David Rainey ’77, acting dean of Rensselaer at Hartford and professor of practice in the Lally School of Management, has authored the book Visionary Strategic Leadership: Sustaining Success through Strategic Direction, Corporate Management, and High-Level Programs, recently published by Information Age Publishing.
The book covers the principles, processes, and practices of visionary strategic leadership (VSL). It focuses on a holistic view of the corporation and all of the supporting entities and customers and stakeholders. Rainey addresses new theories, methods, and practices that are in line with 21st-century dynamics.
The framework of the book flows from defining and articulating the concepts of VSL, corporate strategic management, corporate vision, fundamental values, and discussing high-level (grand) strategies, objectives, and actions, to developing and managing high-level strategic programs and mitigating risks. According to Rainey, “VSL involves using imagination to address what ought to be done instead of what is being done, obtaining insights from the market spaces and the business environment, being innovative in developing new solutions, and integrating the whole business enterprise.”
The purpose of the book is to provide insights and suggestions for corporate leaders of today and to offer guidance and direction for the young strategic leaders of tomorrow. “VSL involves having a high-level position, being responsible for the strategic leadership and management of a company or a strategic business unit, inspiring and leading the organization, and sustaining success,” said Rainey.
Rainey is an internationally known author, educator, academic administrator, and consultant. He is a leading authority on technological innovation, product development, sustainable development, strategic leadership, strategic management, and energy management.