Doing Good & Doing Well: Inspiring Helping Professionals to Become Leaders in Their Organizations

In Doing Good and Doing Well, Michael L. Kaufman skillfully explores the intersection of altruism and leadership for helping professionals. Kaufman elucidates the core message that those in service-oriented careers possess inherent traits that resonate with their roles as helpers and equip them to ascend into leadership positions. This duality of purpose—doing good while thriving professionally—is the core message of this book. The book's organization mirrors Kaufman's guiding philosophy, combining personal narratives, historical context, and practical advice to engage readers. It opens with an empowering introduction, followed by ten chapters that dissect various aspects of leadership relevant to educators, social workers, and healthcare professionals. The structure alternates between motivational anecdotes, analytical insights, and actionable strategies, culminating in a reflective conclusion that urges readers to define their leadership vision.  

Key topics addressed in this book include the rise of female leaders in traditionally male-dominated fields, the impact of crises (like COVID-19), and the crucial role of soft skills—such as emotional intelligence, social awareness, and grit—in leadership. Kaufman’s emphasis on nurturing one's personality traits—like warmth, grit, empirical curiosity, and passion—illustrates how these characteristics can blend to create compassionate yet effective leaders. Kaufman’s effective delivery of his message is notable through his relatable storytelling. By sharing personal experiences and examples from various professions, he demystifies leadership concepts and connects more intimately with readers. Kaufman's evolution from a crisis intervention director to CEO exemplifies the journey he advocates. Furthermore, the author’s conversational tone invites readers into an intimate dialogue, making the content relatable and actionable. Doing Good and Doing Well is a gorgeous and informative book that is a priceless addition to leadership literature, particularly for helping professionals. Michael L. Kaufman champions the necessity of integrating humanitarian principles within organizational frameworks and dismantles stigmas around leadership in service roles—all while inspiring readers to harness their innate abilities to effect change for themselves and their communities. It is authoritative, packed with wisdom, and filled with inspiration.