The Way of the Shepherd will teach you how to lead the people around you so they will view their work as a calling rather than merely a job, a place to belong rather than a place to work. It shows you how to infuse work with meaning and how to engage and energize your workforce.

An inspirational book for leaders that borrows the ancient secrets of the shepherd to uncover a fresh perspective on the art of leadership and management.

Dr. Kevin Leman is the founder of MatchWise.com and the best-selling author of twenty-five books on marriage and family. A master communicator, Dr. Leman is a frequent guest on numerous radio and television shows such as The View, Oprah, Today, CNN, and Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson.

William Pentak has twenty-two years of proven success in revitalizing under-performing organizations. An author, columnist, pastor, consultant and speaker, he has traveled across the nation delivering keynote addresses and seminars. An MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, William was one of the last hires made by Enron before the company imploded in bankruptcy. He currently works in External Communications at Reliant Energy in Houston, Texas.

“To be a successful leader, you’re going to have to interact with people in much the same way that a shepherd interacts with his sheep.” That is the concept set forth in William Pentak and Dr. Kevin Leman’s book, The Way of the Shepherd. Proposing a philosophy that is quite different from most in modern management, the book contends that if bosses want workers to give their best, then bosses must first give theirs.

Pentak tells of his days as a young reporter, when he was granted an exclusive interview with Theodore McBride, one of the most respected CEO’s in America. He immediately discerned that McBride was different from most top executives. Accompanying him to an open range where sheep are grazing, Pentak impatiently waited as McBride inspected and cared for each member of his bleating flock. Thinking that he is wasting his time, the reporter failed to grasp the visual illustration being played out right before his eyes.

The ideas in this book are refreshing, though they are not really new; they were passed down to McBride by a former professor, Dr. Jack Neumann, as a means of equipping him for his first position in leadership.

McBride relayed seven basic leadership principles: (1) know the condition of your flock; (2) discover the shape of your sheep; (3) help your sheep identify with you; (4) make your pasture a safe place; (5) use the staff of direction; (6) the rod of correction; and, (7) the heart of the shepherd.

Leman and Pentak team-up to bring these very down-to-earth leadership concepts to those in management who are eager to cultivate a healthy workplace and a productive workforce. Dr. Leman is an internationally known psychologist, business consultant, award-winning author and speaker. Pentak has twenty-two years of experience in assisting struggling organizations, and is a writer, pastor, consultant, and speaker.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and recommend it to anyone serving in leadership, whether private or public. The Way of the Shepherd would make a great teaching tool. – Nancy Brown, Christian Book Previews.com

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Robert Hoffman (Greenville, SC), March 10, 2010

I think this book is a great read for anyone that has people that report to them or will be in that position at some point in their career or for parents.

Reviewed by New Life Community Church (Georgetown, MA), September 03, 2009

This book was originally given to me by a friend within my church. It is the best book that I have recently read from a biblical perspective on the subject of leadership.

Reviewed by Patricia Kirchoff (Normal, IL), March 05, 2009

This is an awesome book. Someone had given me a copy to read, and when I was done, I told her I was going to get my own copy for future reference.

Reviewed by Brad Rushing (Southington, Ct), December 29, 2008

This book should be required reading for all those who are about to enter into the pastorate. Young pastors want to scold and beat the older sheep in the church because of their reluctance to take a new way of doing things. This book give clear guideline to the fact that in order to lead sheep you must understand sheep. Like wise, before a pastor can lead church members he must understand them. Before you implement another program in order to "fix" your church, read this book. It will change the way you lead.

Reviewed by Barry Trantham (Flint, Michigan), December 14, 2008

This is a great book for anyone in a management position, and many of the concepts can also be applied to parenting. I recently retired after 35 years in banking and saw both sides of management. From personal experience the "Shepherd" management style consistently outperformed the "barking dog" manager. An easy read and a book you'll want to yellow highlight the concepts and make notes in the margin for future reference.

Reviewed by David Miller (Chillicothe, Ohio), November 28, 2008

This book was the best book I have ever read. The use of the analogy of leading sheep was outstanding. I would recommend it too all readers.

Reviewed by Linda Coleman (Perkasie, PA), October 13, 2008

A little book with a big impact. The author gets right to the point. Easy-to-read is good too. We're all busy people. Very helpful. Instant information.

Reviewed by Virginia Graves (Maplewood, MN), January 20, 2008

This was a very practical book with helpful insights for leaders or anyone who works with people.

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