Out of Women’s Experience: Creating Relational Leadership

Well designed and written … a distinct contribution to the field of leadership. The concepts, issues, processes, and attributes are enhanced by a very creative use of vignettes, case studies, and stories. John W. Brubacher, Professor Emeritus University of Connecticut
The authors’ articulation of the feminine strand of aedouble helix leadership’ through rich stories of women’s leadership experiences is both moving and telling. This is a contribution that promises to transform both the leading of schools and the preparation of those who will lead them.
Carol S. Witherell, Associate Professor Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon Regan and Brooks develop six key ideas in this unique study of educational leadership drawn from the experience of women. They examine the special qualities that women bring to leaderships roles and show how these attitudes, characteristics, and techniques can be used to used to improve the practice and teaching of educational leadership for men and women. The themes are illustrated throughout by insightful case studies of women leaders. Special emphasis is placed on five important attributes of effective leadership displayed in the participants of the authors’ study: caring, vision, collaboration, courage, and intuition. Using the double helix as a metaphor, the authors identify and explore the essence of leadership grounded in women’s experience and develop the concept of relational leadership. This new model incorporates and interweaves both traditional and relational leadership practices to create a more comprehensive, responsive repertory of skills for everyone. Out of Women’s Experience is an intriguing exploration of leadership that holds the promise of initiating significant and positive change in our schools.