Lift: The Fundamental State of Leadership

“While it is commonly thought that influence is some political force that we exert upon others to get our way, the Quinns show how truly effective leadership begins with a selfless and positive influence that radiates from our inner core—our best self.” —Thomas Glocer, founder and Managing Partner, Angelic Ventures, LP, and former CEO, Thomson Reuters “The psychological state required for ‘lift’ encompasses the very essence of leadership in the public domain: a sense of being purpose centered, guided by values, caring for others, and focused on what can be done to improve programs, conditions, and services. Lift is all about making a difference—the spirit of public service in the 21st century.” —Mary Ellen Joyce, Executive Director, Brookings Executive Education “Lift presents rigorous science in an accessible way and imparts practical wisdom that keeps the title’s promise: it will lift you and the people around you.” —R. Edward Freeman, Elis and Signe Olsson Professor of Business Administration, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia

Ryan W. Quinn is associate professor of management at the University of Louisville College of Business.Robert E. Quinn holds the Margaret Elliott Tracy Collegiate Professorship at the University of Michigan and serves on the faculty of Management and Organizations at the Ross School of Business.