From Publishers Weekly
In this collection of previously published pieces, Graves and Addington (The Cornerstones for Life at Work) gather some of the leading names in the now burgeoning area of leadership studies to offer reflections on the intersections of faith and leadership. Each of the 16 studies meditates on a particular word that describes an essential element of the integration of faith and work. For example, Max De Pree (Leadership Jazz) focuses on the word "promise," and characterizes a faithful leader as someone who cultivates a moral quality among his followers by always living up to his promises. Ken Blanchard (The One Minute Manager) discusses a leader's flexibility by examining the four basic styles of leadership: "directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating." Each leader, he writes, must be flexible enough to know when to practice a certain style. All of the pieces end with a set of questions that guide reflection on the topic at hand. The contributors are guided by the notion that leaders are God's servants and draw their strength from God, faithfully serving their followers. Graves and Addington encourage would-be leaders to remember the great masters of the past and to imitate their faith. Pastors and church leaders might welcome this book for its brevity and simplicity, but both the insights and the essays themselves can be found elsewhere.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
In this collection of previously published pieces, Graves and Addington (The Cornerstones for Life at Work) gather some of the leading names in the now burgeoning area of leadership studies to offer reflections on the intersections of faith and leadership. Each of the 16 studies meditates on a particular word that describes an essential element of the integration of faith and work. For example, Max De Pree (Leadership Jazz) focuses on the word "promise," and characterizes a faithful leader as someone who cultivates a moral quality among his followers by always living up to his promises. Ken Blanchard (The One Minute Manager) discusses a leader's flexibility by examining the four basic styles of leadership: "directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating." Each leader, he writes, must be flexible enough to know when to practice a certain style. All of the pieces end with a set of questions that guide reflection on the topic at hand. The contributors are guided by the notion that leaders are God's servants and draw their strength from God, faithfully serving their followers. Graves and Addington encourage would-be leaders to remember the great masters of the past and to imitate their faith. Pastors and church leaders might welcome this book for its brevity and simplicity, but both the insights and the essays themselves can be found elsewhere. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, October 21, 2002)
Review
"The worlds of leadership and faith were meant to be married. Never separated, never at odds, and never in competition. They were never intended to stand on opposite sides of the room, lonely and isolated, staring at each other." —From the foreword by Ken Blanchard "A wonderful blending of scriptural and secular insights on leadership." —Archie W. Dunham, chairman and CEO, Conoco "As I struggled to find my leadership style it became apparent to me that only through a blending of faith and study could I grow as a leader. The thoughts gathered by Steve and Tom would have accelerated my growth." —John Tyson, chairman and CEO, Tyson Foods, Inc.
Book Description
In one fulsome volume Stephen R. Graves and Thomas G. Addington— the cofounders of the popular magazine Life@Work— include contributions from the best and brightest minds currently writing on the topic of business leadership and spirituality. Life@Work on Leadership includes meaningful reflections on topics such as integrity, ambition, promises, roles, charisma, followership, tasks, and character.
Book Info
From the cofounders of the popular magazine Life@Work-include contributions from the best and brightest minds currently writing on the topic of business leadership and spirituality.
From the Publisher
"The worlds of leadership and faith were meant to be married. Never separated, never at odds, and never in competition. They were never intended to stand on opposite sides of the room, lonely and isolated, staring at each other." -- From the foreword by Ken Blanchard "A wonderful blending of scriptural and secular insights on leadership." -- Archie W. Dunham, chairman and CEO, Conoco "As I struggled to find my leadership style it became apparent to me that only through a blending of faith and study could I grow as a leader. The thoughts gathered by Steve and Tom would have accelerated my growth." -- John Tyson, chairman and CEO, Tyson Foods, Inc.
From the Inside Flap
What is at the heart of faithful leadership for those who lead or aspire to lead? In one fulsome volume Stephen R. Graves and Thomas G. Addington— the cofounders of the popular magazine Life@Work— include contributions from the best and brightest minds currently writing on the topic of business leadership and spirituality. Life@Work on Leadership includes meaningful reflections on topics such as integrity, ambition, promises, roles, charisma, followership, tasks, and character. This anthology of carefully selected readings from the very best leadership authors— John P. Kotter, Max De Pree, James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner, Robert K. Greenleaf, and David A. Nadler, among others— clearly illustrates what it means to be a spiritual leader. Written with busy executives and managers in mind, each chapter examines a key word that serves as a springboard into important concepts of leadership. Each chapter also includes intriguing questions and suggestions to help you take action based on ideas in the readings. Life@Work on Leadership will serve as a thought-provoking exploration of leadership and a much-needed blueprint for Christian leaders who want to fully integrate their faith into their work.
From the Back Cover
The Best and the Brightest Leadership Gurus on Spirituality at Work Thomas G. Addington John D. Beckett Ken Blanchard Robert E. Coleman Max De Pree Hans Finzel John W. Gardner Stephen R. Graves Robert K. Greenleaf Robert E. Kelley John P. Kotter James M. Kouzes Charles C. Manz John C. Maxwell Calvin Miller David A. Nadler Barry Z. Posner J. Oswald Sanders Henry P. Sims Jr. Michel L. Tushman Patricia Zigarmi
About the Author
Stephen R. Graves and Thomas G. Addington are the cofounders of Cornerstone Group, a consulting firm specializing in change management and strategy, and they are the cofounders of The Life@Work Journal, a magazine that blends biblical wisdom with business excellence.
Life@Work on Leadership: Enduring Insights for Men and Women of Faith FROM THE PUBLISHER
What Is at the Heart of Faithful leadership for those who lead or aspire to lead? In one comprehensive volume, Stephen R. Graves and Thomas G. Addington -- cofounders of the popular Life@Work journal -- include contributions from the best and brightest minds currently writing on the topic of business leadership and spirituality. Life@Work on Leadership includes meaningful reflections on topics such as integrity, ambition, promises, roles, charisma, followership, tasks, and character. This anthology of carefully selected readings from the very best leadership authors -- John P. Kotter, Max De Pree, James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner, Robert K. Greenleaf, and David A. Nadler, among others -- clearly illustrates what it means to be a spiritual leader. Written with busy executives and managers in mind, each chapter examines a key word that serves as a springboard into important concepts of leadership. Each chapter also includes intriguing questions and suggestions to help you take action based on ideas in the readings. Life@Work on Leadership will serve as a thought-provoking exploration of leadership and a much-needed blueprint for Christian leaders who want to fully integrate their faith into their work.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
In this collection of previously published pieces, Graves and Addington (The Cornerstones for Life at Work) gather some of the leading names in the now burgeoning area of leadership studies to offer reflections on the intersections of faith and leadership. Each of the 16 studies meditates on a particular word that describes an essential element of the integration of faith and work. For example, Max De Pree (Leadership Jazz) focuses on the word "promise," and characterizes a faithful leader as someone who cultivates a moral quality among his followers by always living up to his promises. Ken Blanchard (The One Minute Manager) discusses a leader's flexibility by examining the four basic styles of leadership: "directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating." Each leader, he writes, must be flexible enough to know when to practice a certain style. All of the pieces end with a set of questions that guide reflection on the topic at hand. The contributors are guided by the notion that leaders are God's servants and draw their strength from God, faithfully serving their followers. Graves and Addington encourage would-be leaders to remember the great masters of the past and to imitate their faith. Pastors and church leaders might welcome this book for its brevity and simplicity, but both the insights and the essays themselves can be found elsewhere. (Oct.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.