Leadership from the Inside Out: Becoming a Leader for Life Book

Leadership from the Inside Out is a book I was expected to read for a Graduate-level class on Educational Leadership. After the first few pages, I was turned off by the "meta-talk;" I am naturally weary of self-help gurus who name drop celebrities who they have helped to transform the lives of, and I was quick to dismiss Cashman as "one of those people."

However, a few chapters in, about the point where Cashman speaks of "leading authentically," I knew that there was something in this book original enough and, well, authentic enough, for me to benefit from and apply to the leadership roles I currently occupy.

This is a book in which you get what you give; that is, Cashman gives ample opportunities for the reader to stop and perform a task of some sort; whether it is to take an inventory of your strengths and weaknesses or goals, or take a moment to self-reflect, these exercises may prove helpful for you. Plus, Cashman mentions many resources for readers to gain more insight into certain leadership theories or programs, so again, that may be beneficial for some.

If, however, you view this book or the wisdom Cashman wishes to provide with skepticism, then there is not much this book can provide. I felt the same as these skeptics, and certainly, some of the exercises he asks of the reader were not for me, and I feel Cashman would be okay with that. However, there is something here for you too, I am sure.