The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters
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I was a little intimidated to review Dr. MohlerâÂÂs latest book. You see I actually graduated from the seminary where he is president less than 2 years ago. :) I have heard him speak on numerous occasions, have met him in person, and have even been over to his house for a reception where I saw his famous library. ;) I think it has been about four years since I have read a book on leadership or thought much about leadership for that matter. I donâÂÂt know that I would really see myself as a leader today although in the past I would have. Everyone is a leader to someone though. I picked up this book because I was really hoping that Dr. Mohler would share about the beginnings of his presidency at Southern. Although he shared bits and pieces I was a little disappointed that he did not share more. (I realize this wasnâÂÂt the premise of the book but I was just secretly hoping.) This book was surprisingly easy to read even though I always found myself going huh? during his chapel sermons. :) I did find myself enjoying the book-especially the chapter on how leaders are readers. IâÂÂve definitely got that one covered!
January 30, 2013
Must Read for all Leaders
"What will it take to transform your leadership?"
This is the underlying question that Dr. Albert Mohler addresses in his latest book The Conviction to Lead. Mohler, at the age of thirty-three, became the youngest president in the history of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Mohler was called upon to transform and revitalize Southern Seminary back into its place of prominence as one of the premier theological institutions in the world. In this work, Mohler outlines 25 principles that will challenge how you look at leadership.
In his principles, Mohler distinguishes between being a manager and being a leader. He points out that many are apprehensive in taking a leadership role. He also draws a line between the two cultures of modern Christian leadership â the "Believers" and the "Leaders."
He goes on to define the differences between the cultures:
"The Believers are driven by deep and passionate beliefs. They are heavily invested in knowledge, and they are passionate about truthâ¦The problem is, many of them are not ready to lead. They know a great deal and believe a great deal, but they lack the basic equipment for leadership." (19)
"The leaders, on the other hand, are passionate about leadership. They are tired of seeing organizations and movements die or decline, and they want to change things for the betterâ¦.The problem is, many of them are not sure what they believe or why it mattersâ¦They often ride one program after another until they run out of steam. Then they wonder, What now?" (19&20)
As he walks through the 25 principles, Mohler provides numerous examples from his experience at Southern Seminary. I appreciate the fact that Mohler not only shares his successes, but also his failures. Additionally, Mohler applies Scripture to each of these leadership principles to drive home the fact that these are not merely man-made ideas, but are gospel-centered.
There is so much to take from this book. One such example is in his statement "The leadership that matters most is convictionalâÂÂdeeply convictional." (21) It is these convictional beliefs that form the bedrock of our identity, the foundation from which we lead.
Other principles that really connected with me are Leaders are Readers; Leaders are Speakers, and The Leader as Decision Maker. In "Leaders are Readers", Mohler discusses such areas as how, what and when to read. (99-106) In "Leaders are Speakers", Mohler states, "Speech is the currency of great leadership." (123) He details how leaders give voice to their convictions and use this message to mobilize an organization to action. Finally, in "The Leader as Decision Maker", Mohler addresses what I see as a critical problem with most people in leadership positions, the ability to make a decision.
I appreciate Dr. Mohler writing this book. It is a must read whether you are a CEO or a small-business owner. Pastors, elders, or anyone in church leadership should read this book and be ready to have your leadership skills challenged and changed. I should disclose my bias for Dr. Mohler as I am a proud graduate of Southern Seminary and was blessed by my time there.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
January 17, 2013
Great leadership Foundation
Leadership books are very enlightening and empowering, however, as I began to read this book, I felt as though the author was very repetitive. As I continued to read, I found the information discussed to be very valuable. Leaders can be found in all walks of life and they have the choice of leading in a positive or negative way. Every leader is not tasked with leading a large organization but the principles discussed in this book can be beneficial to a variety of leaders. Leadership qualities combined with Christian beliefs produce outstanding leaders. Leaders, whether Christian or secular are influential to those they lead. As stated by the author, leaders are teachers and those they teach benefit from their knowledge. The author makes some very valid points. Leaders should be trustworthy, confident in their ability to lead, competent in decision making and capable of using the power that they have been entrusted, understanding that the power is not for the purpose of glorifying themselves. Christian leaders do have to be mindful that they are followers of Christ and will be held accountable and judged accordingly. And finally we get to the leaderâÂÂs legacy. Convictional leaders endure until the end. Striving to see their fundamental beliefs passed on to others. The Conviction To Lead plants the seed to lead faithfully and with conviction as leaders are called to do. This book will serve leaders or potential leaders well. Thank you Bethany House for allowing me to share my opinion. Also for giving me the opportunity to select a great book and providing copy free of charge.
January 1, 2013
Great for those new to leadership
âÂÂThe Conviction to Leadâ by Albert Mohler purposes to fill the âÂÂgapâ in the plethora of resources that exist on leadership studies. Mohler concedes that there is an overabundance of information and teaching on leadership available, so itâÂÂs a bold conjecture that a gap exists, and an audacious claim when he says that he will fill it. âÂÂThe problem,â according to Mohler, âÂÂis a lack of attention to what leaders believe and why this is central.â His goal is to âÂÂforge a new way,â and he goes on to assert that leadership and core beliefs must become inseparable. So, is this just another redundant book about leadership, or does Mohler achieve his purpose? I believe that he does. Evidence abounds for the dearth of true leadership in todayâÂÂs society, despite education, information, and unprecedented opportunity. Mohler makes a great case for the necessity of passion arising from conviction as the starting point for any effective leader, he contrasts holding office or position with true leadership, and he gives stirring examples of true leadership and draws foundational principles from them. The book is full of practical advice -from what to read to how to speak- and goes a little overboard in some respects (does a true leader really need a smart phone, a laptop, a desktop PC, an ipad, a Kindle and a Nook?). Nonetheless, I wouldnâÂÂt hesitate to claim that âÂÂThe Conviction to Leadâ would be beneficial to those who are relatively new to a position of leadership and refreshing for those who have been there for awhile.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 10, 2012
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