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This book is an important guide for individuals seeking to develop and grow their leadership skills in the wildlife conservation sector, across varied disciplines such as environmental management, conservation biology and eco-tourism.
Conservation Leadership addresses what leadership is, why it is important, and how to be an effective leader. It identifies common pitfalls in a leader's own thinking or behaviour, and the unexpected consequences or responses which can arise, and then explores more helpful alternative approaches to leadership. The book is divided into three parts:
- Part One: Leadership Principles
- Part Two: Four Areas of Profound Theory: Knowledge, Psychology, Systems and Variation
- Part Three: Skills and Competencies for Conservation Leaders
It focuses on contextual and organizational challenges in conservation, including limited resources, remote locations, fragile species of concern, politics, community conflict, crime, and commercial pressures. The scope is global, using diverse examples such as sea turtle head-starting in South Asia, reforestation in North Africa, bird conservation in North America, human-wildlife interactions in the Himalayas, and post-colonial issues in the Caribbean. Case studies illustrate key learning points from small local teams through to global trans-national initiatives. Exercises in each chapter enable the exploration of less-familiar topics, including interpersonal skills, goal setting and performance measurement, plus a unique research-derived Conservation Leadership Self-Assessment Tool.
This book is essential reading for professionals and senior leaders in the wildlife management and conservation sector, as well as students on biodiversity conservation, wildlife conservation and environmental management courses.
Part One - Leadership Principles
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Leadership in Conservation
Chapter 2. Potential pitfalls for leaders of conservation
Chapter 3. Initial perspectives for conservation leaders
Chapter 4. How leadership ethos influences conservation design
Part Two - Four Areas of Profound Theory: Knowledge, Psychology, Systems and Variation
Chapter 5. Knowledge and uncertainty in conservation science
Chapter 6. Managing performance in natural systems
Chapter 7. The psychology of leading and influencing conservation
Chapter 8. Insights into organisational systems in conservation
Part Three - Skills and Competencies for Conservation Leaders
Chapter 9. Interpersonal skills and communication for conservation
Chapter 10. Team Process Skills for Conservation
Chapter 11. Governance for change and innovation in conservation
Chapter 12. 'Six Factors of Conservation Leadership': a Framework for Professional Development
Simon Black is an Organisational Psychologist and Conservation Biologist who has trained hundreds of professionals worldwide and devised the innovative postgraduate course 'Leadership Skills for Conservation Professionals' at the School of Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent, UK. He is a trustee of Wildwood, the leading UK conservation and rewilding charity, has published over fifty international journal articles, and is co-author of Species Conservation: Lessons from Islands (2018).
"Poor leadership constrains organisational efforts and limits success, but effective leaders adapt to emerging situations and challenges. Simon Black's work, presented in this guide, steers the development of leadership skills, use of personal feedback, effective execution of organisational processes, and change management; all essential for equipping organisations for sustained success."
– Luke Maamai, Lion Guardians Conservation Manager, Kenya
"Simon Black leaves no question unturned on how to be an impactful leader in this tried and tested wisdom-infused book. It offers unique clarity in understanding the role of Leadership in Conservation found in no other book. A MUST HAVE for seasoned, new and future Leaders."
– Danita Strikland, Marine Programme Manager, Conservation International, Samoa
"Shortly after leaving University, I became coordinator of an island restoration programme, despite limited project management experience. Happily, I was able to benefit from a week-long training course by Simon Black. Those practical tools and techniques, now covered in his book, significantly strengthened my leadership effectiveness and, even many years into my conservation career, continue to provide benefits."
– Shanna Challenger, Offshore Islands Conservation Program, EAG, Antigua & Barbuda
"Simon Black's book enables a rethink of conservation leadership for the complex, evolving needs of our sector. Recognising the importance of valuing people within the process of leadership, the book provides guidance on how to demonstrate mutual respect, adapt to emerging situations, devolve responsibility and ultimately deliver more effective conservation."
– Jamie Copsey, Director of Training, IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group
"This book arrives in a moment where, more than ever, effective leadership is needed to face challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Simon Black brings his experience and insights to offer this practitioners' guide. From behavioural components which foster motivation, through to purposeful systematic change and concrete action, the book offers a new perspective on conservation leadership."
– Anita Diederichsen, WWF Brazil, Forest Landscape Restoration Global Leader; and CCNET Lead (Latin America)
"Many years ago, Simon's training insights helped me to take on challenges for biodiversity in India and steer the conservation efforts which we continue to pursue. I am pleased to see this learning in book form, complete with updated subjects which will nurture leadership in budding conservationists, as well existing leaders, to face conservation challenges of today."
– Parag Jyoti Deka, Programme Manager Pygmy Hog Conservation (Durrell), and Threatened Species Recovery Programme (Aaranyak), India
"This is a much-needed resource for conservation practitioners, to rethink how leadership can shape conservation outcomes. It offers an essential view of leadership at all levels of conservation work, and the qualities and attributes to which we should aspire, to nurture our pursuit of successful conservation."
– Samuel Leslie, Savannakhet Landscape Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, Lao PDR
"Bold and creative leaders are required to look to the future to make the world a better place for all biodiversity. Simon's book is showing how we need leadership to do this and is helping to show the way."
– Carl Jones, Chief Scientist, Durrell; Scientific Director, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, and Indianapolis Prize Winner 2016
"I recommend this book to fellow conservationists from all cultural backgrounds looking to positively influence their communities, accelerate change and to successfully lead conservation programmes."
– Wilna Accouche, General Manager, Green Islands Foundation, Seychelles
"Successful and strong leadership is needed to drive froward change, to lead teams and to steer groups to work in partnership. Never has it been so critical for us to have effective leadership in conservation, so it is without doubt, the perfect timing for this book."
– Paul Whitfield, Director General, Wildwood Trust, UK
