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Leadership is an inner sojourn and is found in acts of self-expression. The book, "Leading from Within: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Lead" by Sam M. Intrator and Megan Scribner, is divided into seven sections: Called, Defining Moments, Sometimes it Aches, Pay Attention, Dare to Endure, Leading Together, and Back at It. Each section has about fifteen poems in it. The thesis of the book is that real and authentic leadership comes from the voice within and "from our own realization that the time has come to go beyond dreaming to doing."

Mike Krzyzewksi is a consistent winner. "Coach K" has led (as of the end of the season 2010) the Duke men's basketball team to four national championships, ten Final Fours, and a host of other achievements. He has also led the U.S. Men's Olympic team to a gold medal. Though Leading with the Heart follows Coach K's leadership through a basketball season, it focuses on leadership principles that have been the hallmark of his "compassionate, focused, highly flexible leadership" and on the five fundamental qualities that Coach K has used to form consistently successful teams on and off the court.

Could lead codices prove 'the major discovery of Christian history'? By Chris Lehmann Share retweet EmailPrint..By Chris Lehmann chris Lehmann - Wed Mar 30, 11:36 am ET British archaeologists are seeking to authenticate what could be a landmark discovery in the documentation of early Christianity: a trove of 70 lead codices that appear to date from the 1st century CE, which may include key clues to the last days of Jesus' life. As UK Daily Mail reporter Fiona Macrae writes, some researchers are suggesting this could be the most significant find in Christian archeology since the Dead Sea scrolls in 1947. The codices turned up five years ago in a remote cave in eastern Jordan-a region where early Christian believers may have fled after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. The codices are made up of wirebound individual pages, each roughly the size of a credit card. They contain a number of images and textual allusions to the Messiah, as well as some possible references to the crucifixion and resurrection. Some of the codices were sealed, prompting yet more breathless speculation that they could include the sealed book, shown only to the Messiah, mentioned in the Book of Revelation. One of the few sentences translated thus far from the texts, according to the BBC, reads, "I shall walk uprightly"--a phrase that also appears in Revelation. "While it could be simply a sentiment common in Judaism," BBC writer Robert Pigott notes, "it could here be designed to refer to the resurrection." But the field of biblical archaeology is also prey to plenty of hoaxes and enterprising fraudsters, so investigators are proceeding with due empirical caution. Initial metallurgical research indicates that the codices are about 2,000 years old--based on the manner of corrosion they have undergone, which, as Macrae writes, "experts believe would be impossible to achieve artificially." Beyond the initial dating tests, however, little is confirmed a

A leadership book from the business world, focusing on the ways of leading to greatness, based on sociological research on top performing companies from the last third of the twentieth century. Collins insists that great leaders start by getting other great leaders to work with them, then they attack the task. This is the greatest value of the book, I think. Important for anyone who wants to lead an organization that will transcend the barriers of goodness and more fully accomplish its mission.

Offers 12 essays on a theology of pastoral ministry that isn't rooted in therapy and production of ministry. Instead, Snow reflects on the willingness to take risks and lead others to take risks, finding the blessings of the Spirit in the risk-taking. This book will be helpful to those who want to take on and lead others in the adventure of following Christ.

This is a site with many quotes. The first one is: "To lead people, walk beside them ... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ... When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'" --Lao-tsu

I love that..."we did it ourselves!" What a great example of leading and encouraing others to be the best they can be without making it about the leader. A truly gracious leader will beam with pride from behind the scenes knowing that their job was done well and no "recognition" is needed.

For those that want to lead without having to stand up and shout. Stephen Covey offers 7 ways that one should look at their knowledge, skills, and desires and the most effective way to utilize/serve them.

I love this one....because it's simple. "Leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow" {Kouzes & Posner 2002}

To Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly, an Agenda for Ministers by Walter Brueggemann, Sharon Parks, and Thomas H. Groome (Pub 1986).  Three theologians meditating how to deal with today's justice issues and how to maintain love and humility as leaders doing so.  A biblical consideration of leadership.  This book calls for a deep personal consideration of who God is for each of us before we set out to teach others and lead people in paths of trust.

A Leadership Blog Tag line is "Building a Community of Leaders"

This is a promising site, so I thought I'd share.

I think the ongoing situation in Libya provides an interesting illustration of leadership and what happens when there is no clear leadership or at least a process for leadership. Qaddafi seems to have provided a form of leadership for decades - somewhat along the lines of Northouse's narcissistic leader type. Understandably, Northouse does not provide an analysis of the use of violence in acquiring and retaining a position of leadership/power. Yet it seems to me that one reason Qaddafi has been able to retain power when others have fallen is his ability to lead, even if brute force is used to enforce his position. What is the difference between Mubarak and Qaddafi? Why did Mubarak lose the support of his inner circle where Qaddafi has not? Further, a lack of clear leadership seems to be hobbling NATO and the rebels. Those who oppose Qaddafi seem to agree only on the fact of their oppositional sentiment; they seem unable to agree on what should be done to effectively express that opposition.

(Amanda Udis-Kessler) Alban Institute theorist Gilbert Rendle has written a thought-provoking book on how congregational leaders (ministers and lay leaders) can facilitate change in one of those settings we all know must deal, inevitably and irrevocably, with change. The book covers the spiritual assumption of leaders, systems theory, congregational change as a spiritual journey, and other topics; each chapter ends with exercises for leaders. The book is full of interesting ideas and I recommend it highly.

As both parties head into a week of negotiations on the federal budget, it strikes me that the language and actions of leaders have a real impact on those they lead. How can one hold firmly to principles while retaining open lines of communication? As we seek to lead our churches or non-profit organizations, and especially as we seek to act in ways that are just and allow those who are marginalized a seat at the table of power, it seems to me that we are most likely to succeed when we speak with respect to and about all involved.

In this Harvard Business Review Case Study Brad Powell, the newly hired senior minister of a Temple Baptist Church, must lead the organization to reverse a three-decade decline and return to fulfilling its mission. Brad spent the first six months assessing the situation, building relationships, and reiterating the longstanding mission of the organization. Now, with an understanding of its history, an intimate knowledge of the immediate challenges, and a clear vision of what the organization should become, Brad is considering his strategy and next steps. As the leader of a nonprofit organization resourced by members and volunteers, Brad must lead change that produces results without compromising the mission. The B case summarizes Brad's actions and the results.

Ideas and concepts for those who want to help their congregations move beyond a focus on themselves.

Vivian, very interesting--the unchurched want more traditional worship! That's counter to what a lot of people are saying but I think it's true for lots of people, including young adults. Thanks for the referral.

I remember Nadia and her church from last year's Journey Days and I think she is a tremendous religious leader and proof that leadership does not always come in a business suit. She knows how to motivate her flock and I think her "anti-excellence, pro-participation" style leads, ironically, to both excellent and participatory worship. She's humble where it counts, knows how to talk to people, lives her values, and is a phenomenal preacher. And an Iliff alum.

In light of the readings we have completed, This fits well with Northouse. I thought the way they ranked the listings was interesting. Just one more perspective on how you lead and your leadership abilities

This was an interesting article; thanks for posting it. I continue to ponder the moral difference between choosing to give money to those in need and having the government take a portion of a person's wealth (try to define income, if you can - it's nearly impossible) and give it to those in need.

The Servant Leader shows how to put "Jesus at the heart of The One Minute Manager". (Both books written by Ken Blanchard.) How is business and our faith compatible? This book talks about Christ as the ultimate leader (business leader as well) and presents guiding principles to follow as we bring our faith into our work.

Anthony Robinson offers us leadership strategies to benefit a church. "Functional strategies" to lead and information to develop as a leader, especially a spiritual leader. Robinson's work draws upon the expertise of other leaders as he develops "seven strategies for pastoral leadership".