At no time in recent memory has the practice of public health leadership been more challenging. This book, and its accompanying set of diverse and accessible learning experiences (interviews with notable leaders, case studies, self-assessments, reflection exercises, and the like), provides a solid foundation for the practice of leadership in organizations focusing on such leadership topics as strategic leadership, systems thinking, team leadership, change leadership, and the development of others. Further, the book exposes readers to the challenges, actions, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health and healthcare crises—from after-action reviews to interviews and insights from those on the front lines—culminating in the development of a leadership framework to inform leadership practice. The intended audience for this textbook includes candidates for MHA, DrPH, and MPH degrees, as well as leaders in healthcare, health administration, and public health seeking to further develop their leadership practice. Although key leadership theories will be explored and integrated, the primary focus of this book is on the practice of leadership. The key differentiating feature of the book is that it gives voice to those who practice leadership and have the credibility to discuss the popular as well as the academic literature on a topic—building on a solid foundation of theory, skills, behaviors, and lessons about the challenges leaders face and the contexts in which they must succeed. The book also provides a wide and rich array of learning experiences that incorporate lessons and insights from public health and healthcare leaders. It is organized into four parts. Part I details leadership basics. Part II focuses on key leadership theories and their application. Part III discusses the context and challenges of leadership practice. The final part focuses more specifically on the practice of leadership.
