In his book, The Call of the Leader, Michael Notaro presents a new model for authentic leadership that moves beyond traditional formulas and techniques. He argues that effective leadership stems from a deep, internal journey, outlining seven core principles that define the path of leadership excellence: calling, passion, purpose, power, rhythm, courage, and legacy. The journey begins by listening to the inner calling, a personal and intuitive guide that reveals a leader's true purpose. This purpose is the "why" behind their actions, providing meaning beyond a paycheck and acting as a compass to guide difficult decisions. This purpose is then ignited by passion, the visible enthusiasm and energy that drives a leader to overcome obstacles and inspires a shared sense of commitment within their team.
According to Notaro, by aligning purpose and passion, a leader accesses their inner power, which is not about controlling others but about a true sense of authority in one's conviction. This power must be applied with rhythm, an understanding of timing-knowing when to push forward and when to pull back to create a sustainable pace that prevents burnout. This power also drives personal courage - the willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo, which turns a good leader into a great one. Finally, the book emphasizes the enduring value of a positive legacy, which is the lasting impact a leader creates by cultivating a strong, positive culture and developing future leaders. It is the story people tell about a leader, a force that enhances their effectiveness and amplifies their influence long after they are gone.
The Call of the Leader helps readers recognize, respond to, and fulfill their calling by overcoming fear and pressing forward to high achievement, transforming their reality into something better for future generations.
