Leadership Inspiration
347202
Fantastic book for anyone in a leadership role. Causes you to check your heart to see if pride is what stands in the way of your organization's success. A must read.
2801702
Toto is a most stimulating book from a leading American medical thought leader. Contrary to most CEO like leader books, this is not a how-to with item list consistently applied. Instead the focus is on the character of the leader. It is on page 125 where we learn one early defining source of the authors narrative. He is standing on his father's family farm porch holding his father's hand, absorbing the hail storm disaster that just destroyed the wheat and the farm when his father with quiet resilient fortitude states "Well, I guess we should get on with the rest of our life". Dr Fickenscher's book points to the attributes of character which will guide leaders and their corporate ships through challenging waters. The 15 "Lessons" are qualities necessary for those who lead. Values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence and Responsive are imperative. Two quotes define the essence of character: "in the end, keeping our integrity is most important part of being a successful leader" and It is important to embrace the world and have no fear. One of the more interesting chapters is On Courage where the author states "Courage is commitment" and "Commitment is the energy that feeds the soul of followers". Forty-nine times "commitment" is found in this chapter. The very last paragraph of the chapter tells us how to bind the cornerstones of commitment and faith by the leader offering hope, the "foundation for integrity of leadership". Dr Fickenscher is asserting that the inner qualities exhibited externally drives success for the team. He is spot on.
4905027
While reading this book, I was instantly inspired to make note of areas where change is needed in my own leadership role. I believe pastors all over can benefit greatly from this book. It's based on biblical principles and teachings. It also enlightens the aspiring leader. It is certainly a great tool for training up and coming leaders.
164896
This anthological book has a major thread running throughout whose primacy is made up of solid leadership concepts. For instance, John C. Maxwell in Model the Way states that we teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are. That's why leading by example matters.

This book has Christian themes applied to leadership. Patrick Lencioni in Challenge the Process hints that we must work hard to improve the world because it is the right thing to do, and not to gain kudos.

Babies are born irredeemably selfish. They don't ask how they can help with the house chores because the circle of life is to go through a self-transformation from a heart that wants to be served into a heart that serves others. Ken Blanchard then help us to see that our value resides in what we give not in what we are capable of receiving. Leadership is not about ones position in an organization, but about having the courage and spirit of sacrifice to enable others make the difference and shine.

If you want to have a good idea of what a Leader does including the display of personal integrity, the creation of a powerful vision that serves as the guiding light and driving force for the entire organization and the empowering of others, this book is for you.
4285771
This book is an inspiration for anyone who is interested in finding out what's possible when the human spirit is motivated to do great things.  Even when those things do not appear to be "great" they are great in the eyes of those involved in the effort.  The book also provides an insight into the importance of teamwork, leadership and never giving up.  A really great read!
2085148
I received a copy of "Start With Why" to read and review from my online book club 12 books and the author Simon Sinek. 12 books has been a great source of personal development and I am very grateful to be an active member of this group.  This book was a book that I had heard about from other leaders in my network marketing business, so I was very glad to have the opportunity to review this book for the book club.

The basis of this book is that there is more to being a leader than just getting things done. As a leader you need to be able to inspire everyone to take action and to do that you need to be able to reflect your why clearly. Your why is your reason for being in business, the underlying goal you have to help others, your mission in life; Your why can be simply what gets you up every morning and what motivates you to work through the rough patches you will inevitably hit.

I really enjoyed all of the examples that the author used to show examples of businesses having success by following their why and examples of businesses that have been in it for the wrong reason and have failed. Simon Sinek was excellent in conveying these stories to the reader and uses examples of businesses that we are all well aware of (Southwest Airlines, Apple, Microsoft, Walmart, Costco, etc).

I would recommend this book to fellow business leaders, friends, and anybody looking to understand business dynamics (why many fail and few succeed). After reading this book, I have found myself thinking often what is the driving force behind what I do? What gives me energy just when I think I have none left? Very important stuff to reflect on if you want to have a successful business and leave a legacy that others will use as an example in their lives.
662988
This is my second purchase to replace my first copy that was borrowed and never returned.  I think everyone should read this book.  Each chapter offers reflective questions to apply leadership in your own life.  This is an inspiring read for young upcoming leaders or seasoned leaders craving reignited inspiration.  I will read this book repeatedly over the years.  Nice addition to the library and bonus you get to learn about history.
3966863
This is a most inspiring book on leadership. The format is nicely laid out.  I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills regardless of where they are in life. This book also has a wonderful flow to it and is a great resource.
1774672
Excellent book! I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear Ron speak and work with him on building a servant leadership culture. His wisdom has helped me reflect on and embrace challenges in the past year. He is a mentor and absolutely a top local government influencer! His book will inspire and challenge you.
2994737
Real Women, Real Leaders offers an insightful read highlighting the journey of many admirable women. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and guidance on reaching his or her leadership potential.
4303898
Leadership is a hard characteristic to measure and quantify, but no one disputes its importance and influence, whether in a military setting or in the business world, or even in families, churches, organizations, and schools. Good leaders are essential to provide goal setting, objectives, expectations of team members, decision making, strategy and pathways to achieve desired results, and modelling desired behavior and outcomes for their followers. Good leaders can often raise an average team or organization to greater results. By contrast, bad leaders can drag down the morale and performance of even good teams.

The Civil War Battle of Gettysburg provided hundreds of examples of both good, effective leaders and those individuals who failed to rise to the challenge of leadership. In this interesting little treatise, author Paul Lloyd Hemphill examines 80 different situations at Gettysburg where people exhibited strong leadership in various ways, often rising above their own skills, background, and experience and inspiring others to new heights. Hemphill matches common traits found in strong leaders with their Gettysburg counterparts, examining how these characteristics were exhibited by soldiers and civilians at Gettysburg and how they relate to common challenges leaders face today in all walks of life. The practical examples and useful insights offer the reader some thought-provoking material to chew on; information and skills that will challenge the reader to determine is he or she would exhibit the same traits when under challenge or adversity.

Hemphill's writing style is lucid and succinct, and the rapid fire, short-bursts of information, examples, and applications can be read in small doses to allow the reader to dwell on each story and find practical self-applications. The book can be read in daily journal format, with one or two stories at a time to challenge the reader to excel and emulate the example. Some of the stories and characters are quite well known (John Burns, Winfield Hancock, etc.), and others are common foot-soldiers or low ranking officers not familiar to many readers. However, their message and example shine through the years, offering opportunities for modern leaders to hone their skills.
3079097
I've read numerous books on leadership, and I appreciate it when an author takes a fresh approach to the subject.  Gayle Beebe has captured a unique perspective in The Shaping Of An Effective Leader that is both inspiring and practical.  The eight principles are more than a list of characteristics, but are also an inventory of values that serve as a guide to potential effectiveness as a leader.  I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the philosophies of Peter Drucker through the lens of Beebe as a student.  Of particular value to me is Beebe's synthesis of Evagrius, vices, virtues, and character traits integrated into a useful examination of leadership principles - both as an evaluative tool for choosing a good leader and for self-evaluation as well.
3698220
I now have the perfect plan to inspire those at work to build confidence in them and to make one independent! Boynton (2014) stated, Then point out that you think the person is ready to work more independently and you want to help them feel more comfortable moving through projects with less contact with you. This plan will assist one to be empowered as well as respected.

Paul, thank you for continuing to inspire me to better my professional life as well as to enhance my leadership skills. It is our employees that make us leaders- successful in ones company.

Overall, Paul, you have inspired me to better my personal life. I am here today because of you. You possess a gift a gift to inspire many in todays society- and to enrich the lives of many more to come.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation, Thank you, thank you for the inspiration.

Maurice :)
4948581
A great book by a guy who lives and breathes what he teaches. Peter is a phenomenal leader and true pastor. He cares deeply for those he shepherds and is a fearless leader who truly lives to empower others to accomplish God's mission for their lives. You'll be encouraged by this book and will be motivated to lead more effectively within your context. Knowing that this work comes from a place of sincerity and has been tested on the leadership "battlefield" should only further inspire you to embrace its principles and engage them in your own life.
2775926
A great and timely read, and a meaningful and moving account of how five individuals made themselves into extraordinary leaders.  The book deftly weaves together the lives and leadership of a diverse set of leaders from the past (Ernest Shackleton, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rachel Carson) with leadership lessons that can be applied -- and are needed -- in todays world.  The book argues that leaders are primarily made into leaders (rather than being born leaders) by their own hard work, commitment to a larger purpose, and perseverance, as well as through their humanity and empathy.  The lessons apply to leaders across fields as well as to anyone seeking to make a positive difference through ones life and work, as Koehn writes that the lives we make, including the purposes we embrace, the roads we travel, and the integrity we bring to the small and large aspects of our respective journeys, have the potential to exert great influence on external circumstances and other people.  Including carefully researched and compelling histories of the five leaders featured, the book is also a page-turner, with gripping accounts of the crises faced and handled by each leader.  Koehn explains how the leaders navigated through the particular challenges they faced, encountering formidable obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments, and yet ultimately found the courage, fortitude, and resolution to keep moving toward accomplishment of their missions.  The book offers insights on the strategies, practices, and habits these individuals employed, as well as the emotional awareness each cultivated, that helped them to become great leaders.  Beautifully written as well as accessible, Koehns book is truly inspiring and offers a great deal to current and aspiring leaders in all fields as well as to the general reader.
4731592
Great book for all who are or who aspire to be a great, Godly lead and formed leader.

For the current leader it places challenges and exercises to asses how God has been developing you all along.

For the beginning leader it can help to identify what areas need addressing for future leadership and to give a template for your development.
170828
This easy-to-read, well-organized inspirational book shows you in 21 short chapters what it takes to become a leader. The essays are concise and transparent, and the numerous examples will inspire anyone who needs a boost in leadership energy. Some material is repeated, basic or familiar, but the book offers a great deal of wisdom about motivational leadership and making your mark. If you'd like a short but solid manual on leadership issues to read on the airplane or over the weekend, we recommend tossing this into your carry-on or briefcase.