A Fish Out of Water: 9 Strategies Effective Leaders Use To Help You Get Back Into The Flow

by George Barna

Ground-breaking information to help readers discover their leadership style and giftedness to help them become as effective as God meant for them to be. After years of research and hundreds of interviews, Barna has emerged with a controversial new definition of what it takes to be a good leader. It isn't what everybody thought. The answer does not depend on reading lots of books and attending seminars on effective management processes. Leaders must be sure that he or she has been called by God to lead, secure in the integrity of his or her character, and capable of inspiring visio n in others. A Fish out of Water answers common questions like "Can I lead if I'm not sure where I'm going myself?" "Do I have what it takes to do this job?" and "Why aren't people following me?" Barna reveals his research of what leadership is-and isn't-and shows how to overcome the challenges that every leader will inevitably face.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Lifestyle

204 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

George Barna was raised and educated on the East Coast before moving to California in the early 1980s. He held executive positions in advertising, public policy, political campaigns, and media/marketing research before beginning his own company, the Barna Research Group (now The Barna Group), in 1984. The firm analyzes American culture and creates resources and experiences designed to facilitate moral and spiritual transformation. Located in Ventura, California, The Barna Group provides primary research as well as developmental resources and analytic diagnostics. The company has served several hundred parachurch ministries and thousands of Christian churches throughout the country. It has also supplied research to for-profit corporations such as Ford Motor Company, The Walt Disney Company, Visa USA, and Prudential, and has assisted the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army as well.

To date, George Barna has written more than 40 books, predominantly in the areas of leadership, trends, spiritual development, and church health. Included among them are bestsellers such as Revolution, Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, The Frog in the Kettle, The Power of Vision, and Pagan Christianity? Several of his books have received national awards. He has also written for numerous periodicals and has published various syndicated reports on topics related to faith and lifestyle. He also writes a bimonthly research report, The Barna Update, which is accessed by hundreds of thousands of people through his firm's Web site (www.barna.org). His work is frequently cited as an authoritative source by the media. He has been hailed as "the most quoted person in the Christian church today" and is counted among its most influential leaders. In 2009, George initiated Metaformation, a new organization designed to help people maximize their potential. More information about his current projects is available from www.georgebarna.com.

Barna is a popular speaker at ministry conferences around the world and has taught at several universities and seminaries. He has served as a pastor of a large multiethnic church, has been involved in several church plants, and currently leads an organic church. He has served on the board of directors of various organizations. After graduating summa cum laude from Boston College, Barna earned two master's degrees from Rutgers University. At Rutgers, he was awarded the Eagleton Fellowship. He also received a doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. He lives with his wife and their three daughters in Southern California. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing, reading novels, playing and listening to guitar, relaxing on the beach, visiting bookstores, and eating pizza.

Reviews

[Melsene G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for leaders who are committed to the word of God. If you're not, you can still learn about leaders and what aptitudes exist. There are 2 types of leaders, the habitual and the situational. Every leader has one of these four aptitudes: directing, strategic, team-building, and operational.

There was much focus on the vision of a company. It's the portrait of a better future that we may participate in developing. Missions are general. Visions are specific and unique to your business. Character counts and is the root of a leader's influence. "Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people." Good quote by Admiral Rickover.

There are many great quotes in this book, highlighted in boxes.

Good leaders must create good followers. The last chapter focuses on the six phases that an organization goes through. Conception, Infancy, Expansion, Balance, Stagnation, and Disability. The info offered here is very helpful. To avoid failure, take three steps: develop more leaders, give them reliable info re the business, and curve jump. Lastly, be obedient to God. If you want more details, go ahead and read the book.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relying on years of personal experience and professional research, Barna offers an overview of leadership – what it is and why it is important – for everyday leaders. His definition is helpful: “Leadership is the process of motivating, mobilizing, resourcing, and directing people to passionately and strategically pursue a vision from God that a group jointly embraces” (7). Structured around common leadership questions, Barna’s perspectives on leadership types (directional, strategic, team-building, and operational), vision, and nurturing effective followers are thoughtful and applicable. B

[Lidyawati · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good book to read for all readers, especially for people who want to learn about leadership..

this book revealed & changed so many principles about leadership that i had thought before..
this book encourage that there is a capacity for each of us to be a leader with skills & talents that God give for us..

and the most important is: we can't live without 1 vision!!

So read read read this book yaaaap!!!!! =D

[Gerald Thomson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice introduction to what leadership demands. The topic can be a little dry at times, but the insight is worth pushing through. The book views leadership from a Christian perspective and has a great chapter on building Christian character. A good book for leaders, soon to be leaders and even reluctant leaders.

[Roger Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid practical book on leadership. A bit dry, but lots of hacks for leadership to make life easier. Best part of book was his discourse on vision versus mission statements. Last chapter what it takes to orchestrate a turn around in a local church was accurate and helpful. One of those books that take a while to eat because it digests slowly.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great leadership material for start up or hesitatant leaders. Practical and inspirtational.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review at http://www.BillDahl.net or http://www.ThePorpoiseDivingLife.com