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LEADERSHIP PRESENCE: Dramatic Techniques to Reach
Out, Motivate, and Inspire
Belle Linda Halpern and Kathy Lubar Gotham,
$25 (288p) ISBN 1-592-40017-5
What can leaders learn from actors?
Stage presence, says Halpern and Lubar, former entertainers themselves
and cofounders of the Ariel Group, a corporate training and coaching
firm. In this first book, they translate stage presence into the
PRES model. PRES, an acronym for being Present, Reaching out,
Expressiveness and Self-knowing, represents the four qualities
that make up leadership presence-- "the ability to connect
authentically with the thoughts and feelings of others, in order
to motivate and inspire them toward a desired outcome."
Although the content is aimed at so-called soft leadership skills,
the book follows a highly practical model. Each of the four characteristics
is discussed in a tightly organized section that boils down to
three rules and three guidelines for understanding and applying
the quality. Each chapter is supported by a series of useful practice
exercises, including some solid advice for dealing with stage
fright. Most of the examples used in the book are drawn from either
acting or business; the business examples are derived from common
situations (how to handle a presentation, connect with the workforce
in a new job, relate to co-workers and subordinates).
As the book progresses, the "acting as leadership" metaphor
gets a bit strained, but the techniques and tactics remain appropriate
for the business audience. Using the craft of acting as the delivery
medium is an entertaining twist on the typical interpersonal skills
book, even if thoughtful readers may be hard-pressed to accept
the intimate connection between acting and business leadership
claimed by the authors. (Oct)
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