Leadership Knowledge

This is a book for those that believe leaders should start with a servant’s heart. Very helpful for all levels of leadership. It would be a wonderful world if everyone followed these principals.
Rating: 5 / 5

Leadership is something to which many aspire, but few become adept. James Kouzes and Barry Posner assert that anyone can become a good leader if they will pay attention to certain key aspects. They explain, “Leadership is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from themselves and others.” This process involves modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart.

Regarding leadership modeling, there are two main premises to consider, “First Lead Yourself,” and “Values Are Guides.” Jesus warned, “First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Similarly, John Maxwell exhorts, “Work on yourself before you work on others,” and “Work on yourself more than you work on others,” because followers are always watching to see if actions correlate with their leader’s rhetoric. As Maxwell points out “Powerful leadership emerges when your life matches the message.” If leaders want their followers to perform in a particular manner, they should strive to exemplify that same level of performance.

In order to inspiring others to follow, a leader must have a bold vision of where he and his followers need to go. He must also be able to relate that vision in such a way that others will believe they can get there. For the church, this involves a “pure and urgent sense of divine call.” Once leaders have inspired others to share their vision, they must learn to truly hear and understand the group they are working with in order to help them along the path and together see the vision come to reality.

Reflecting on the idea of “Challenge the Process,” Patrick Lencioni presents two important questions: “Who am I really serving?” and “Am I prepared to suffer?” For Christians, the first answer should be obvious, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The best leaders are willing to endure personal hardship for the sake of others, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

Servant leadership involves enabling others to participate in the work of the ministry. Nancy Ortberg points out, “Jesus embodies the ultimate example of someone who fostered collaboration and strengthened individuals,” but she also indicates, “Teamwork and collaboration can only happen when people trust each other.” Leaders must prove themselves trustworthy and learn to trust others to effectively use their God-given talents and abilities as well. Good leaders will constantly watch for gifts and talents evidenced in others and then strive to foster their growth.

Humbly encouraging the hearts of others helps them grow, but Ken Blanchard says leaders must first answer the question, “Are you a servant leader or a self-serving leader?” The key to the proper answer is humility. Leaders must humbly communicate a heartfelt sense of people’s worth accompanied with a well-conceived mission, vision, and values system. In this way, both the heart and the head will be able to guide the work of the hands as leaders encourage the development and commitment of their followers.

With Christ as the Head of the Body, believers must understand their relationship to the Leader and to others. Within the Body, God calls individuals to positions of leadership under Christ, but everyone works together as one body. No one can be a leader if no one follows. As Kouzes and Posner conclude, “Leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow.”

Rating: 4 / 5

Thanks for your great service. The book was delivered quickly and in excellent condition. I enjoyed doing business with you.
Rating: 5 / 5