Step Up: Lead In Six Moments That Matter

Step Up: Lead In Six Moments That Matter does a great job of identifying six common times that leadership makes a difference. Indeed, leaders are often born in those moments. Being able to recognize them, and then navigate them effectively, will help anyone become a more effective leader.

I’ve seen all of those times in church life; I suspect they are common to every organization, and are moments every leader will experience. But there were two items in particular that stuck out to me.

The first related to leveraging pessimism. Dealing with pessimists is one of the most (more…)

The 12 Week Year

I loved The 12 week Year! It captures a lot of what I have learned about time management, and took some of those concepts further than I have on my own.

It’s very hard to keep any kind of focus for a full year. I try to do that, but I find myself starting and stopping often over the course of the year (and I’m pretty goal-oriented). Every time I have shortened the time frame I focus on, I find myself more productive, more efficient, and more satisfied overall with what I’m accomplishing.

One of the big pluses of this approach is the review week. Push hard in a focused way for twelve weeks, and then take a week to review and plan the next twelve. I like the symmetry (more…)

Generational IQ

Generational IQ was a fascinating look at the differences between the generations and how those differences are expressed related to spirituality. I found it tremendously insightful and helpful in understanding the different values and approaches that the different generations have.

Rather than a particular insight from the book, I found myself pondering how to take those differences into account from a teaching or preaching perspective. Clearly, the different generations see things differently, and understand and value things differently. Is it possible to cross those lines successfully? Is it possible to speak to all the generations effectively? When one values community, and another generation values individuals, how do you communicate with both? (more…)

The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership

In The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership, Jenni Catron does a great job of giving a holistic view of leadership, grounded in some basic Bible truths. I found myself stimulated on several levels. It’s a great book for those who want to increase their understanding of how their own leadership operates and gives some steps forward to grow as a leader, no matter where you are starting from.

I loved the emphasis on the importance of being able to lead ourselves. The longer I go on in leadership, the more importance I place on that truth. I think it is often the one thing more than any other that will make or break a leader. (more…)

Leadership is an Art

Leadership is an Art is one book that has shaped my understanding of leadership as much as any other. In some ways it is hard to read; it’s more a collection of insights than a story. But I have found some of those insights to be quite profound.

I’ll share two of them with you. (more…)