Sustainable Leadership.

SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP. Andy Hargreaves and Dean Fink. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, 2006. 325pp. Paperback, $25.00. Using plain and simple language, the authors focus their study, not on the qualities of a good leader, or what constitutes leadership, but rather on the overlooked subject of how leadership is maintained into the future. What good is a leader if he or she leaves no legacy? In order for leaders and leadership to have a lasting effect, it must be durable; it must live on past the momentary bright light of any charismatic leader.

Drawing from examples of the business world and the environmental movements, the authors identify seven principles of sustainability: "depth of learning rather than superficially tested performance; length of impact over the long haul through effectively managed succession; breadth of influence; justice in ensuring that leadership actions don't harm students or other schools; diversity and cohesion; resourcefulness that renews leaders' energy and doesn't burn them out; and conservation that builds on the best of the past."

Discussing in detail each of the seven principles, the authors provide concrete examples of how to develop sustainable leadership, using references to the corporate world, psychological processes, literary figures, and recent trends and innovations in school and education theory. Hargreaves and Fink stress the importance of using forward thinking, as well as being backward looking. They liken the process to driving--they emphasize the need to look ahead, toward the future, while checking the rearview mirror so that past mistakes are not repeated. Reviewed by Christine King, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL