The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People & Teams That Win Consistently
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would make an awesome bible study
many great biblical references along with ways to apply them in today's world to become a better and more enriched spiritual guide (leader)
June 22, 2012
Authority vs. Influence
The Mentor Leader, by Tony Dungy, is the coachâÂÂs third book he has written, but only the first of which I have read. From the onset, it is clear that this book covers a topic which unfortunately doesnâÂÂt get implemented by individuals in leadership positions to the extent which it should. Coach Dungy masterfully explains how an individual in a leadership role influences others, and by virtue of that fact, essentially leaves a legacy to those underneath them so that they can become peers. That is in contrast to a more secular interpretation of a leader being one who is in control of others. Coach Dungy provides examples of how to allow individuals to become good influences on others, for the purpose of making them better, no matter what they do. The impact that a leader can have on an individual is tremendous. It is refreshing and worthwhile to see Coach DungyâÂÂs approach as a leader in an avenue which is too often full of leaders who are out for their own goals and achievements. The mentor leader seeks to better others and build them up to make them leaders as well. A definite worthwhile read for someone who is seeking to gain insight from someone who is truly a gentleman and a great positive influence. âÂÂItâÂÂs not about meâ sums up Coach DungyâÂÂs mentor attitude, but also servant attitude as well.
July 24, 2012
A quality book with lots of relevant information. Very uplifting and helpful. We gave this book out to several coaches as gifts. We highly recommend it!
January 4, 2012
A useful resource!
In his introduction, Dungy outlines the âÂÂessential traits of a mentorâ (p. xvii-xviii):
⢠Mentoring âÂÂcan be taught and learned; but in order to be absorbed, it must be practicedâÂÂ
⢠Mentoring âÂÂfocuses on developing the strengths of individualsâÂÂ
⢠Mentoring âÂÂworks bestâ when there is âÂÂgenuine concernâ shown
⢠Mentoring is about âÂÂshaping, nurturing, empowering, and growingâÂÂ
⢠Mentoring is âÂÂabout relationships, integrity, and perpetual learningâÂÂ
⢠Mentoring is âÂÂabout changing livesâ (p. xvii-xviii)
Although all 9 chapters of DungyâÂÂs book relates to the âÂÂmentor leader,â there were 3 chapters that seemed to prepare the heart of the mentor: Chapter 3, âÂÂA Look Within,â Chapter 4, âÂÂCharacteristics That Matter,â and Chapter 6, âÂÂLiving the Messageâ (p. 45, 67, 123). In chapter 3 Dungy explains, âÂÂIn order to become an effective mentor, in whatever setting, it is important to take a look inside yourselfâ (p. 45). He suggests that potential mentors take a âÂÂpersonal inventoryâ to assess what makes them âÂÂthink, react, and respond the way they doâ and what makes them âÂÂdo the things they doâ (p. 46). An honest self assessment will reveal personal strengths and weaknesses, unresolved issues from the past and meaningful priorities (p. 64-65).
âÂÂCharacterâ is described as âÂÂthe person [others] view as the most trustworthy, who cares the most and who is willing to always do the right thing,â and according to Dungy, it is the âÂÂglue that bonds solid and meaningful relationshipsâ (p. 71). In chapter 4, Dungy presents the characteristics he believes are âÂÂmarksâ of a good mentor. These âÂÂmarksâ include competence, integrity, authenticity, courageous, faithfulness, accountable, available/approachable, loyalty, and protectiveness (p. 72-91). Throughout this chapter (and the whole book), Dungy uses Biblical references to support his points. For example, Dungy states, âÂÂa genuine sense of self-worth is best obtained through a relationship with Godâ (p. 74). In another part of the chapter, Dungy discusses the parable found in the book of John, chapter 10, to illustrate the âÂÂmarkâ of protectivenessâÂÂâÂÂWhen a wolf comes and threatens the flock, the hired hand runs away. . . . the shepherd on the other hand, rises to the defense of his sheepâ (p. 94).
Dungy starts chapter 6 with a Scripture verse from the book of Matthew: âÂÂJesus said, âÂÂItâÂÂs not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth. . . . The words you speak come from the heartâÂÂthatâÂÂs what defiles youâÂÂâ (Matt. 15:11, 18). He uses this Bible passage to show that mentoring starts in the heart of the mentorâÂÂbasically, what is inside determines what will come out (p. 123). Dungy claims that people will notice various things about other individuals: their faith, their words and actions, and their legacy (p. 124-135). When discussing faith, Dungy says, âÂÂFaith is the foundation and strength of the mentor . . . . the guiding principle behind everything we do . . . . Faith will go a long way toward giving others a reason to follow youâ (p. 134-135). Dungy believes that the âÂÂmany things that guide the daily steps of mentorsâ (relationships, impact, involvement, character, faith, and actions) shape oneâÂÂs legacy; âÂÂlegacyâ results in âÂÂchanged livesâ (p. 136, 138). In other words, a mentor is successful if he or she contributes to the positive changes in other peopleâÂÂs lives. DungyâÂÂs use of the Bible shows that GodâÂÂs Word is important to him. It also shows that even if a mentor has all the necessary traits necessary, it is God who ultimately changes peopleâ âÂÂwith God all things are possibleâ (Matt. 19:26).
Review by: M. Teresa Trascritti
December 29, 2010
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