Books Professionalizing Leadership. by Marie Hoffman, Barbara Kellerman.

Overview of "Professionalizing Leadership" by Barbara Kellerman (with Marie Hoffman)

Professionalizing Leadership by Barbara Kellerman, with contributions from Marie Hoffman, critically examines why leadership, despite its immense influence and the exponential growth of the leadership industry over the past forty years, has not achieved the status of a true profession like medicine or law123.

Key Arguments and Themes

Leadership as an Occupation, Not a Profession

Kellerman argues that leadership remains an occupation rather than a profession. Unlike established professions, leadership lacks:

A core curriculum or universally accepted body of knowledge

Widely agreed-upon metrics or criteria for qualification

A professional association to oversee conduct and assure minimum standards

Clear, enforceable codes of ethics23

Comparison with Medicine and Law

Professions such as medicine and law require:

Extended, structured education and training

Certification, recertification, and ongoing professional development

Professional organizations that monitor standards and conduct

An explicit commitment to the public interest3

Leadership, by contrast, is typically taught casually and carelessly, with no such rigorous requirements or oversight23.

The Military as a Model

Kellerman highlights the military as a rare example of an institution that treats leadership as a profession, with high standards for education, training, and ethical conduct. She suggests this could serve as a template for other sectors seeking to professionalize leadership12.

A Call for Professionalization

The book calls for a transformation in how leaders are prepared, advocating for:

The development of a core curriculum and body of knowledge

Clear criteria for evaluation, certification, and recertification

Professional associations to set and enforce standards

Greater emphasis on the public good and ethical responsibility23

Leadership as a System

Kellerman also stresses that leadership should be viewed as a system involving leaders, followers, and context, rather than focusing solely on the individual at the top4.

Purpose and Impact

Professionalizing Leadership is both a critique and a roadmap. It challenges the current state of leadership education and practice, arguing that without the markers of a true profession, leadership will continue to fall short of its potential. The book offers concrete suggestions for how leadership can attain the dignity and effectiveness associated with professional status, ultimately benefiting organizations and society at large23

1 BOOK