Opening your mind, step by step

Stone Zander, R., & Zander, B. (2000) The Art of Possibility. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

The authors urge leaders to shed “scarcity thinking” and embrace possibility. It is the difference between plugging away within confines and exploring boundless possibilities. Stone Zander, a family therapist, and Zander, the music director of the Boston Philharmonic, argue that we place limits on ourselves, constrained by custom, convention, and insecurities. They suggest that we first determine the limits we have constructed in our minds, to question those, and to imagine how our situation might look if we let go of the self-imposed limits.

Zander uses poignant anecdotes from his years conducting musicians of all skill levels around the world. His departure from the traditional hierarchical orchestra structure elicits new energy and insight from musicians and opens new avenues for Zander as a leader. Each idea the authors present is accompanied by a “practice” to help readers apply the concept. The book is an excellent antidote to burnout and is sure to appeal to your inner optimist.