Reviewed by:
Jim Utley
Director of Technical Services
Niagara Bottling LLC
Leaders long to leave a lasting impression on their work and their teams. They want to be the kind of positive force for achievement that gives those around them the opportunity to succeed. For the Christian leader, this is complicated by trying to balance the kindness and goodwill of faith with the pressures of accomplishment. This is hard enough without the misinformation found in some Christian leadership books, advancing the myth that simply being a good Christian can make you good at leading.
When I had the opportunity to read Longevity in Leadership: Essential Qualities of Longtime Leaders it was refreshing to see a book on Christian leadership that gave real advice about things a leader can work on and competencies they can develop that supports leadership. The book frames 12 clear lessons into four main stages of developing leadership in oneself. The entire study is set in Biblical and practical examples and calls for leaders to “Go the Distance,” to always think about how decisions and habits today create the future.
“I was struck by the real world examples of how to demonstrate a willingness to be vulnerable that shows real authenticity and transparency.” –Jim Utley
Leaders should grow to ‘Go the Distance’ in Trust, Endeavor, Aim and Motivate.
Trust is built by first trusting God, and trusting others, so that when the leaders begin working to build trust in themselves that trust rests on genuineness, reliability, trustworthiness, and honesty. I was struck by the real world examples of how to demonstrate a willingness to be vulnerable that shows real authenticity and transparency. Each chapter then ends with a case study to bring the ideas home.
Endeavor through hard work by studying habits to understand strengths. A piece that resonated with me was the checklist on overcoming defensiveness, and inviting the “gift of rebuke.” A real skill is developing the desire to seek out negative feedback, then interpreting that feedback as an opportunity. Few books tackle the hard topic of being a flawed leader who is subject to negativity, but Longevity in Leadership does and uses it as the springboard to finding personal purpose.
Aim, not simply through priorities, but through the power of relationships. The authors, Dr. Phillip V. Lewis and Dr. John P. Harrison give descriptions of real-world personalities that stand in the way of building a great network of people and give specific advice on how to deal with them.
Motivate through more than collaboration; motivate through a sense of community that fosters real communication. The authors close this section with powerful lessons in being a real listener. Listening is the leader’s mode of exploration. Listening is the act of discovery, not only ideas, but also feelings, aspirations, and potential. “Speak with your ears” is a phrase that stuck with me and helped shape my leadership style.
Longevity in Leadership skillfully weaves scripture, real-world examples, and thought-provoking case studies into a framework that can be used. Every leader who wants real daily tasks they can practice so they can grow—and Go the Distance—should read this book.
Publisher: Abilene Christian University Press
acupressbooks.com