An examination of Ignatian discernment in leadership—leading through one's values and integrative conscience
In an era marked by systemic disruption—whether political, environmental, social, or technological—leaders cannot rely solely on expertise, charisma, or operational efficiency. Most books on leadership development tend to focus on better tactics for decision-making and relationship management, without exploring the practice of leading through one's values and attendant relational commitments at work.
Discerning Leadership is grounded in the Ignatian tradition of discernment and brought into conversation with contemporary leadership skills across disciplines. Ignatian-based discernment involves a practice of decision-making that is open, gathers information, is attentive to expressed and unexpressed needs, employs imagination and reflection for finding the best solutions, and acts in all ways so leadership transformation is both a goal and a by-product of the process. By engaging in both the theoretical and practical applications of this approach, the book's editors and contributors teach us how it looks in the real world. A discerning leader uses their integrative conscience, which, when well applied, can transform the leader, the team, the community, and society around us.
About the Author
Michael Reid Trice is the Spehar-Halligan Endowed Professor and executive director of the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE) at Seattle University, and founder of the Religica Theolab.
Kara Markell is the assistant dDirector of the CEIE and teaches in the Discerning Leadership Certificate program.
Marc A. Cohen is director of the Professional MBA program at the Albers School at Seattle University and holds joint faculty appointments in philosophy and management.
Sofia Sayabalian received a master's of communication in digital nedia from the University of Washington and serves as coordinator for strategic communications and web platform integration at the CEIE.
