The Academy for Leadership and Governance is to be commended for bringing together a diverse group of  contributors who advised, co-authored or financially supported this publication, all sharing the belief in the "potential of younger women to join them as leaders in the nonprofit community." 

Even though there is considerable literature on leadership in print and web resources, this small, easy to read publication is a valued addition to the wealth of information on women in leadership, particularly in the nonprofit world.

Organized in six chapters, the series of reflections from the co-authors branches out with practical tips on self-assessment and personal development, strategies to achieve balance in personal and professional life, building your credentials, dealing with difficulty, and the challenges of leadership.  Especially of note is the insight provided on the "view when you arrive" on the many facets of leaderships' challenges and joys. 

In the epilogue of the book, the co-authors take a wide angle view of the world then and the world now in terms of the impact of gender in the nonprofit workplace.  These issues related to gender's impact on compensation and influences on leadership are as critical as ever to bring into focus.  The glass ceiling, although transparent, is clearly still in place in the workplace, whether in nonprofits or the private sector.  The authors cited a 2001 CompassPoint study which found that even though women make up over 60 percent or more of nonprofit leaders...' "Women are far more likely than their male counterparts to run the smallest nonprofits and less likely to run the largest nonprofits." '  In addition, the study found that ' "women executive directors  are paid significantly less than men, even controlling for size of organization." '

Some particularly worthwhile insights on gender's influence on leadership include a summary of some key "emotional intelligence" components described by Daniel Coleman which, according to writer Marie Wilson, are "traits that serve women well."  In another study, Judy Rosener found that "patterns that emerged in women's leadership styles included encouraging participation, sharing power and information, enhancing the self-worth of others and energizing others."

Women Leading the Way provides lists of online resources, print resources on leadership and recommended readings for inspiration.   I suggest an additional online source:  Advancing Women in Leadership Online Journal at www.advancingwomen.com/awl.

The contributors offer the following practical advice to tomorrow's leaders:  believe in yourself, don't limit your dreams, take time to know the world and yourself, do the job to the best of your ability, and build your credentials through education, skills on the job and volunteering. 

As the co-authors personal reflections on life and leadership progress throughout each chapter of the book, they underscore the importance of self reflection, self-understanding and balance.  This is sound advice for each of us no matter where we are in our career path.  And, this is one of those valuable little books to keep at easy arms reach as a reference, as an inspiration and to share with colleagues.  

Candis S. Isberner, Ph.D.

Executive Director

WSIU Public Broadcasting

Southern Illinois University

Carbondale, IL.