Rating: 
Summary: A MUST READ for all persons in positions of leadership
Review: "Generation to Generation" by Edwin Friedman is a groundbreaking book on the dynamics of organizational and religious leadership as seen through the lens of the multi-generational family systems model. In the book, Friedman uses case studies and examples drawn from his own leadership experience and uses them to illustrate how leadership can be understood and transformed by having an awareness of three major systems that directly affect organizational leadership:1. the personal multi-generational family system of the leader 2. the organization itself as a system with both functional and dysfunctional elements 3. the family systems of those person within the organization- for a religious congregation this would be the families within the congregation; for a company it would be that of the employees; for a hospital, it would be that of the employees, volunteers and patients who comprise that organization, etc. Friedman brilliantly shows how these three sets of systems intertwine with one another to make an organization function in a certain way. He asserts that by better understanding the dynamics of these systems and how they affect one another, leaders can move from a transactional style of leadership to one that is more transformational in the way it functions. In addition, Friedman's book is a tremendously helpful resource in seeking to gain a better understanding of one's own family of origin issues and how these dynamics manifest themselves in our relationships throughout the life cycle. In this sense, this book will be greatly beneficial, not only for leaders, but also for lay people as well as caregivers. The book is challenging reading in spots, but well worth the effort- get this book of you have not done so already- it will change your perspective on leadership and life.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ for all persons in positions of leadership
Review: "Generation to Generation" by Edwin Friedman is a groundbreaking book on the dynamics of organizational and religious leadership as seen through the lens of the multi-generational family systems model. In the book, Friedman uses case studies and examples drawn from his own leadership experience and uses them to illustrate how leadership can be understood and transformed by having an awareness of three major systems that directly affect organizational leadership: 1. the personal multi-generational family system of the leader 2. the organization itself as a system with both functional and dysfunctional elements 3. the family systems of those person within the organization- for a religious congregation this would be the families within the congregation; for a company it would be that of the employees; for a hospital, it would be that of the employees, volunteers and patients who comprise that organization, etc. Friedman brilliantly shows how these three sets of systems intertwine with one another to make an organization function in a certain way. He asserts that by better understanding the dynamics of these systems and how they affect one another, leaders can move from a transactional style of leadership to one that is more transformational in the way it functions. In addition, Friedman's book is a tremendously helpful resource in seeking to gain a better understanding of one's own family of origin issues and how these dynamics manifest themselves in our relationships throughout the life cycle. In this sense, this book will be greatly beneficial, not only for leaders, but also for lay people as well as caregivers. The book is challenging reading in spots, but well worth the effort- get this book of you have not done so already- it will change your perspective on leadership and life.
Rating:
Summary: Last family therapy book one will ever need!
Review: After reading many books on human behavior, and continually searching for more information, I feel I have found the final book I'll ever need on this subject. This man is a genius, with insight that is up-to-date and applicable to most any situation in family therapy. I have recommended this book to everyone I know.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: An interesting theory-but I'd say it's strictly a theory...contrived
Rating:
Summary: A modern classic
Review: Friedman's seminal work in the application of Bowen Family Systems Theory to congregational life (Jewish and Protestant) has become a modern classic. More than just "theory" Friedman's book offers examples of the application through the lens of both pastor (rabbi) and therapist. This book provides the key to both healthy leadership and functional, healthy religious systems.
Rating:
Summary: A modern classic
Review: Friedman's seminal work in the application of Bowen Family Systems Theory to congregational life (Jewish and Protestant) has become a modern classic. More than just "theory" Friedman's book offers examples of the application through the lens of both pastor (rabbi) and therapist. This book provides the key to both healthy leadership and functional, healthy religious systems.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: Friedman's work has helped me in my ministry with congregations I have served over the last 12 years. I have used his work to help me understand the dilemas which I face as the spiritual leader of a congregation that is resistant to change. This is a great resource for any spiritual leader.
Rating:
Summary: THE resource to help clergy understand family process.
Review: Friedman's work has helped me in my ministry with congregations I have served over the last 12 years. I have used his work to help me understand the dilemas which I face as the spiritual leader of a congregation that is resistant to change. This is a great resource for any spiritual leader.
Rating:
Summary: Life Saving
Review: I must have read this book twenty times since I was assigned to to read it in 1992, and it has grown on me. At first reading, the concepts that Friedman presents may seem contrived and counter-intuitive. However, after being in a leadership role in my church for some time now, this book is an absolute life saver. Leadership by self-definition is the most difficult, but the only honest and edifying way to leadership.
Rating:
Summary: A Family therapists companion
Review: The Late Edwin Friedman's greatest work! A fabulous integration of the therapist in all his spheres of life. Salute!
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