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4.06 of 5 stars
The best leaders not only lead well but also reflect on their leadership long enough and thoughtfully enough to articulate the philosophies that ca... read full description

reviews

Jan 11, 2009
Chris rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Since my first encounter with Hybels around 1994, I've been a student and fan. I've listened to hundreds of hours of his material and count him among those who've influenced my thinking. While few of the axioms listed in this book were new to me, I still appreciate the fact that he collected them in one place. I've borrowed many of these lines and use them on a weekly basis. For example, "umbrella of mercy" or "vision leaks" are phrases I use almost daily. One that was n More...
May 15, 2009
Mike rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I thought Axiom was ok, but honestly, I felt like it was getting long towards the end. I liken it to Bill Hybels fortune cookies (but longer & meatier). Some of his "leadership proverbs" I had heard before, although there were a few stand out ones for me (I've listed a few below). I suspect that this is the kind of book you probably revisit every so often to pull out a good nugget of truth for whatever leadership stage you find yourself in.

Some highlights (of newer info fo More...
Nov 26, 2009
Iamthird rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Important to set the context, values need heat, 6 by 6, credits others, first test leaders, study history and affirm the praiseworthy, greetings & goodbyes, committed wot working through it no matter what it takes, just say it, call fouls, action and surround with people with bias toward action, find critics kernel of truth, be engaged in the spiritual battle, did we do any learning? create FINISH LINES (day, week, month, annually) need debrief. Leaders finish well.
Nov 10, 2009
Brett rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Drawing on thirty years of leadership experience, Hybels unpacks the leadership mantras that have guided his course. Over 75 proverbs are divided into four categories: vision and strategy, teamwork and communication, activity and assessment, and person integrity. These axioms are short, memorable, and to the point, making for a rich and practical learning experience. This is the sort of book that needs to be reread on a yearly basis. A
Jul 30, 2010
Vaughn rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Though I didn't think I'd like this book, I'm pretty happy I invested the time in it. In Axiom, Hybels offers 75 practical proverbs in an easy to read, refreshing style. Not only is most of the content new, its useful, highly relevant, and applicable by either the secular or non-secular leader (or aspiring leader).
Jun 21, 2010
Jason rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book reads like a Seth Godin book.

Each chapter is short and to the point. I would love to read this book again as a leadership devotional over a couple of months.

Bill Hybels is a seasoned leader and this book contains a lot of truth that will save all leaders a ton of mistakes. Definitely worth checking out.
Oct 14, 2009
Kathryn rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This book was passed out a year ago to teachers after an appreciation service for teachers. It really seems like a random pairing as the book is all about Hybel's leadership in the church. I connected it much more with work I've been doing at church to start a 20-somethings group. Most of it felt like common sense, but I really wasn't the intended audience of this book, so I guess my vote needn't count. I'm sure a pastor or some other person actually in leadership at the church might have a comp More...
Jul 30, 2011
Marcus added it
Hybels has been an icon of mine for awhile. And his book doesn't disappoint. Every leader should read it. But it wasn't worthy enough to garner more than 7 out of 10 because some of the proverbs are so obvious and Hybels didn't add to their discussion.
Sep 09, 2008
Mark rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Bill Hybels has proven over time that he can not only lead a church but can inspire other leaders to lead well - and this book is a distillation of his leadership philosophy into bite-sized pieces. It makes a great companion to his longer book, Courageous Leadership - and in some ways is probably more useful in a staff/volunteer setting where focusing on a short chapter (some are just one page) can really help you flesh out the concepts.

If you've been listening to Hybels preach/teach More...
Dec 03, 2011
Eric rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I'm not normally a Hybels reader. There's some good stuff in here that made me like it. Also, the reason it's so likable is because the chapters are 1-2 pages at most. Goes by quickly.
Oct 12, 2009
Bill rated it: 5 of 5 stars
A powerful and fast read about the essentials of church leadership. Each 1-3 page chapter is based around a simple axiom or short phrase from Hybel's experience as a pastor. Highly recommended for all Christian leaders, great book to begin discussion or to be read by a leadership team.
Jan 29, 2009
Brian rated it: 4 of 5 stars
very good book on leadership. about 50% is directed towards church leadership, but this book is good for anyone who leads.
May 28, 2010
Bobby rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Leadership lesson jewels from Bill Hybels. It's worth the purchase just to read about his "Six by Six Execution" chapter!
Jun 04, 2011
Greg rated it: 5 of 5 stars
THE best book on the DETAILS of leadership in the church I have ever read! Great advice on the little things!
Jan 01, 2010
Mandy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book! For a full review check out http://mandysantos.com/2009/03/24/axiom/
Jan 03, 2009
Jeff rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Best leadership book I've seen since Good to Great. It is directed at church leaders, but that shouldn't stop anyone else. There is PLENTY here for all leaders of organizations.
Sep 20, 2011
Bob rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The chapters contain wit and wisdom from Hybels years of experience.
Jul 20, 2010
Amy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Read my review of Too Busy Not to Pray and you'll get the idea.
Dec 01, 2008
Craig rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Probably the best book on leadership I've ever read.
Jun 12, 2009
Ron rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a good compilation of management techniques.
Jan 17, 2009
Rich rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Must-read for church leaders, and recommended for others as well. Love the format. Each chapter is two pages. Great stuff to gnaw on! Bill's love of God and passion for the mission of the church are encouraging!
Jul 28, 2011
Cary rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Excellent leadership advice. Easy-to-read format.
Apr 10, 2011
Darrel rated it: 4 of 5 stars
good proverbs to read one a day, like a devotion
Aug 09, 2011
Andy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Pithy leadership advice.
Oct 14, 2009
Glendyne is currently reading it
Excellent so far
Sep 23, 2011
Nancy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this...am hoping to work a great many of his thoughts into my regular vocabulary. Makes me aspire to greater, more, better...
Jan 20, 2010
Nancy Graham rated it: 5 of 5 stars
MANY great insights for leaders, though I got a wee bit weary of Hybels's subtle self-promos. Still, he shares many learnings from his wide experience and proven track record.
Feb 02, 2010
Jeff rated it: 5 of 5 stars
One of the best books I read in 2009. Easy read, tons of leadership ideas/thoughts to chew on...
Apr 23, 2009
Seth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is an excellent book, full of leadership proverbs and helpful insight. It's easy to pick up, as each chapter is only two to three pages long, but don't let that fool you. Each thought is presented in a punchy, to the point way.
Mar 09, 2009
Kevin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
While a lot of the stories were geared toward church leadership, the overall principles were timeless for anyone in leadership in any industry. Highly recommend this book.