Friday’s Book: The Truth About Leadership (Part 2) by Kouzes and Posner
At the end of the day, can you say to yourself that you acted in concert with your values? (pg 117)
The second half of The Truth About Leadership covers truths 7-10. You can read my reaction to the first 5 truths from the book in Part 1.
Truth 6: Trust Rules
Truth 7: Challenge is the Crucible for Greatness
Truth 8: You Either Lead by Example or You Don’t Lead at All
Truth 9: The Best Leaders Are the Best Learners
Truth 10: Leadership is an Affair of the Heart
Truths 8 and 10 are challenges that all who lead people, and especially pastors, need to wrestle with on a regular basis.
Lead by Example
So often we preachers stand in front of a congregation and speak about building relationships, evangelizing, discipling, etc. and yet once we leave the pulpit we go back to the administrative grind of “leading a church” and forget that we to wholeheartedly participate in these things we have been preaching. It seems that in the midst of “church work” we can loose sight of our values and priorities and forget to lead the discipleship charge by participating. I challenge you to sit down this week and ask, “What do I value? Am I DOING those things?”
Love is Key to Leadership
Do you truly love what you do? Do you truly love the people who are walking with you on the journey? A passion for the “work” and a passion for the people are key to good leadership. Leader, ask yourself, “Do I really love this? Would I rather be doing something else?” If you are passionate about what you do then ask, “Do I love this enough to truly love the people who are in this with me?” Love leads to great leadership!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who leads others. It ranks with Collins’ Good to Great and is an easier and more immediately applicable read. Pastor, this isn’t a book written specifically for you but you would be remiss not to read it and honestly evaluate your leadership in light of this book.
