I tried to do was "give my best." I've experienced being devalued, manipulated, and even scorned in the workplace for things I couldn't understand were bad. This book helped me name those things and helped me understand why they occurred. It was a great relief, one where I could objectively evaluate my previous experiences and confidently reflect on where I screwed up and where I was marginalized due to poor leadership.

    Some of you may get that same benefit if you read or listen to this text.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025
    Great book. I will apply much of the information on adaptive leadership to my life. Also, I love the part about leaders doing activities that separate their identity from their job. For me, that was fitness and running. We must balance our work and personal lives to be great leaders!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2018
    As in international leadership mentor, I find great delight when one of the emerging leaders I've the privilege of mentoring with our "whole person" mentoring model recommends a book to me. What he said to me is, "This is the best book on leadership I've ever read. It will enhance what I've been learning from you." He was 100% correct. It will be "required reading" for all those sincerely amazing men and women I mentor. Then, when suggesting this exceptional book to one of the international leaders I mentor, he told me several years ago he was in a class taught by Ronald Heifetz at the Kennedy School at Harvard...a favorite of his time there. Any leader, of any responsibility and magnitude, from anywhere on the planet will benefit from the creative wisdom proclaimed by Heifetz and Linsky.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2019
    Insightful, readable, and smart. I’m still reading it, but so far I am finding it very helpful.

    But how does a second edition after 15 years get a basic fact wrong? Rosa Parks was not elderly when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. She was 42 years old. With all these vignettes illustrating the book’s argument, a basic mistake in storytelling dings the authors’ credibility.
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Oversight in storytelling about Rosa Parks

    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2019
    Insightful, readable, and smart. I’m still reading it, but so far I am finding it very helpful.

    But how does a second edition after 15 years get a basic fact wrong? Rosa Parks was not elderly when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. She was 42 years old. With all these vignettes illustrating the book’s argument, a basic mistake in storytelling dings the authors’ credibility.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2023
    Indeed, leaders put themselves in positions that require much of their time, energy, attention, and lives. It is not easy—in fact, it is more dangerous than many suspect. What an incredible resource it is to have this study of the inherent conflicts and tensions the leader will face. Here are timeless principles and processes that may well make the difference between failure and success.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023
    ad a leader in the contentious world of 21st C politics and culture wars, this book is a must
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2019
    I had to read this book for one of my Master's program courses. While the ideas and sound bites about admirable and successful leadership strategies were helpful to think about, the outdated examples made the book a little hard to respect.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2022
    This book was suggested for a course but hit home when it described my past experience in leadership….A definite read before you start the journey, not half way through or after.
    Blessings on your leadership steps.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Danielle the Book Fiend
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
    Reviewed in Germany on April 21, 2021
    One of the most practical and best books on leadership I’ve ever read. Wish I’d read it 20 years ago.
  • Lynn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on August 3, 2023
    Excellent
  • Spends too much.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership is Dangerous
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2019
    If you are thinking about becoming a leader then read this book. Leadership is dangerous and taking on a problem, and leading change, can result in you being singled out, isolated, and eventually sent packing. Trust me, it happens. Politics.

    This book recognised that and provides good advice on how to survive. It's a good book.
  • Catherine J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Should be a classic in the genre
    Reviewed in Canada on May 1, 2021
    Listened to this on the Libby app and decided I needed my own hard copy. Excellent, thoughtful and evidence-based advice.
  • A. Mang
    5.0 out of 5 stars Every manager should read this!
    Reviewed in Germany on March 23, 2018
    Heifetz and Linsky will let you rethink the way you see change management. Although their model of adaptive change is probably not as easy as Kotter's model, it will be the only way real changes can happen in an organization! A must-read book, worth its price!
    One person found this helpful
    Report

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