Self-Confrontation, Self-Discovery, Self-Authenticity, and Leadership

            This is a wonderful book for strengthening our effective individual leadership skills through self-confrontation, self-discovery, and self-authenticity. Leaders and leadership are concepts that we deal with in many areas. In the global setting, we’re aware of different types of political systems, each with its own kind of leader/leaders. The corporate world, school systems, and families are all governed by leaders. Some we recognize as able and effective leaders, and others we might view as monsters. Recognizing that leadership is basic to life and that we’re all involved either as leaders or followers, our happiness depends on how well we understand the playing field. The author addresses the topic from several perspectives.

            The introduction tells us immediately that we’re complex persons with many facets to our person and we need courage and openness to explore who we really are. The author tells us that “A call to self-authenticity is not a call for perfection but a call for self-discovery and growth toward identifying with your essence.” He explains the terms of self and leadership. He chooses to view personality as the distinctive traits or characteristics of mind and behavior that distinguishes a person enduring over time. These characteristics include genetic traits and qualities, the person’s nurture and the choices made from nurture influences. Then to set the stage for his major premises he gives an expose of “Leadership Theories” with their implications. Interconnections are made with ideologies and approaches to leadership.

            Since much of what Patrick has to say is based on an understanding of personality characteristics, he relies on the enneagram to help the reader understand himself/herself and the different ways others may look at issues depending on their own nature, nurture, and experience. Since leadership does not depend only on the leader but also on the followers, an insight into all personalities is necessary. This is done very well using a link to the Enneagram Institute web site. Those not already versed in the enneagram can easily become familiar with it and the major personality types it proposes.

            The inclusion of a spiritual dimension to the person adds components sometimes overlooked. Several definitions are given for the word spirit. All point to an intangible quality within the person. It is the essence that makes the person or group who they are and gives them meaning.

            This brings the reader right back to “a call to self-discovery and growth identifying with our essence.” I think this is really a wonderful book. Following its invitation, one can gradually open oneself layer by layer, thus increasing one’s authenticity. In my opinion, Patrick has accomplished his purpose.

 Colleen T. Fogarty, OP, PhD