Uncommon Leadership

Uncommon Leaders have a gift: While inspiring and serving others with integrity, they also model a commitment to self-care and reflective practices. These skillful leaders are focused on being intentional and mindful of their values, beliefs, and guiding principles---in short, they “live well”. This high level of self-awareness informs the leader’s capacity to model courage and integrity---to “lead strong”. Grounded in their beliefs and values, these leaders routinely offer skillful feedback that impacts performance; they also have the capacity to plan and hold difficult conversations with professionalism. Uncommon Leadership supplies the reader with practical strategies, information and exercises to develop skills, as well as inspirational ideas for maintaining strong and effective leadership over a sustained period of time. Each chapter includes ways in which the reader may transfer their learning to their own practice, as well as a graphic quote that serves as a reminder of key points. Practicing leaders will find this a helpful guide for significant professional growth; aspiring and early career leaders will find it a valuable tool they will return to often for reference.

Debbie McFalone has a gift for helping school leaders find balance and fulfillment in their work. This book provides wisdom and practical ideas to help you develop habits of reflection and intentionality, stem the tide of unending tasks, and lead your school in a way that aligns to the values that brought you into this field in the first place. At the same time, McFalone provides guidance on navigating some of the thornier leadership skills: having difficult conversations, giving critical feedback, and building resilience during tough times. With all of these thoughtful practices and strategies, leaders will undoubtedly walk away recharged and better equipped to lead their schools., Filled with stories and examples, McFalone is honest, pointed, and informative as she discusses crucial aspects of leadership. She dares us to become Uncommon Leaders and provides guidance to achieve that goal.  A great read for current leaders as well as those have a desire to increase their skills and grow in their leadership abilities., This is more than a book. It is an engaging learning and teaching guide perfect to help leaders make a difference in their organization as they “Live Well, Lead Strong.” The writing is a true representation of Dr. McFalone--- warm, thoughtful and full of wisdom. Every educator needs to read this book!

Debbie McFalone is a sought-after facilitator of adult learning on leadership, a well-known keynote speaker and leadership coach. Her work focuses on empowering and equipping today’s leaders with the courage and integrity necessary to sustain a vibrant leadership life.