Kellye Y. Testy
Executive Director and CEO, AALS
Why is teaching leadership in law schools important?
Lawyers are called upon to be leaders in one capacity or another. Leadership is a skill that can be learned and helps lawyers be effective in serving their clients and causes, in helping their organizations thrive, and in strengthening the rule of law and advancing equal justice.
If you teach a leadership course, what’s the title and brief description of the course?
Law & Leadership — a course that builds law students understanding of the field of leadership and capacity to develop the skills required to grow as a leader.
If you use a textbook or book, what do you use?
I use my own collection of materials.
What’s your favorite leadership book?
Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading (Heifetz & Linsky)
What’s your favorite leadership quote?
“If you dislike change, you’re going to dislike irrelevance even more.” (Shinseki).
What, if anything, do you want the reader to know about your views about leadership that doesn’t fit any of the above questions?
I love studying leadership and working with individuals to support their leadership journeys because it is so interesting and complex. How can it not be when it is about the alchemy of human interaction amid our many wounds, shortcomings, talents, and hopes? Before a leader can fix much else, they need to first focus on improving their own health — spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical. That first step helps a leader get out of their own way so that they can truly be of service to others.