A Four-Week Book Study
In A Failure of Nerve, Edwin Friedman makes a bold assertion: the future belongs to leaders who can remain a non-anxious presence when the system around them is spiraling. Courage, imagination, and a well‑defined self are what move people forward.
This four-week book study will explore this claim so that you can learn to lead through self-differentiation.
Tuesdays from September 8-29, 2026
5:00pm – 6:30pm EDT
Cost: $99
Sessions will be recorded if you can’t make it in person.
What This Study Offers
This course will help you:
- Understand chronic anxiety and its impact on leadership.
- Help lead a system that is stuck in its desire for expertise and empathy.
- Develop integrity, steadiness and resilience in the face of sabotage.
Course Outline:
Week 1 — Choosing Adventure over Safety
The characteristics of a chronically anxious society make it difficult for leaders to maintain the adventurous spirit required for meaningful impact.
Chapters:
Imaginative Gridlock and the Spirit of Adventure
A Society in Regression
Week 2 — Barriers to Imaginative Thinking
Understanding the obstacles to imaginative thinking helps the leader embrace the spirit of adventure.
Chapters:
The Fallacy of Expertise
The Fallacy of Empathy
Week 3 — The Key to Integrity
Leadership through self‑differentiation understands that presence is more important than method.
Chapters:
The Fallacies of Self
Take Five
Week 4 — You’re Not Leading Unless You Experience Sabotage
Leading as a non‑anxious presence is the key to dealing with sabotage.
Chapters:
Emotional Triangles
Crisis and Sabotage
Epilogue: The Presence of the Past
What You'll Gain
A clearer definition of your own leadership stance
Tools for navigating anxious systems without overfunctioning
A deeper understanding of sabotage and resistance
A more imaginative, less reactive posture
A grounded sense of integrity and presence
Your Guide - Jack Shitama
Jack Shitama is an author, teacher, speaker and coach. He has studied family systems theory for 35 years and has spent the past 27 years helping others lead as a non‑anxious presence personally and professionally.
Money back guarantee: I’m confident you’ll find tremendous value in this course. If, at any time, you think otherwise, I’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.
Have a question? Email me.
I’m here to help.