Jeff Luke's book is simply outstanding and a must read for those public leaders interested in advancing the common good. ?John Bryson, professor of planing and public affairs in the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and author of Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations This groundbreaking guide presents a new kind of leadership that addresses the complex problems facing today's public leaders. These issues?such as economic development, homelessness, teen pregnancy, and many others?are interconnected in nature and have no quick fix solutions. Leaders in federal, state and local agencies must reach out beyond their boundaries to engage a much broader group of stakeholders to create sustainable strategies to address them. The catalytic leader brings together diverse individuals from multiple agencies to address interconnected public problems and work together toward solutions. Filled with case studies, real-world examples, and many other hands-on resources, Catalytic Leadership is written for the true public leaders?citizens from all walks of life, working together to tackle the toughest public problems. "Jeff Luke's book is simply outstanding and a must read for those public leaders interested in advancing the common good." --?John Bryson, professor of planning and public affairs in the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and author of Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations "This is a must read for anyone interested in having a positive impact on the future of his or her community." --?Randall Franke, Commissioner, Marion County, Oregon "Jeff Luke has courageously taken on describing in depth what it takes to make progress in an interconnected world. He has done it by recognizing that the new complex stew of theory, practice, and personal skills are what policy makers need for success. Jeff Luke is a keen observer and thoughtful commentator on leadership for the next century." --?Beverly Stein, chair and chief executive, Multnomah County Board of Commissioners The complex challenges facing today's public leaders?economic development homelessness, teen pregnancy, and many others?have no quick-fix solutions. Interconnected in nature, with an impact on virtually every segment of society, these issues require that leaders in federal, state, and local agencies reach out beyond their boundaries to engage a much broader group of stakeholders to create sustainable strategies to address them.[ital]Catalytic Leadership presents a new kind of leadership that is more successful with these complex, interconnected problems. Effective public leaders act as catalysts who convene multiple stakeholder groups, facilitate and mediate agreements around tough issues, think systemically and strategically about sustainable actions. They are passionate about reaching a particular outcome yet remain flexible and inclusive on specific strategies to reach the desired results.In contrast to traditional leadership, which is based on hierarchical authority, taking charge and "seizing the reins," the catalytic leader is an elected official, appointed public manager, civic leader, or community volunteer who brings together diverse individuals from multiple agencies to address interconnected public problems and work together toward solutions.Handling societal problems in this interconnected world requires unusual and dynamic partnerships between government agencies, nonprofit service providers, business enterprises, neighborhood groups, and educational institutions. This groundbreaking guide shows public leaders how to pull together business, civic and nonprofit leaders to address critical issues and create innovative strategies for change.Filled with case studies, real-world examples, and many other hands-on resources, Catalytic Leadership is written for the true public leaders?citizens from all walks of life, working together to tackle the toughest public problems. The complex challenges facing today's public leaders?economic development homelessness, teen pregnancy, and many others?have no quick-fix solutions. Interconnected in nature, with an impact on virtually every segment of society, these issues require that leaders in federal, state, and local agencies reach out beyond their boundaries to engage a much broader group of stakeholders to create sustainable strategies to address them. [ital]Catalytic Leadership presents a new kind of leadership that is more successful with these complex, interconnected problems. Effective public leaders act as catalysts who convene multiple stakeholder groups, facilitate and mediate agreements around tough issues, think systemically and strategically about sustainable actions. They are passionate about reaching a particular outcome yet remain flexible and inclusive on specific strategies to reach the desired results. In contrast to traditional leadership, which is bas