Leading Character

by Dan B. Allender

No matter where our leadership roles find us---on the football team or in the corner office; organizing family activities, creating public policy, or teaching from the pulpit---all leaders are marked with character, the result of their being made in the image of God. All also are marred by sin and shortcomings. The most effective leaders, though, are the ones who embrace those realities as they are re-made by God, into the image of Christ. Author and speaker Dan Allender draws on humor, real-life stories and biblical truth to argue that every leader must both have a character and be a character. How can we proclaim resurrection without naming death and darkness? Likewise, how can we be renewed and restored without acknowledging the reality that we are marred? 'It is in our brokenness,' he concludes, 'that we have our greatest opportunity to reveal the heart of God's goodness.' And the greatest opportunity to enhance and strengthen our leadership.

Genres: Leadership

112 pages, Hardcover

First published July 29, 2008

About the author

Dan B. Allender, Ph.D, is a fly fisherman who also serves as president and professor of counseling at Mars Hill Graduate School near Seattle, Washington. He is a therapist in private practice, and a frequent speaker and seminar leader. Dan received his M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. He is the author of To Be Told: Know Your Story / Shape Your Future, How Children Raise Parents, and The Healing Path, as well as The Wounded Heart, Bold Love, and Intimate Allies. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of three children.

Reviews

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several good thoughts in this book about character. Below are a few takeaways I gleaned from the book:



Leadership is ultimately about character, no matter what your position is.

Our character reflects our Creator. We are made in the image of God.

When a leader’s failures are exposed, the easiest response is to cover with fig leaves and cast the blame to others.

Taking ownership for failures is crucial in leadership.

If you are too busy to pray, you should reevaluate and make time.

Grow in wisdom.

God might use our strength in the battle, but He also uses our weaknesses for His glory.

[Genine Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Leadership advices in a christian way.