"A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix" is a book by Edwin H. Friedman. I find it interesting that Mr. Friedman is a rabbi who was a political consultant to 3 presidencies. The book focuses on the role of leaders and their impact on organizations and communities, and argues that effective leadership requires a strong and resilient nervous system. In short, the book emphasizes that leader must do what is right, not what is popular, comfortable or friendly.

The author asserts that leaders must be able to manage their own anxiety and emotions, as well as the anxiety and emotions of those they lead, in order to achieve success. He contends that leaders who lack emotional intelligence and the ability to manage anxiety and stress can lead to a "failure of nerve" and negatively impact organizations and communities.

The book also explores the importance of boundary management and the need for leaders to maintain clear boundaries between themselves and their constituents, in order to maintain their independence and effectiveness.

Overall, I found "A Failure of Nerve" to be a thought-provoking examination of leadership and the critical role of emotional intelligence and boundary management in effective leadership. The author argues that the majority of society’s short comings originate from a failure of nerve within leadership in government, corporations and at home with the family. Today’s leaders do not lack the skill, data, or methods to be successfully leaders. They simply lack the nerve to truly lead.