Gil W. Fairholm is Emeritus Professor of Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University, and was Adjunct Professor of Management Systems in the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond. He has extensive background as a government executive serving as Administrator of State and Local Finance, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Deputy Administrative Director, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Deputy Director, New York State Office for Community Affairs, Principle Management Analyst, New York State Division of the Budget, Director of Management Improvement, New York State Department of Transportation, and City Manager in Layton, Utah.

He has consulted extensively in government, university and business environments. He headed a university-based consultation service giving advice and policy guidance to top-level African local government officials; developed the first urban government structure in Northern Nigeria; and analyzed operations, decision systems, policy implementation, and personnel and financial relationships. He has significant experience consulting with Virginia state and local governments. Gil also developed policy proposals respecting community relations in urban renewal agencies in Philadelphia and prepared program budgeting systems for all Puerto Rican cities.

Much of this work has been developmental in nature, e.g. creating 3 university leadership programs; serving as first city manager in a new Council-Manager city; creation of a system of urban government forms for Northern Nigeria where none existed before; consolidating transportation-related functions in New York into a new department, defining its goals and describing its structure and procedures and coordinating new program and systems developments.

Gil is the author of over 150 articles, reports and analyses. His 14 books are a direct result of his practical work, but reflect a theory-building, even a philosophical bent. They represent a culmination of his experience and personal growth in the field of leadership.

Defines the principles, goals, and methods of spirit-based value leadership

Argues that movements designed to promote inclusivity and tolerance in the workplace have actually resulted in greater divisiveness and distrust

Provides techniques and tools for leaders to identify and overcome the sources of divisiveness and antagonism to create more harmonious and productive workplaces