Written by: Judith McCartney on February 23, 2025

 Shaping the Future of Leadership.

I read an article from Harvard long ago called “Women less inclined to self-promote than men, even for a job. My curiosity peaked when they discussed how even when a woman knows she answered 15 out of 20 questions correctly on a task and a man knows he answered 15 out of 20 questions correctly on a task, the woman is more than likely to describe her performance less favourably than the man. Simply telling women about their performance won’t be enough, and telling women about self-promotion by others won’t be enough. Men tend to be much more generous than women in their self-evaluations. They suggested that a policy to push forward the use of more objective performance metrics rather than subjective self-assessments of performance could help build confidence.[1] After reading “Leadersmithing, Revealing the Trade Secrets of Leadership,” I felt we could build the confidence in our future leaders that is needed to succeed, for both men and women. I was completely engaged just after reading the foreword and introduction! To feel less in leadership, women and girls do not have to be that way. Let’s look at the book and see how we can change the trajectory of confidence building by embracing the clarity of this book.

I’ve spent over four decades working in marginalized communities. I have worked with all sorts of young leaders. I’ve mainly worked with emerging, young leaders in marginalized communities that go through tremendous challenges. I’ve seen such potential in these young leaders, but I’ve also seen the struggle to rise above their hard realities.  Leadersmithing, felt like a confirming moment for me. It helped me to see how unique it is to be part of the shaping of a leadership apprentice. It is like a craftsman forming a profound piece of art. The Executive Leader can form and build confidence in their leaders and all those they resource and train. Poole makes it simple.

We need more books demystifying leadership and turning the c-level job into a pragmatic job description.[2]  Poole is setting the stage for greater confidence in leaders by building an easy-to-read book that helps us become an effective leader.[3] Although an easy-to-read book, she does highlight that as an apprentice, one needs a lot of practice, there’s lots of preparation, and you will need ongoing feedback.[4]

I love the concept of Leadersmithing: that leadership is a craft. Poole said this is something that can be developed with intentionality over time. I recall working in the Michigan projects in 1984; I was scared; it was the first time I worked with a group of leaders, all excited to run programs for young children in a challenging community.  I had no idea how to run programs in the projects. I had no real training, and the only direction we received was to create a summer program for 8 weeks! I saw leadership qualities blossom in me and my peers, all of us not recognizing our own potential until after we ran that program for the children. .  Poole highlights the application of the leader craft versus what the word ‘leadership’ really means.[5]

We have infused the apprenticeship model in the projects of Toronto that is highly relational, organic, servanthood, and compassion for others; it’s about mentorship, humility and service reflecting Heart for Evangelism, Jesus’ leadership model of a Rabbi – Discipleship relationship.[6]These are key qualities for our young apprentices in our projects reflecting the ministry of Jesus. In my 40 years of ministry I have seen quite a number of leaders experience a similar landscape of what Poole calls leadership and the apprenticeship craft that reflects hours of practice.[7] It’s a simple yet profound model; it’s not a mystery, it is Leadersmithing, it is practice, it is Apprenticeship, it’s building confidence with each person at the table with a voice and able to hone in on foundational practices of leading, and in turn, they are building confidence in this collaborative landscape. I’ve seen whole communities change and young people change because of this apprentice-leadership model. The beauty of this is it also can become a multiplication model, the pinnacle of leadership that John Maxwell talks about in the 5 Levels of Leadership book.[8]

I’ve currently started another job. It’s not in professional ministry but in a global marketplace Tech Company. I am the Director of Organizational Change. This book makes sense to me in my current reality. When I think of the main concepts and ideas, In real time, I’m seeing how they might be applicable:

• Leadersmithing as an Art and Craft: I’m patiently developing 7 Executive Leaders in the Dominican Republic; leaning into constant learning, and new resources, building a strategy with them in real-time
• Self-Reflection: They will be learning some new cognitive coaching skills, doing some self-awareness assessments, getting to know their leadership, strengths, and weaknesses, learning more about their leadership style and how to apply it to their direct reports
• Four Crucial Leadership Attributes: We are practicing how to lead in their positions through courage and making strong decisions, Wisdom in their departments to assess and weigh outcomes, using Charisma and galvanizing in our departments and leading through Integrity to be consistent, transparent and make ethical decisions.
• Importance of Purpose: Before leaving this country I’ll be training them about what their WHY is. That doing this job has to be greater than just making money. So we are unpacking their values and vision so in turn they’ll be able to inspire their teams and have greater alignment with their goals.
• Impact of their Leadership: In real-time, I’m training them on how to nurture their direct reports, build a team, and build a landscape of collaboration.

In conclusion, I like how practical this book is. It helps an executive leader develop a leadership approach, preparing them for the C-suiter can impact through integrity and how to lead and vision.

[1] Christina Pazzanese, “Harvard Gazette, Women less inclined to self-promote then men, even for a job.” February 07. 2020

[2] Eve Poole, Leadersmithing: Revealing the Trade Secrets of Leadership. (London: Bloomsbury Business, 2017, foreward

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Eve Poole, Leadersmithing: Revealing the Trade Secrets of Leadership. (London: Bloomsbury Business, 2017, Introduction

[6] New International Version Bible, Matthew 28:16-20

[7] Eve Poole, Leadersmithing: Revealing the Trade Secrets of Leadership. (London: Bloomsbury Business, 2017, Introduction

[8] Maxwell, John C. The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential. New York: Center Street, 2011

About the Author

Judith McCartney