Ethical Leadership: The Quest for Character, Civility, and Community (Prisms)

This is a research, by Dr. Fluker, which became a noteworthy textbook for those who are serious about functioning in Ethical Leadership and/or Transformative Leadership. is wholly a critical reflection on the narrative of the United States viewed through the prisms of social, self, and spirit with highlights of Transformational Leaders who utilized character, civility, and community in order to correct the country’s character flaws, errored civility, and unjust communities. Within Dr. Fluker’s posits, he offered three processes which Ethical Leaders (from the African American perspective) can utilize in transforming their personal lives for the better, as well as lead in the transformation of their communities, and do their parts in the transformation of the diverse minority groups and mindsets of dominant groups in the postmodern U.S. society. I particularly appreciated Dr. Fluker's (2010) definition of Ethical Leaders: “…those whose characters have been shaped by the wisdom, habits, and practices of particular traditions-often more than one-yet they tend to be identified with a specific cultural ethos and narrative” (Fluker, 2012, Kindle). And most importantly, in each chapter he described how/ when Ethical Leaders become Transformational Leaders: when they function autonomously in reframing the narratives of the cultural ethos, practices, and habits (lifeworlds). Dr. Fluker identified the three worlds which the Ethical Leader consider, and illustrated them in a triangular fashion throughout the writing: psychological world, social world, and spiritual world dimensions. From within these three “worlds” Dr. Fluker lifted out 3 intersections where these lifeworlds “collide”: Character, Civility, and Community intersections. Ethical leaders come into being through the development of character, civility, and community. And with the kiss of excellence, resembling that of a seasoned preacher/ pastor, Dr. Fluker neared the conclusion of "Ethical Leadership" by suggesting the telling of one's story, and proceded to tell the imaginative story of the "White Unicorn". For serious leaders, this is a "must read", and a "must refer to" type of book.

The book came in a timely fashion. College students need to get their books as soon as possible, as assignments begin the first week, so I appreciate when I get books on time.I have quoted from this book almost weekly, and it is an excellent read. A must have for all in ministry, administration, and leadership.

I gave this book five stars because it speaks to the need to rethink leadership in America in general and the Black church in particular. At a time of chaos and division in America today, this book challenges traditional leadership models to explore a new way of thinking about where we going and who and what we're following.

Book was delivered timely and well wrapped for protection. This is an excellent source on ethical leadership in today's community of hip hop and changing values. Fluker has done a wonderful job in addressing the loss of credible leaders due to the lack of ethics and compassion for the lest of these. As emerging leaders ethics and civility is one of the cornerstones of effective leadership.

This book is thoughtfully and well written by a seasoned practitioner of leadership , a research scholar on leadership, and one who is committed to ethical leadership as being foundational for community answering the chaos so widely prevalent among us.I highly recommend this book to colleges, seminaries, and to all who seek insights on effective leadership.. J.Alfred Smith Sr.

could not appreciate this work.

If you're into thoughts, ideas or examples of leadership and leadership skills, this book is for you. It is full of many examples of leadership styles and personalities. Gives you a lot to think about. Helps you decipher your own leadership style or lack thereof. Buy it!

I read this book for a graduate class that looked at mission to ministry. The author referred frequently to the writings of Howard Thurman and Rev. dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And provides a background for building community.