What follows is a compilation of practices, woven together with stories from Institute faculty and friends, as well as my own experience as one of the ALIA Institute's founding members and now its executive director.

Like the Institute itself, this book is a story told in a personal voice while also being a container for many voices. I have not intended to capture a definitive theory or framework. In fact, I suspect there may never be such a thing. The Institute is too porous and too alive to ever be completed pinned down. It is defined by the nature of its roots, rather than the shape and colour of its branches and leaves. Those roots are both ancient and current, as they tap into the wellspring of universal human goodness and aspiration.

I hope this Little Book sheds new light on the practices you already have and helps you find your way to new ones that work for you. I welcome your suggestions and stories, as we continue to grow our shared understanding of the practices that sustain authentic leadership in times of great challenge.