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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Reviving the Heart of Leadership, James Decker discusses his leadership journey and the role of compassion, empathy, and growth in leading healthcare organizations. He speaks on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, drawing from his own experience. Decker stresses that effective leadership requires a balance between strong decision-making and compassionate care for those you lead. He talks about how his approach evolved over time, especially in difficult circumstances like hospital downsizing or managing healthcare system shifts, delivering his crucibles, and breaking down everything a reader requires. Decker also spends some time discussing how personal experiences, like his upbringing on a Louisiana farm and mentorship from influential figures, shaped his leadership style, which values humility, listening, and the power of human connection in leadership. “People who work in healthcare will frequently use the words “heart for service” and “compassion for our fellow man” to describe their calling. It is central to their very being.”
Reviving the Heart of Leadership: Empowering Healthcare Executives to Lead With Compassion by James Decker is an articulate, thoughtful, and necessary guide given the state we find healthcare in today—but also to any leader regardless of sector. Decker does an excellent job of pulling together multiple factors. I thought his approach to guiding an organization through change, especially when there's resistance and/or in the aftermath of long-standing leadership, and his "25-50-25" rule on where most people land. Decker's personal life stories—particularly the harrowing account of his wife’s accident and his role as her primary caregiver—makes all the professional angles feel more relatable and inspiring. The writing style shows a clear authority but is able to maintain a conversational feel, and he goes the distance in giving practical leadership lessons as well as a reality check on the emotional and psychological resilience needed in high-pressure situations. Very highly recommended.
