Good Summer Reads...

One thing I love about the summer is that it seems to always bring to the surface a good book or two. I've been struck and moved this summer by a book that I would have never picked at a conference or at Border's. The name of the book is "Why Revival Tarries" by Leonard Ravenhill. It's an old school book with a relevant punch. It really challenged me in regards to my prayer life as a leader and as a teacher. What book has moved and challenged you this summer?

I'm interested in knowing what's the most impactful book that you've read this summer.

List the book name and author and let us know why you were such a fan of it.

Jeff

Band-Aids, Lids, or Rubber Bands

Regardless of the place of leadership that we find ourselves at—we have a myriad of opportunities to influence and shape those that we’re leading. But how are we influencing and shaping them?

In my short 10 years of ministry and leadership I’ve observed and identified three possible objects that we can find ourselves becoming as leaders. I know some of you might wonder where the “tool” object is, but will keep it to three.

BAND-AIDS: this place of leadership protects and covers those they’re leading to a fault. When you lead from this place you’re the great protector and defender of those you’re leading; covering up their weaknesses, fighting their fights, and deflecting any honest and healthy critique.

LIDS: this place of leadership suppresses potential and growth moments of those that they’re leading. When you lead from this place you rarely allow others to have “real” opportunities to grow, succeed, fail, and learn. Typically, excellence and quality control are the reasons given to justify few opportunities for those on their team to excel and grow.

RUBBER BANDS: this place of leadership releases potential, empowers others, and brings the best out of those that they’re leading. When you lead from this place you’re always looking for opportunities to share or give away to those you’re leading. This place of leadership cares more about the individual becoming what they’re supposed to become than the potential cost/loss of not so excellent endeavors. Intentionality is subtle, yet very present. Opportunities and exposure to failure become the norm in this place of leadership.

What’s humbling is the fact that I think any of us at any given season of our leadership can become band-aids or lids without fully realizing it. And in the process we’re hurting those we’re leading whether we’re guarding them or keeping them chained in their leadership. It's always a good reminder to evaluate where we're at and why we're there.

What are common situations/scenarios that you’ve seen played out in any of three styles of leadership?

And what do you believe are the underlying motives/emotional places that each of these styles of leadership is overflowing from?

What is the best “rubber band” like leader that you’ve been around? Why?

Jeff