Transformational Leadership for the Helping Professions

Book excerpt: Twenty-first-century challenges abound for people in leadership roles in the helping professions (i.e., social work, nursing, teaching, public health, and social services). It is the mission of these professionals to facilitate change not only for consumers of their work, but also for organizations and communities. While many books written for human services leaders focus on leadership roles and tasks, Transformational Leadership for the Helping Professions explores growth in leadership, coupled with key competencies. The text also combines both classic and current theories on leadership, with a philosophical lens on its meaning and practice in human services settings. Social workers, nurses, teachers, public health workers, and community leaders will find the text to be a useful guide in strengthening their consideration of leadership theory while they practice in day-to-day work. Additionally, educators and students of leadership in the helping professions will gain a solid understanding of key facets of leadership practice within a framework that inspires a social justice, empowerment, and cultural humility perspective.